Best Grants for Charities in Maine

The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns offers grants between $2,500 and $15,000 to support preservation projects in towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These funds aim to encourage local preservation efforts, enhance public discussion, and build technical expertise among community groups. The application process is competitive, with a review period of approximately three months. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, with a cash match required. Projects must start within six months of receiving funding.

The Sustainable Disaster-Relief Fund, established by Vanguard Charitable in 2006, aims to support communities affected by natural disasters. By providing funding for rebuilding efforts and necessary infrastructure, this initiative helps ensure that affected areas are better prepared for future disasters. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing, focusing on charitable purposes like operating expenses and specific projects. The fund plays a critical role in enhancing community resilience and promoting effective disaster recovery.

The Sports 4 Life Grants, co-founded by the Women’s Sports Foundation and ESPN, aim to promote the health and development of girls in underserved communities. This initiative focuses on increasing participation and retention rates of Black, Hispanic, and Native American girls in sports through funding for coaching, equipment, and facilities. By fostering leadership and self-esteem, the program seeks to empower young girls and provide them with lifelong benefits from sports participation.

The Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE) Program, managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports advanced research in atmospheric sciences through specialized facilities like the Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) and Community Instruments and Facilities (CIF). These resources enable the geosciences research community to conduct essential fieldwork and studies by providing access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and logistical support. Detailed information is available on the NSF website.

The Kia Pet Adoption Grant, funded by the Petfinder Foundation as part of the Accelerate the Good program, supports organizations in the US, Canada, and Mexico with free or reduced-fee adoptions for dogs and cats. Grants are awarded monthly based on the number of adoptable pets listed on Petfinder.com until funds are depleted or November 1st. Grantees are required to report adoptions and share stories of pets adopted through this initiative.

The Hemophilia Alliance Foundation's Impact Grants aim to support organizations enhancing services for individuals with inherited bleeding disorders. Since its inception in 2009, the foundation has awarded over $6.6 million, enabling innovative projects that expand capacity and collaboration. Eligible applicants include local organizations and federally-funded treatment centers, emphasizing creativity in project proposals. Priority will be given to initiatives that address unserved populations and foster educational advancements in the community.

The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) is offering the Project SAFE Grant Program to enhance student safety and well-being. The program aims to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) in implementing strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, in accordance with CDC guidelines. This initiative is particularly focused on supporting LEAs that face financial penalties from state educational agencies for adopting these necessary health measures, ensuring a safer learning environment.

The Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices (EPMD) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes cutting-edge research on innovative devices utilizing electronics, photonics, and magnetics. The program aims to enhance micro-, nano-, and quantum-based technologies across diverse fields such as healthcare, energy, and communications. EPMD emphasizes the importance of novel materials and energy-efficient designs, fostering advancements that ensure improved functionality and reliability in future applications.

The National Center for Construction Safety and Health Research and Translation (U54) aims to enhance worker safety in the construction industry through innovative research and intervention strategies. By fostering partnerships and focusing on evidence-based solutions, the Center will address critical safety and health challenges faced by construction workers. The initiative aligns with NIOSH's strategic objectives, promoting collaboration among academic institutions and organizations to improve health outcomes and reduce the occupational health burden in this vital sector.

The Nancy Huntley Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, provides financial support for students pursuing higher education and professional certifications. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for diverse applicants, including those from marginalized communities and various academic backgrounds. With an emphasis on accessibility, it encourages individuals at different life stages to apply, fostering growth and development in Southern New Mexico.

About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Academic Award for Oneida/Herkimer Counties

This scholarship fund was created in memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey (18 years old) of Hinckley, New York. Connor aspired to be a rural physician and attended premedical school at Siena College. His dream was to practice medicine in an underserved area in order to help residents receive adequate health care.

Connor had an extraordinary way about himself for someone his age. He was God-inspired, loved everyone as he loved himself, and cared deeply about his family and friends. He had a mysterious ability to consistently make lemonade out of lemons. Everyone loved him when they met him. He was truly an inspiration to friends, family and clergy members alike, who now all suffer an enormous heart-wrenching void due to a careless and reckless drunk driver that took his life on August 11, 2018.

About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Athletic/Character Award for Oneida/Herkimer Counties

This scholarship fund was created in memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey (18 years old) of Hinckley, New York. Connor aspired to be a rural physician and attended premedical school at Siena College. His dream was to practice medicine in an underserved area in order to help residents receive adequate health care.

Connor had an extraordinary way about himself for someone his age. He was God-inspired, loved everyone as he loved himself, and cared deeply about his family and friends. He had a mysterious ability to consistently make lemonade out of lemons. Everyone loved him when they met him. He was truly an inspiration to friends, family and clergy members alike, who now all suffer an enormous heart-wrenching void due to a careless and reckless drunk driver that took his life on August 11, 2018.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

The Boulé Foundation Scholarship

The Boule' Foundation in conjunction with the United Negro College Fund, will provide annual merit-based scholarships to entering college freshmen students (Fall 2026) attending four-year, accredited non-profit degree-granting colleges and universities of their choice.

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community. We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

Whether you're a student seeking financial support or a donor looking to grow a scholarship fund, we invite you to explore available opportunities and learn how you can be involved.

Joey Trzebiatowski Memorial Scholarship

Qualifications: Graduating senior from Central Wisconsin, or UWSP or UW-Madison student planning to study business.

The Gerber Foundation's Novice Researcher Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for infants and young children by funding innovative research in health and nutrition. With a focus on practical solutions that can be rapidly implemented, the grant supports projects addressing everyday challenges faced by young children and their caregivers. Eligible applicants include early-career researchers, with grants capped at $30,000, making it accessible for those looking to contribute to significant advancements in pediatric care.

The BioLEAP Classroom Grant, funded by the National Anti Vivisection Society, provides educators with up to $1,000 to purchase humane anatomy models, replacing traditional animal dissection methods. This initiative supports the use of innovative learning tools like 3D digital models and synthetic specimens, enhancing educational experiences while promoting ethical practices in science education. Eligible applicants must be U.S. educators teaching an anatomy lab in the upcoming school year.

The Limited Competition: Biomedical Research Environment & Sponsored Programs Administration Development (BRE-SPAD) Program aims to enhance the research capacity of resource-limited institutions. By focusing on essential areas like biomedical research environment and sponsored programs administration, this initiative seeks to foster rigorous and reproducible biomedical research. Eligible organizations are encouraged to submit proposals addressing their specific needs, thereby expanding the pool of qualified researchers and strengthening the settings for NIH-funded research.

The Miller Trust Grants, managed by EveryCat Health Foundation, support innovative feline health research. With a focus on projects that enhance knowledge of feline diseases and treatments, the grants offer up to $50,000 for 1-2 year projects. Eligible applicants include principal investigators from specific partner institutions. EveryCat has a rich history of funding over $11 million in research, promoting the health and well-being of cats globally. Proposals are welcomed in Spring and Fall grant cycles.

The Society of American Archivists Foundation Catalyst Grant provides funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 to support complex archival projects that advance the strategic goals of the SAA. This program prioritizes projects that foster best practices, such as processing and digitization of archives, and is open to non-profit archival repositories and individual archivists affiliated with member organizations. It aims to benefit the archival profession as a whole.

About ACSM

ACSM is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, with nearly 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified fitness professionals.

ACSM Fellowship

CSM Fellow members have demonstrated high standards of professional development and shown a commitment to the goals and long‑range activities of the college.

The purpose of fellowship is to recognize commendable service to ACSM; to encourage continued service to the College in a leadership role with ongoing dedication; also, to recognize distinguished achievement in sports medicine and related disciplines.

The Feed the Hungry COVID-19 Fund, launched by American Humane, addresses the urgent needs of animal shelters struggling during the pandemic. With many animals abandoned and facilities facing shortages, this fund aims to provide essential resources for food and supplies. American Humane, a leader in animal welfare for over a century, seeks to support shelters and rescue organizations fighting to maintain operations amid the crisis, ensuring the safety and care of vulnerable animals across the nation.

The Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement grants, supported by the National PTA, celebrate over 50 years of encouraging artistic expression among youth. This program offers $1,250 to two local PTAs, promoting creativity and confidence in students through the arts. By fostering artistic literacy and well-being, the initiative aims to leave a lasting impact on children, helping them thrive in both academics and life. Eligible PTAs must be in good standing and committed to implementing engaging arts programs.

Agility Grants, initiated by the National Council on Problem Gambling, aim to minimize gambling-related harm through funding nonprofit organizations for innovative prevention programs. These grants focus on addressing gaps in services and enhancing existing initiatives. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to projects targeting at-risk populations. The program emphasizes community impact and requires evaluations to assess effectiveness, fostering collaboration and awareness within diverse communities affected by gambling.

The Dog Field Trips/Short-Term Fostering Grant from the Petfinder Foundation aims to support organizations in purchasing essential supplies for short-term foster and dog field-trip programs. Grants ranging from $500 to $1000 are awarded monthly until funds are depleted. Eligible organizations must be Petfinder members in good standing, provide contact information, and submit a grant report post-funding. This initiative helps ensure that adoptable pets do not face euthanasia due to a lack of resources.

The Huntington Common Charitable Fund, managed by Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation, supports programs improving the lives of older adults in York County, Maine. Established from the sale of the Huntington Common Retirement Living Community in 2006, it focuses on nutrition, dementia care, and therapeutic access. The fund proudly backs various nonprofits, including Southern Maine Agency on Aging and Good Shepherd Food Bank, ensuring essential services for the elderly are maintained and enhanced.

The Teiger Foundation's Curatorial Research and Development Grant offers support for innovative curatorial practices within the contemporary visual arts sector. Designed to address gaps in funding, this grant provides up to $50,000 for curatorial research projects, including travel and collaborative investigations. It emphasizes the importance of experimentation and creativity while aligning with values of racial justice and environmental sustainability. The next Call for Proposals will open in Fall 2026, with funding opportunities available to U.S.-based curators.

The Literacy Opportunity Fund, supported by the Nora Roberts Foundation and administered by ProLiteracy, provides grants ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that directly serve students with literacy programs. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities of diverse literacy organizations, allowing them to effectively meet student needs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring timely support for eligible organizations that have not received funding within the calendar year.