Best Grants for Charities in Maine

The ASNT Foundation offers the Robert B. Oliver Scholarship to support students enrolled in Nondestructive Testing (NDT) programs at U.S. institutions. With a funding amount of $2,500, the scholarship is awarded to students presenting the best original manuscript on NDT. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and workforce development in the nondestructive testing field, promoting research and training for future professionals.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Thomas H. Stix Award for Outstanding Early Career Contributions to Plasma Physics Research

Recognizes an individual researcher who has made outstanding contributions (theoretical, experimental, computational, or technical) in plasma physics early in their career. Areas of plasma physics covered by the award include, but are not limited to: fundamental plasma physics, fusion plasmas, astrophysical or space plasmas, low-temperature plasmas, or high-energy-density plasmas.

The award consists of $5,000, a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, and a travel reimbursement of up to $1,000 to attend the APS Division of Plasma Physics (DPP) meeting. Information on allowable travel expenses appears here.

The recipient will be asked to deliver an invited talk at the DPP meeting and will receive a meeting registration waiver.

The award will be presented annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

The Cooperative Education Fund, managed by the Cooperative Development Foundation, offers grants, scholarships, and sponsorships to support cooperative education initiatives. Annually, it allocates between $100,000 and $140,000, providing 10-15 grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Eligible applicants include cooperatives and related organizations within the U.S. The Fund prioritizes research, educational material development, and sponsorship for educational events, ensuring resources remain accessible and non-proprietary.

The ASNT Foundation: Charles Hellier III Scholarship aims to support students pursuing studies in nondestructive testing (NDT). This scholarship honors Charles Hellier III, a pioneering figure in the NDT community, and provides financial assistance to aspiring professionals. The Foundation also engages in research, workforce development, and offers scholarships to enhance education in NDT, ensuring that individuals are well-prepared for careers in this vital field.

Mary's Pence Grants provide essential funding and support for women's social justice organizations in the U.S. and Canada. Established over 30 years ago, the program is dedicated to empowering women on the margins by funding grassroots initiatives that focus on community-centered, sustainable change. Organizations with budgets under $200,000 are eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000, fostering relationships and collaborative efforts to address systemic issues and promote social justice.

The Gene Haas Foundation offers the Secondary Level Program Scholarship to promote education in CNC machining. This initiative aims to enhance manufacturing education and support local organizations improving community quality of life. The foundation has contributed over $225 million since 1999, focusing on scholarships and training programs for students. It also sponsors robotics and racing teams, ensuring hands-on experience for participants. Grants are awarded exclusively to tax-exempt entities, facilitating educational growth and community engagement.

The Garden Club of America offers the Scholarship in Garden History and Design to promote the study of garden history and design. This scholarship supports students pursuing internships at the Archives of American Gardens or similar institutions. Each year, the scholarship funds students with a maximum of $6,000 for a ten-week internship. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in relevant graduate programs, with previous experience in photographic or visual materials preferred.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Richard A. Isaacson Award in Gravitational-Wave Science

This award recognizes outstanding contributions in gravitational-wave physics, gravitational-wave astrophysics, and the technologies that enable this science.

The annual award consists of $5,000, a certificate, travel reimbursement and a registration waiver to attend the APS April Meeting to give an invited talk and accept the award.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award Trust Grant

The Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award Trust was established in 2008 under the Will of Gail McKnight Beckman. Wells Fargo Bank, N. A. serves as the trustee. Gail McKnight Beckman created the award in memory of her mother, Dr. Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman. Dr. Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman was an educator, a renowned author, and a pioneer in the field of Psychology. She was one of the first female Psychology professors at Columbia University and she taught at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Beckman authored nine books and textbooks about child and adolescent Psychology. Dr. Beckman was a champion of gender equality and an advocate for the advancement of women in academia.

A trailblazer in her own right, Gail McKnight Beckman created the Beckman award to benefit teachers who have inspired their former students to make a difference in their communities. The award is given to current or former academic faculty members who have inspired their former students to “create an organization which has demonstrably conferred a benefit on the community at large.” Or, the academic faculty member must have inspired their former students to “establish on a lasting basis a concept, procedure, or movement of comparable benefit to the community at large.”

Types of support

Award recipients will receive $25,000 as a one-time award to be used at their sole discretion (taxable income). 

Population served 

Only United States citizens or permanent resident aliens are eligible.

The Economic Research Rescue Fund, established by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), provides emergency grants up to $250,000 for economics-related research projects whose NSF funding has been terminated. This initiative aims to support Principal Investigators facing disruptions in crucial research that holds significant societal benefits, amidst reduced NSF support. Eligible projects must have previously received NSF funding and be linked to a practicing PhD economist. This fund seeks to sustain vital economic research during challenging times.

The Green Chemistry Student Chapter Award recognizes ACS student chapters for their commitment to green chemistry initiatives. This award highlights the importance of green chemistry in education, encouraging students to engage in activities that promote sustainability. Eligible chapters must submit detailed summaries of at least three green chemistry projects, demonstrating their understanding of the principles and practices that contribute to a more sustainable future.

The Link Foundation offers a prestigious Energy Fellowship aimed at supporting Ph.D. candidates focused on energy innovation. Each fellowship provides $35,000 per year for two years, totaling $70,000. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian institution and demonstrate satisfactory academic progress. The second-year funding requires an endorsement from the research advisor. This opportunity is ideal for those with a clear thesis direction who need additional support to complete their doctoral studies.

The Aviation Management Scholarship, offered by the AAAE Foundation, supports students enrolled in aviation programs at accredited colleges in the U.S. or Canada. Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, and active community participation. Up to ten awards of $2,000 each will be given, with at least two designated for ethnic minority applicants. The scholarship aims to foster future leaders in the aviation industry.

The A. Ward Ford Memorial Research Grants, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, support innovative research projects. Applications are accepted through the ASLMS Research Grant application process. Interested applicants should fill out either the Standard Pre-Application or the Student Application to be considered for funding. This grant aims to foster research excellence and advance knowledge in relevant fields.

The AAAE Women in Aviation Scholarship, offered by the AAAE Foundation, provides seven awards of $5,000 each to support female students in aviation programs at accredited institutions in the U.S. and Canada. Eligibility requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and involvement in community activities. Recipients are selected based on gender, academic achievement, financial need, and a personal statement. Awards are non-renewable and subject to change.

The Community Foundation is honored to have a variety of scholarship funds established by individuals and groups of donors for the purpose of helping younger generations of Nantucketers further their education. Each fund is unique, and criteria and goals of the scholarship vary for each scholarship.

The Community Foundation for Nantucket awards more than $90,000 in scholarships each year. Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. The most common award is $2,000. While some awards may be higher than this amount, no award amount will be lower than $1000.

Ann and Michael Rosenblatt Women in Mathematics Scholarship Fund

Provide tuition assistance to female students who excel in mathematics.

The AMS Young Scholars Grant Program, offered by the American Mathematical Society, provides grants of up to $15,000 to support summer mathematics programs for talented high school students. Designed to aid established programs, funding should be allocated equally between student scholarships and program expenses. Programs must exist for at least a year, involve a minimum of 20 students, and focus on problem solving or research in mathematics, fostering the next generation of mathematicians.

The FY2026/2027 Community Compass Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Program provides competitive grants to organizations capable of delivering technical assistance (TA) to communities served by HUD. With up to $86 million available, recipients are expected to develop educational tools, collaborate with HUD, and show a strong record of performance. This initiative aims to enhance community systems, support high-priority projects, and ensure effective training delivery, fostering impactful outcomes across the nation.

Residential Fellowships

Fellowships offer scholars the time, space, and support they need to pursue their work and the opportunity to take part in the Center’s vibrant intellectual community.

The National Humanities Center’s Residential Fellowship is one of the most prestigious humanities fellowship programs in the world. Fellows enjoy a beautiful and serene space to write, unparalleled library and reference support, excellent dining services, and a stimulating and supportive intellectual community.

A key feature, meanwhile, that differentiates us from many other fellowships is our residential requirement. Researchers are especially encouraged to apply when they expect to benefit from, and actively contribute to, an in-person community of other humanities researchers. If you prefer a research fellowship that allows you to do field work or to work in your own local space, this may not be the fellowship for you.

To be considered for this program, applicants must select that their institution is an HBCU when prompted in the online application system to identify the type of institution with which they are affiliated. Applicants may apply for a residential fellowship for the fall semester (September through December), spring semester (January through May), or academic year (September through May).

The Regional Scholar Travel Grant, offered by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), provides up to $1,000 to support travel for faculty and independent scholars from Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Applicants must present a paper at the ASEEES Annual Convention and meet specific eligibility criteria, including residency in eligible countries and ASEEES membership. This grant aims to promote scholarly exchange and foster participation among junior scholars and first-time presenters.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes, supported by the National Science Foundation, serve as critical national resources aimed at advancing research in mathematics and statistics. These institutes facilitate the discovery and dissemination of knowledge while enhancing connections with related fields. Their activities attract top mathematical minds to tackle pressing problems and engage a diverse array of U.S.-based researchers, ultimately bolstering the impact of mathematical sciences across various disciplines.

The Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MSPRF) aim to support emerging leaders in mathematics and statistics. These fellowships enhance participants' research environments, ensuring significant scientific development. Awardees can choose between a Research Fellowship or a Research Instructorship, with funding available for research across various mathematical and statistical disciplines. Proposals are submitted directly to the NSF, and fellows must affiliate with eligible institutions or organizations.

The FY26 US DOT Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grants (DIIG) Program aims to enhance the use of drones for critical infrastructure inspections by eligible government entities. With $9 million available, the program supports innovative drone technologies and prioritizes projects that improve safety and operational efficiency. Grant funds can be used for purchasing drone systems and contracting services. The federal share may reach up to 75% in certain cases, fostering collaboration and technological advancement in infrastructure management.

The Convention Opportunity Travel Grant, offered by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), supports non-student members with incomes under $40,000 to present their research at the ASEEES Annual Convention. Established in 1948, ASEEES prioritizes first-time presenters and junior scholars lacking institutional support. The grant encourages diverse scholarly contributions and is aimed at enhancing the visibility of underrepresented voices in the field of Slavic and East European studies.

The Burkburnett Legacy Foundation aims to enhance philanthropy and provide charitable opportunities to support nonprofits in Burkburnett, TX. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities, with grants awarded for charitable purposes. The foundation promotes the well-being of all, irrespective of race or gender. However, certain ineligibilities apply, such as restrictions on grants to political candidates or individuals. Organizations can apply annually to benefit from this foundation's support.

The Mellon Emerging Faculty Leaders Award supports early-career faculty committed to building inclusive campus communities. Funded by the Mellon Foundation, it offers a $20,000 stipend to assist with summer research and academic year support. Eligible candidates are assistant professors in tenure-track positions who have passed their third-year review and are engaged in fostering diversity and inclusion in their academic fields. This fellowship not only aids their research but also emphasizes their role in mentoring underrepresented students.