Best Grants for Charities in Maine

The Social Psychology Program at NSF advances knowledge in social psychology by supporting innovative research and infrastructure. It encourages diverse projects that enhance understanding of human social behavior, addressing topics such as social cognition, group dynamics, and emotions. Proposals must demonstrate intellectual merit and broader societal impacts, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches. The program prioritizes research that benefits society and strengthens national security, while also ensuring representation across various demographics.

The Civic Experiment Grant by the Trust for Civic Life supports innovative, community-driven projects aimed at enhancing civic engagement. It focuses on rural areas, empowering local leaders to tackle challenges collaboratively. Grants up to $25,000 are available for organizations that are non-partisan and primarily serve rural communities, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable impact. The next nomination period begins in early 2026, following a closed cycle for 2025. This initiative fosters long-term civic infrastructure and community resilience.

The Digital Wish Donation Program, initiated by Mobile Beacon, aims to provide affordable high-speed Internet access to K-12 schools, colleges, and libraries. For just $10 a month, participating institutions can receive donated mobile hotspots and discounted tablets, enabling them to enhance digital literacy and connectivity among underserved students. This initiative not only breaks down barriers to access but also fosters educational equality, ensuring that all learners have the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.

The Guru Krupa Foundation Grant supports charitable causes in social, educational, and religious/cultural areas, rooted in Hindu values. The foundation prioritizes projects that aid the underprivileged, enhance education, and preserve cultural heritage, particularly in India and the US. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to effective accounting practices. The foundation seeks specific projects with measurable outcomes, focusing on direct funding for programs rather than administrative costs.

The Warren Alpert Foundation aims to enhance public health by funding medical research, education, and basic human services. With grants under $25,000, it supports initiatives that advance medical treatments and health education. The foundation is committed to fostering innovative research and solutions in healthcare, making a significant impact on community health and well-being.

The Air Force Fiscal Year 2027 Young Investigator Program (YIP) is designed to support early career scientists and engineers who have recently obtained their Ph.D. This initiative aims to promote innovative basic research in science and engineering while enhancing the professional growth of promising investigators. Awards are available to U.S. institutions where the principal investigator is a full-time employee. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.

This FOA is intended for proposals related to basic and applied research in the STEM categories, and not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement.The proposal submission process has two stages:I. Applicants are encouraged to submit a white paper first to Grants@NPS.edu, ; andII. Applicants must submit a full proposal through Grants.gov (do not submit white papers through Grants.gov, only full proposals)Applicants are encouraged to submit a White Paper in advance of a Full Proposal to minimize the labor and other costs associated with the production of detailed full proposals that have little chance of being selected for funding. Based on an assessment of the white papers, the responsible Research Program Officer will provide informal feedback notification to the prospective awardees to encourage or discourage submission proposals. The Research Program Officer may also, on occasion, provide feedback encouraging re-work to strengthen a proposal. White Papers may be submitted at any time during the open period of this FOA. A separate White Paper is required for each research proposal.

The Warren Alpert Foundation supports initiatives aimed at enhancing public health through grants exceeding $25,000 for medical research, education, and basic human services. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines preceding board meetings. The foundation's mission encompasses advancing medical treatments and cures through rigorous research and health education. This commitment empowers various projects that align with their vision of improving community health and fostering innovation in medical practices.

The Infrastructure Capacity for Biological Research Program, supported by the National Science Foundation, aims to enhance research capabilities across various biological disciplines. This program encourages proposals for developing and improving research tools and services in areas such as Cyberinfrastructure and Biological Collections. It also welcomes planning activities to foster collaboration among researchers. Projects must ensure broad accessibility and significant scientific outcomes for the wider research community.

The Robanna Fund, established in 1992 by Robert and Deanna Levy, supports students pursuing careers in healthcare. Administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, the fund awards scholarships averaging $6,000, depending on various factors such as the number of qualified applicants and donor preferences. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, reside in Hawai‘i, intend to major in a health-related field, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to cultivate future healthcare professionals in the community.

Committee of 100 Academic Scholarship

Awards:

• One time award of $5,000.

The Lenora Jane Perdue Scholarship, offered by the North East Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Westfield Academy, Ripley Central School, and North East High School pursuing a degree in education. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship aims to encourage and assist students dedicated to a career in teaching, fostering the next generation of educators in their community.

The National Urban Indian Health Program aims to enhance behavioral health services for Urban Indian communities by fostering awareness, advocacy, and collaboration across the nation. By providing technical assistance and training to Urban Indian Organizations, the program seeks to improve access to culturally relevant behavioral health care for American Indian and Alaska Native populations residing in urban areas, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and community support.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Education / Meritorious / Service Awards

The Educational/Meritorious/Service awards recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the welding industry. From educators who have advanced welding knowledge to those who've exhibited outstanding service, these awards celebrate dedication, expertise, and the advancement of welding as both an art and a science.

Howard E. Adkins Memorial Instructor Membership Award

The Howard E. Adkins Instructor Membership Award is sponsored by Mrs. Wilma Adkins and family, and is given as a means of recognizing high school, trade school, technical institute or community college instructors whose teaching activities are considered to have advanced the knowledge of welding to students in their respective schools.

This award is recognized at the National, District and Section levels. The nominee is selected at least 12 months in advance of FABTECH. Selections are made during the annual District Conference meetings for all three levels. District and Section level recognitions are automatic but National level nominee information is submitted to the AWS Education Committee for final selection.

The Smart Growth Grants program, managed by the National Association of Realtors, aims to enhance community development through educational initiatives aligned with Smart Growth Principles. Available in three levels, the grants support REALTOR Associations in promoting sustainable land use, community planning, and stakeholder engagement. Maximum awards range from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the grant level. Note that the program is currently not accepting applications for 2025 and will reopen in January 2026.

The NIA Research and Entrepreneurial Development Immersion (REDI) program aims to support early-career scientists transitioning to industry through the Entrepreneurial Small Business Transition Award. This initiative fosters entrepreneurial skills while enabling small business concerns to hire postdoctoral fellows and early-stage researchers, enhancing their research capabilities. Focused on mentoring and training, the program is designed to ensure that participants develop essential skills for successful careers in entrepreneurship and scientific development.

The Greenwall Foundation invites proposals for its Bridging Bioethics Research & Policymaking Grants, aimed at integrating bioethics into policy without funding academic research. This initiative addresses ethical dilemmas arising from healthcare advancements, encouraging innovative project ideas at all governmental levels. Grants up to $50,000 will prioritize projects with smaller budgets and shorter timelines. Collaborations with diverse expertise beyond academia, including policymakers, are encouraged to effectively bridge research and policy.

The Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) program, established by NIGMS, aims to enhance research funding efficiency by providing stable financial support to investigators. This allows for greater scientific flexibility and encourages innovative studies. MIRA is pivotal for distributing funding among promising researchers, fostering groundbreaking research. The program invites applications from eligible NIGMS-funded and NIH-defined New Investigators, as well as current MIRA grantees seeking renewal, ensuring a broad and inclusive approach to advancing science.

The Wolcott Family Foundation focuses on funding grassroots organizations that drive social change and environmental stewardship. They prioritize support for projects that empower communities, strengthen civil liberties, and address ecological challenges. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations in Colorado classified under section 501(c)(3), with grants awarded for one year. The foundation values projects emphasizing environmental preservation and community involvement aimed at tackling societal issues.

SeedMoney Challenge is a global crowdfunding initiative designed to support public food garden projects. Through a competitive 30-day challenge, participants can win grants ranging from $100 to $1000 based on the funds they raise. This program, operated by the non-profit SeedMoney, aims to empower communities by providing essential resources for food gardening efforts, thereby enhancing local food security and sustainability.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Bob Boggeri Farms Fund

Open to students planning to pursue a degree in Ag or Horticulture. Must be a FFA member and demonstrate financial need. Preference given to students from Hughson.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

The GHI Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research Fellowships offer support for European and North American scholars pursuing research in German and European history, German-American relations, and North American history. Awarded by the German Historical Institute, these fellowships prioritize projects requiring primary sources in North America and are available for one to four months. Monthly stipends are € 2,000 for doctoral students and € 3,400 for postdoctoral scholars, with additional airfare reimbursement for European recipients.

The Paul Purcell "Kids Win!" Annual Baird Education Grant honors the legacy of former Baird CEO Paul E. Purcell, who dedicated his life to educational causes. Established in 2020, this grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations that ensure all children, regardless of circumstances, have access to quality education. Funded by Baird and its associates, it prioritizes programs serving diverse and underserved populations, embodying Purcell's belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

The Charles Lathrop Parsons Award, presented by the American Chemical Society, honors exceptional public service by ACS members. This prestigious award includes a $5,000 monetary prize and a certificate. Up to $2,500 can be reimbursed for travel expenses related to the award ceremony. It is awarded every two years, although the interval may be shortened at the discretion of the ACS Board for deserving nominees. All eligible members are encouraged to apply.

AmeriCorps Vista

AmeriCorps is the federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving. AmeriCorps helps make service a cornerstone of our national culture.

Founded in 1965, AmeriCorps VISTA is a federal anti-poverty national service program designed to provide resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to strengthen efforts to address poverty and poverty-related problems in the United States. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, now known as AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps VISTA Request for Concept Paper

Projects must be developed in accordance with AmeriCorps VISTA core principles:

• an anti-poverty focus
• community empowerment
• sustainable solutions
• capacity building

Project applications must address one of the following areas:

• Economic Opportunity
• Healthy Futures
• Education
• Veteran and Military Families

The J.M. Heberlig/B.J. Helterbran Scholarship Fund, established by dedicated educators, supports Pennsylvania residents pursuing degrees in Art Education or Recreation & Parks. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden on students entering their second, third, or fourth year at a 4-year institution. With a focus on academic achievement, a minimum GPA of 2.8 overall and 3.0 in the major is required, alongside a demonstrated commitment to education and community service.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Dr. Debasish Mridha Spirit of Medicine Award

Recognizes the work of U.S. physicians who demonstrate altruism, compassion, integrity, leadership and personal sacrifice while providing quality health care to destitute, distressed or marginalized populations in impoverished communities.

Made possible by Debasish Mridha, MD