Best Grants for Charities in Maine

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: 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.

About Francis H. and Margery T. Escott Scholarship

This scholarship is for a student in need of financial support who is pursuing an education beyond high school. Preference will be given to a student pursuing a career in math or business administration.

This is a renewable scholarship.

The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, established in 2001 by Mark and Jim Wahlberg, aims to support youth service programs that eliminate barriers to success for inner city youth. By providing financial and community support, the foundation empowers young individuals to achieve their potential and dreams, fostering a nurturing environment reminiscent of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, where Mark spent his formative years.

The PhRMA Foundation offers a Drug Delivery Postdoctoral Fellowship aimed at fostering biopharmaceutical innovation and enhancing research capabilities in drug delivery. This fellowship supports both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens who are involved in collaborative research training at accredited U.S. universities. Awardees receive a stipend of $60,000 per year for 12 to 24 months, with funding contingent on ongoing employment in the postdoctoral program. Ideal candidates are encouraged to expand their skills in new research environments.

The Teiger Foundation Programming Grant supports innovative visual arts projects led by curators at smaller non-profit organizations with budgets under $3.5 million. Grants of up to $150,000 are available for three years, funding development, realization, and documentation of exhibitions and related programs. The foundation emphasizes community engagement, racial justice, and artistic experimentation while encouraging collaboration with other cultural institutions. Note: The next Call for Proposals opens in Fall 2026.

The Teiger Foundation Single Project Grant supports innovative visual arts projects at non-profit exhibition spaces with annual budgets exceeding $3 million. Focused on curatorial practices, the grant encourages experimentation and creativity, aiming to drive positive structural change in contemporary art. Eligible expenses include artist fees, publication costs, and coalition-building efforts. The next Call for Proposals opens in Fall 2026, with funding of up to $150,000 available for selected projects.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: 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.

About Grace B. Etheredge Scholarship

The scholarship recipient should be a student who plans to attend and has been accepted to attend a four-year college. The student should demonstrate scholastic ability (to include a student gifted in the arts), financial need, character, leadership ability, participation in extracurricular activities and demonstrated ability to complete a college education (in order for the scholarship to be renewed, the student must maintain a GPA of 3.0). Other things being equal, preference should be given to scholastic ability.

This is a renewable scholarship.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Kimber Richter Family Scholarship Fund

To support graduating high school seniors of the Baha’i faith from western Massachusetts.

The Rural Summer Legal Corps (RSLC) addresses the legal service gap in rural U.S. communities by placing law students in civil legal aid organizations. This initiative, in partnership with Equal Justice Works and the Legal Services Corporation, allows 50 Student Fellows to engage in impactful projects, such as disaster response and housing issues, while gaining practical experience over eight to ten weeks. Participants receive a stipend of $7,000, enhancing their skills and supporting underserved populations.

The Cat Enrichment Grant, offered by the Petfinder Foundation, provides funding ranging from $100 to $1000 to enhance the well-being of adoptable cats. Grants are awarded monthly until funds are depleted, supporting initiatives like interactive activities and safe outdoor experiences. This program aims to ensure that every cat remains happy and healthy while waiting for a forever home, ultimately increasing their chances of adoption.

The Teiger Foundation's Hosting Grant provides up to $75,000 for US-based curators or artistic directors to present contemporary visual art exhibitions that originated in different contexts. This grant encourages resource-sharing and collective learning, allowing institutions to expand their programming sustainably. It prioritizes projects affiliated with established non-profits, fostering community-building and positive change in the field of visual art while addressing issues of racial justice and climate crisis.

The Simons Postdoctoral Fellowships in Plant Biology, offered by the Simons Foundation, aim to support early-career researchers pursuing fundamental studies in plant biology. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, including engineering and computational modeling, are encouraged to apply. This flexible program enables collaborations between disciplines, fostering innovative approaches to plant science. Eligible applicants should have obtained their Ph.D. within the last three years and may include both U.S. citizens and foreign researchers. Awards will be granted to nonprofit research institutions.

The Golden Trowel Award, presented by the Archaeological Institute of America, recognizes the local society with the highest proportional membership increase over the past year. This prestigious award highlights the vital role that local societies play in promoting archaeology and supporting the AIA's mission. By fostering community engagement and growth, the award encourages societies to enhance their programs and initiatives, ultimately enriching the field of archaeology.

The FFAR Fellows Program offers professional development and leadership training for PhD students in food and agriculture sciences across the U.S. and Canada. Led by North Carolina State University, the program includes in-person meetings, virtual sessions, and mentorship opportunities. Students receive a combined stipend of $65,000 annually, with a minimum of 50% sponsorship from non-academic sources. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, career exploration beyond academia, and the development of essential skills for future leaders in the field.

The Overwatch Alliance Grants support non-profit organizations with annual revenues of $500,000 or less that aid military members, veterans, and their families. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for impactful projects such as emergency financial assistance, transitional housing, and employment support. Eligible organizations must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) entities. The Alliance encourages applications from those addressing crucial veteran community needs while reinforcing the importance of community backing for capital projects.

About the Chester County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

Robert & Doris Hanna Scholarship Fund

Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation honors the long and philanthropic lives of Dr. Robert and Doris Hanna.

Takeda Oncology offers grant funding opportunities aimed at addressing unmet educational and research needs in the medical community. They prioritize support for programs in hematology, thoracic, and gastrointestinal cancers, including lymphoma, leukemia, and previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer. Takeda encourages partnerships that enhance patient outcomes and provide tangible benefits through donations, grants, and sponsorships. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the program start date for timely review.

The DTA Foundation: Dental Hygiene Scholarship, in partnership with the Benco Family Foundation, provides up to $10,000 to dental hygiene students from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative honors Lawrence and Sally Cohen's contributions to the field. With a generous $1M endowment, the scholarship aims to support aspiring dental hygienists, ensuring increased accessibility to the profession and recognizing those who demonstrate passion and commitment to dental care.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Larry Waters Scholarship

The Larry Waters Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors from Kearny High, Eastlake High, and Southwest High schools who plan to enroll full-time in a four-year university, or community college with the intent to transfer to a four-year university, anywhere in the U.S.
• Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Rotary Club of Holyoke Scholarship Fund

To support residents of Holyoke, South Hadley and Granby pursuing undergraduate studies

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Lauer Scholarship

The Lauer Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating seniors from a San Diego County public high school who plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Be actively involved in serving their community as demonstrated by their involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service or work experience and must describe how they plan to give back to their community during and after college
• Have demonstrated social responsibility and a high level of integrity
• Have parents who have not received a college degree
• Have a demonstrated financial need

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Anica D. Rawnsley Scholarship Fund

For a current year graduating senior who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County school district and plans to enroll in a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree program. In the selection process, preference shall be given to students not receiving substantial government aid and/or who are not normally selected for other scholarships.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Lehman Family Scholarship

The Lehman Family Scholarship applicants should:

• Be graduating seniors from Lincoln, Morse or San Diego (downtown San Diego only) High Schools
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• Have a commitment to their community as demonstrated in their involvement in extracurricular activities, work or volunteer experience or church activities
• Preference for foreign born children of immigrant parents

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Leon and Margaret Williams Scholarship

The Leon and Margaret Williams Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall
• Plan to pursue a career in health or the healthcare field
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have a commitment to serving their community as demonstrated by their extra-curricular, work, church, or volunteer activities
• This opportunity is open to all applicants, with a focus on those furthest from opportunity and having a demonstrated financial need.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Roland C. Packard Memorial Scholarship Fund

To support students who will attend community college and are the first generation to attend college, as defined by the Foundation.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

Theo and Evelyn Yakel Scholarship

Theo and Evelyn Yakel Scholarship applicants should:

• Be graduating high school seniors who are children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of members of the Retired Employees of San Diego County, Inc. (RESDC)
  • Letter from the Retired Employees of San Diego County, Inc. (RESDC) on official letterhead verifying that you are a child, grandchild or great-grandchild of a RESDC member is required.
• Plan to enroll full-time at a community college or four-year university in the United States in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Be United States citizens

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

William J. (Bill) and Loretta M. O’Neil Scholarship Fund

To support residents from western Massachusetts pursuing English, journalism or a related field.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

CAS/Dr. Kim Stacher Scholarship Fund

For a student who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County or Greene County school district, demonstrates financial need, and who plans to enroll in a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree program. Qualified applicants who participated in the Headstart program will be given special consideration.