Best Grants for Charities in Maine

The Marcus Foundation focuses on addressing critical needs and systemic challenges, primarily in hunger alleviation and sustainable practices. They seek partnerships with organizations that promote innovative food resources and sustainability. Their funding strategy emphasizes collaboration to amplify resources and enhance impact while fostering immediate solutions to hunger issues. The Foundation believes in long-term stewardship and the importance of sustainability for future generations, aiming to create systemic change alongside immediate support.

The Advanced Mathematics Education Course Work Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance the teaching skills of educators in grades 9-12. This grant provides financial support for advanced courses in mathematics education, emphasizing specific mathematics topics. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of teaching experience and dedicate a significant portion of their day to teaching mathematics. This initiative seeks to foster high-quality mathematics instruction across schools.

The Healthcare Auxiliary Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Eligible applicants must reside in Canaan, Cornwall, Kent, North Canaan, Salisbury, or Sharon. Preference is given to those who actively volunteer and engage with their community. This initiative aims to support local students in achieving their academic and professional goals in the healthcare sector.

The Cottrell IMPACT Award recognizes the significant contributions of Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients in advancing science through leadership and service. It encourages excellence in academic leadership while raising the profile of awardees nationally. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and highlights recipients at the Cottrell Scholar Conference and in professional journals, fostering a community of innovative researchers committed to impactful science.

The Teacher Professional Development Grant (9-12) supports classroom teachers in grades 9-12 by enhancing their mathematics teaching skills. This initiative, backed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to elevate educational standards and improve student learning outcomes. Eligible applicants include teachers with at least three years of experience in this grade range. The grant focuses on professional development activities completed within a year, fostering a community of proficient mathematics educators.

The CHEST 2025 Travel Grant aims to foster inclusivity in chest medicine by supporting diverse healthcare professionals. Recipients receive complimentary registration and $1,000 for attending the CHEST Annual Meeting in Chicago. Open to CHEST members from historically excluded backgrounds, the grant enhances professional growth and engagement in the field. With a focus on diversity and equity, the program also offers opportunities for mentorship, contributing to the development of future leaders in chest medicine.

The Charles Edison Fund Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students aiming to enhance the impact of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program. This fellowship targets those committed to addressing significant public issues through innovative solutions. Ideal for both U.S. and international applicants, it emphasizes merit and financial need, aligning with Harvard's mission to foster public policy leadership and promote a just and sustainable society.

Roy F. Mather Scholarship

Born in 1918, Roy F. Mather, Jr. described himself as the product of the Great Depression. He contributed to his family's livelihood at a young age, caring for his two younger brothers and working a wide range of agriculture-related jobs available in California's San Fernando Valley. During World War II, Roy worked on merchant ships that sailed from northern Chile to Washington's Puget Sound, transporting nitrate for explosives production. After the War, Roy returned to southern California to marry his wife, Geraldine. They had two children and were married 59 years. Roy applied the work ethic developed in his youth to a variety of jobs—as a Fuller Brush dealer and at aeronautical engineering positions at Lockheed and McDonald Douglas. While raising a family and often working more than one job, Roy took classes at night offered through the University of California's extension services – math, science and law. Later, Roy and his wife lived in Latin America which held a special place for them.

Roy retired in 1969, and he and Geraldine moved to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In his early 60's, Roy could swing a heavy Polanski needed to fight forest fires and later was a spotter for firefighting aircraft. In 1975, Roy and Geraldine moved to Vancouver, Washington.

Roy's character, direction and drive were shaped during times that were much tougher than most of us experience today. In commenting on his hope for his scholarship fund, Roy said, "I want the students to be goal oriented and serious. Earnest, really. I know those are broad terms, but they are ones that helped me throughout my life. I want to reward those students who possess these qualities that will contribute to their future success and life fulfillment."

Award Information

Awards are between $2,000 - $3,500 and are at the discretion of the committee.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Helen Hamilton Scholarship Fund

Supporting residents of Franklin, Hampden or Hampshire County pursuing degrees in Social Services, Housing Studies, Urban Design and other related fields with a preference for students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The State Justice Institute offers Technical Assistance Grants to state and local courts for expert assistance in addressing operational challenges. Grants can provide up to $75,000 over 12 months, requiring a 50% match from applicants, with 20% in cash. Eligible entities include courts and regional associations, while ineligible expenses cover salaries and travel for court employees. The selection process emphasizes critical needs, sound approaches, consultant qualifications, and budget reasonableness, aiming to enhance court operations and compliance with federal requirements.

The Level 1 Rural Outreach Grant, offered by the National Association of Realtors, aims to enhance REALTORS®' understanding of rural issues. With a maximum award of $3,000, this grant is available once per calendar year to associations. It supports educational efforts and promotes smart growth and diversity in rural communities. Grant recipients are required to complete an evaluation form for the funded activities, ensuring accountability and effectiveness in addressing rural challenges.

The Career Awards for Medical Scientists (CAMS), established by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, offers $700,000 over five years to support early career physician scientists transitioning to independence in academic biomedical research. This highly competitive program aims to enhance research innovation and public service by fostering a diverse scientific workforce. Proposals in basic biomedical, disease-oriented, or translational research, particularly those incorporating artificial intelligence or addressing climate change and human health, are encouraged.

The Public Humanities Projects program supports projects that bring the ideas and insights of the humanities to life for general audiences through in-person, hybrid, or virtual programming. Projects must engage humanities scholarship to analyze significant themes in disciplines such as history, literature, ethics, and art history.

The Emergency Educational Grants offer vital financial support of up to $5,000 for undergraduate students who are children of deceased or totally disabled Elks. This grant is renewable for one year and is intended solely for educational purposes, helping cover costs such as tuition and books. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment in an accredited U.S. college or university, while being unmarried and under 24 years old during the application year.

The Walter and Hannelore Schwindt Trust, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in various scientific and technical fields. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and college students from specific Texas counties, with a minimum GPA requirement. This renewable scholarship covers tuition and living expenses for full-time students, emphasizing academic excellence and commitment to fields such as astronomy, medical research, and biochemistry.

Food insecurity impacts every town in America — rural, urban, and all the communities on every road in between. It affects all age groups — from children through seniors — including about one-third of college students. It happens for different reasons — a lost job, a natural disaster, a pandemic, and more.

Ann B. Zekauskas saw this food insecurity first-hand while volunteering in New York City soup kitchens, often on Thanksgiving. She knew that people go hungry every day — and that many food-insecure people are prone to obesity. Limited options often lead to food choices that are higher in calories, but lower in nutrition.

Whether it’s to aid a family that has fallen on hard times or to assist a community or a country during a crisis, we support food banks, neighborhood kitchens, and other hunger relief organizations to provide the next healthy meal to those in need.

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers. 

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Negaunee Environmental Scholarship Fund

Provides financial assistance for students who attend Negaunee Public Schools and are pursuing a career in an environmental related field, or as the Foundation may determine. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The Elks National Foundation's Legacy Awards provide $4,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of Elks members. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors and can apply online. The program supports educational pursuits at accredited U.S. institutions, ensuring that the legacy of community service and support continues. With criteria focusing on family connections to the Elks and a commitment to education, these awards promote opportunities for future generations to thrive and contribute to society.

The Vikki Carr Scholarship Foundation, part of the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance to high school seniors from Bexar County pursuing higher education. Students of Mexican-American descent, especially those who are bilingual, are given preference. This scholarship aims to empower youth by alleviating educational costs for various degrees, ensuring that students with financial need can continue their studies and contribute positively to the community.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Steven A. Chupka Memorial Scholarship

For Oliver Wolcott Vocational-Technical High School graduating seniors; preference may be given to students who participate in community service and who have an academic focus in electronics, but students pursuing other fields of study also are eligible to apply.

The Dermatology Foundation offers a Research Grant of $25,000 annually to support innovative projects in dermatology and cutaneous biology. This funding is aimed at junior investigators in the early stages of their academic careers who demonstrate a strong commitment to skin research. Eligible applicants must conduct research within ACGME-approved departments in the U.S. and must not have received funding from other sources for the same project.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25 Memorial Scholarship

Provides financial assistance for children (who are seeking post-secondary education) of members who have died while actively serving with NMCB 25. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Robyn A. Macsata Memorial Fund

This fund was established in honor Dr. Robyn Ann Macsata. This scholarship will be awarded to a female Torrington High School student who intends to pursue the study of medicine. 

The Victor J. Ferrari Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in Education. Open to high school seniors and current college students, it aims to alleviate financial barriers to education. Eligible candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to the teaching profession. This renewable scholarship provides funding for tuition, fees, and books, ensuring that future educators can focus on their studies and contribute positively to the community.

The United Charitable Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers scholarships for graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in various fields. Established in 1964, this fund aims to improve community quality of life through education, environmental preservation, and support for non-profits. Scholarships are renewable for up to three years, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.0 and enrollment at a U.S. university. Join us in making a lasting impact through education and community service.

The Whataburger Family Foundation Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports individuals pursuing higher education. It is open to U.S. citizens or legal residents with a minimum 2.5 GPA, who are employed or have family ties to Whataburger employees. This scholarship is available for various fields of study and can be applied to both full-time and part-time enrollment in accredited institutions across the USA. It aims to enhance educational opportunities and community growth.

The Valero Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial support to dependent children of full-time Valero employees. This fund aims to empower students pursuing an Associate or Bachelor's Degree by covering tuition, fees, books, and room and board. With the potential for renewal over three years, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities. Since 1964, the foundation has significantly impacted the community through scholarships and grants.