Best Grants for Charities in Maine

Invest in Others

The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation amplifies, celebrates, and inspires the charitable work of the financial services community.

We provide a platform for financial professionals to make an impact on the causes they care about, channeling the philanthropy and volunteerism of the finance industry to make a difference where it’s needed most. We provide critical grant funding for nonprofits nationwide, helping fill gaps left by shrinking budgets and growing need.

Invest in Others Awards

About the Awards

The Invest in Others Awards recognize the charitable work of financial advisors and honors recipients at an annual awards gala in Boston.

Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists will be selected in each of the five categories with one recipient being chosen for each award.

Award finalists and recipients will receive grants from Invest in Others for their designated charities:

• Honorable mentions will receive $2,000
• Finalists in all five categories will receive $25,000
• Recipients in the Catalyst, Community Service, Emerging Impact, and Volunteer of the Year categories will receive $60,000
• The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will receive $100,000

Community Service Award

Presented to an advisor who has made an outstanding impact on a community through leadership contributions to a nonprofit organization for at least 3 years. He or she has not only contributed to the long-term sustainability of the nonprofit, but also has an established record of motivating and inspiring others. This includes serving with distinction as a fundraiser, board member, or other executive position.

The Trent R. Dames & William W. Moore Fellowship, established by Dames and Moore in 1990, supports graduate studies for practicing engineers or earth scientists who are ASCE members. This fellowship aims to advance engineering science and enhance societal welfare through innovative applications in geotechnical engineering and earth sciences, addressing social, economic, environmental, and political issues. Annually, two recipients are selected to further their academic pursuits in these critical fields.

Waneta Drake Miller Edmison Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to graduating seniors of accredited high schools in the Sioux Falls area. Plans to attend an accredited college, university, community college or technical school.

Multiple scholarships are awarded.

The National Leadership Grants for Museums, offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, support innovative projects addressing critical needs in the museum sector. These grants aim to enhance museum services for the public by fostering the development and replication of effective practices, tools, and collaborations, particularly leveraging new technologies. Eligible projects can significantly advance the professional field, ensuring museums remain vital community resources.

The John Lewis NIMHD Research Endowment Program aims to enhance research infrastructure and training at higher education institutions to address health disparities. Key objectives include improving physical infrastructure, acquiring research equipment, developing technical expertise, expanding academic science programs, and recruiting accomplished researchers. This limited competition invites applications from eligible organizations, with a rigorous peer-review process to ensure only high-quality proposals receive funding.

Judy Lutz Davidson Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to Marshall-area graduating seniors or previous graduates pursuing a degree in the legal support services, such as but not limited to legal secretary, paralegal, legal clerk, legal assistant, compliance specialist or title examiner. GPA is not a determining factor, however, transcripts are requested. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

The Richard “Rick” Roy Washburn Memorial Scholarship Fund supports students pursuing construction careers within 75 miles of specific Minnesota high schools. Named after a dedicated Ulland Brothers Inc. employee, this scholarship offers $1,000 annually for up to two years, promoting education in fields like Diesel Mechanics and Civil Engineering. Eligible applicants must maintain a 2.8 GPA and demonstrate community involvement, ensuring they are well-rounded candidates for this financial assistance.

What We Do

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about.

Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Our Philanthropic Network

We believe in the power of permanent philanthropy to strengthen our communities and people. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, our philanthropic network makes a powerful impact through robust grants and scholarships programs.

Humphrey-Ragsdale Scholarship Fund

Criteria

Residents of Craven County or graduates of a Craven County high school who are pursuing higher education at a two-year or four-year college or university, community or technical college, apprenticeship program, or pursuing graduate school or other professional degree such as dental, medical, law or seminary. Preference for those with a connection to First Baptist Church of New Bern, including but not limited to a church member, family of a church member, employee or former employee, family of employee or former employee, or youth group member.

The Inja & Kwang Choi, MD Family Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports deserving seniors from local high schools who aspire to pursue careers in medicine or engineering. With over $800,000 in scholarships distributed in 2023, this initiative helps students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher achieve their educational goals, fostering the next generation of professionals in critical fields.

FCA Foundation Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $5,000. 

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

James Smith Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be pursuing a higher education in either engineering or Christian education at an accredited college, university, community college or technical school.

The scholarship is renewable.

Community Foundation of Wabash County

Since its creation in 1954, the Community Foundation has grown and continually adapted its priorities to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Through these changes, challenges, and opportunities to grow as both a leader and provider, the Community Foundation has remained true to its mission and commitment to Wabash County citizens.

Our Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.  

Wabash Baking Powder Company Scholarship

The Wabash Baking Powder Company Scholarship was established to preserve the company legacy as a flourishing enterprise and was once the largest private brand baking powder factory in the world, producing not only baking powder, but a variety of flavoring extracts, gelatin extracts, powdered skim milk, and cocoa for over 200 companies. The Wabash Baking Powder Company was located on the northwest corner of South Wabash Street and Water Street. The building was directly on the Wabash & Erie Canal and was believed to have originally been a warehouse for the import and export of Canal goods and merchandise.

The Immune Drivers of Autoimmune Disease (IDAD) network, supported by NIAID, aims to uncover early triggers and mechanisms of autoimmunity to prevent disease. Key initiatives include developing predictive tools and biomarkers, fostering preclinical cohorts, and utilizing AI and big data. The network will leverage shared infrastructure for collaborative research, managed by the IDAD Network Coordinating Center, which ensures coordination and resource sharing among awardees. This initiative is crucial for advancing understanding and prevention of autoimmune diseases.

The Paul Lawson Memorial Aviation Scholarship is dedicated to supporting deserving students aged 15-25 from Maryland and West Virginia who are pursuing aviation lessons. Established in memory of Paul Lawson, this scholarship aims to empower young individuals to achieve their dreams in aviation. Offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County MD, it reflects the commitment of local families and organizations to enhance educational opportunities in the community.

The Museums for America (MFA) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), supports museums across the nation in enhancing their educational programs, community partnerships, and collection stewardship. This initiative aims to serve diverse audiences through experiential learning, address community needs, and ensure the proper management of collections. By investing in museums of all sizes, the MFA program plays a vital role in preserving America's cultural heritage for future generations.

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) supports early-stage postdoctoral researchers transitioning to independent faculty positions. This funding opportunity encourages talented individuals with clinical or research doctoral degrees to lead independent clinical trials. Applicants should aim to foster research careers in cancer control, prevention, and data sciences. This initiative provides essential support during the transition from mentored positions to independent research roles, enhancing the pool of independent investigators in cancer research.

The Tennant Foundation offers equipment donations to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier world. Donations focus on organizations that are charitable, educational, scientific, or literary. However, certain groups such as political or religious organizations, social clubs, and private foundations are ineligible. The foundation also considers the impact of donations on its partners and distributors before making decisions.

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Marc & Undine Cross Memorial Scholarship (2025)

The AccessLex Bar Success Research Grant Program aims to fund innovative and rigorous studies focused on the bar examination, including predictors of performance and effective preparation methodologies. By encouraging collaborations among educational institutions and stakeholders, the program seeks to enhance bar passage rates for at-risk students. Grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 are available for projects lasting 12 to 24 months, promoting well-designed research that addresses critical issues in legal education.

The Kevin Ernst Memorial Scholarship, established in 1995, honors a compassionate young man who aspired to teach mathematics. Offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this competitive scholarship supports students residing in the Tri-Cities studying mathematics or accounting, with a priority on financial need. Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts and additional documents as needed. This fund reflects the legacy of Kevin Ernst, encouraging future educators to pursue their dreams.

About

Created by the community for the good of the community, the GLCCF is here to turn problems into opportunities through strategic grant making and initiatives created to address our region’s most pressing needs. We work with you to identify your charitable goals, and we ensure that they are carried out efficiently.

Work with us to make the kind of impact you want to see in your community. Let us take on the financial complexities and paperwork, while you focus on the important things like fostering good works throughout our community.

When you give to the Greater Lake City Community Foundation, you are making an investment that will benefit the community, now and in the future.

GLCCF Personal Services Scholarship

To award annually a scholarship to a qualified applicant who intends to further his/her education toward obtaining training to work in the Personal Services area.

The John W. Purvis Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing Aeronautical Engineering or related fields, honoring the legacy of John Purvis, former CEO at Edge Autonomy. Offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to empower high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in achieving their educational aspirations. With a commitment to inclusivity and community development, this scholarship helps foster a brighter future for ambitious students in San Luis Obispo County.

The Air Dominance Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) invites proposals for research aimed at enhancing national security through scientific study and experimentation. Managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, this unrestricted acquisition encourages small businesses to participate. Proposals must demonstrate substantive research results and comply with federal regulations, ensuring a competitive selection process. The BAA supports exploratory and advanced development programs, with a focus on practical applications and potential experimental testing.

The Building Communities of Recovery program aims to enhance access to long-term recovery support for individuals facing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. By empowering organizations to mobilize community resources, this initiative fosters a collaborative environment that promotes sustained recovery. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the program emphasizes the importance of community connections in the recovery process, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need to thrive.

The Lisa Walder Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports female students pursuing degrees in fields such as Foreign Language, Liberal Arts, and Business. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current college students enrolled in accredited institutions. With a focus on financial need, this renewable scholarship offers funding for up to three years, emphasizing academic achievement with a required GPA of 2.5. This program aims to empower women through education and community growth.

The Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim Scholarship, provided by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, aims to support aspiring law students from underrepresented backgrounds. This scholarship offers financial assistance along with a 75-hour paid summer internship, helping students gain practical experience in the legal field. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to pursuing a legal career through a personal statement, addressing how their unique experiences can enrich the profession. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity and access in law education.

Local Data for Equitable Communities CFP

This call for proposals (CFP) invites eligible nonprofit organizations in the U.S. to apply for a grant to collect, analyze, and use data to address inequities in the physical, economic, and social conditions of a place. Improving these conditions is key to achieving health equity where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. Structural racism is one of the leading barriers that results in inequities in conditions within and across communities. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) expects to award up to 30 grants of $50,000 each, with a period of performance of nine months. The Urban Institute, as the national coordinating center for this program, is collaborating with RWJF on program design, grantee support, and communications.

Local data can be valuable tools to make progress on building places that offer everyone the chance to be as healthy as possible. Community organizations and residents can use data to understand challenges, set priorities, advocate for what is important to them, and hold others accountable for promised changes.

The goals of the Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program are to:

• Inform public policy and improve the physical, social, and economic conditions of places
• Build local capacity to use data for action
• Strengthen the use of equitable data practices
• Document successful practices for more communities to learn from and adapt

Funding

• Type of Award: Awards funded under this opportunity will be structured as grants.
• Number of Awards: Up to 30 awards will be funded.
• Amount of Award: Each award will be up to and including $50,000.
• Award Duration: Awards will be nine months.