Best Grants for Charities in Maine

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Wildlife Resource Management Program aims to enhance wildlife resource management on public lands across the nation. With a focus on habitat protection, species reintroduction, and collaborative conservation efforts, the program addresses critical ecological needs while supporting the social and economic well-being of communities. Key initiatives include habitat treatments, monitoring efforts, and partnerships with state agencies to ensure effective management and recovery of priority wildlife species.

The American Heart Association is seeking proposals to study the prevalence and treatment of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases among cancer patients and survivors. Given the over 16.7 million cancer survivors in the U.S., this research aims to highlight critical health disparities, identify treatment modalities, and explore shared risk factors. Applications focusing on underrepresented populations and utilizing real-world data sources are especially encouraged, aiming to improve health outcomes in this vulnerable group.

The Alice M. Ditson Fund provides organizational support for professional performing ensembles and institutions committed to advancing the work of younger and relatively unknown living American composers. Grants are available for general operating or project support, emphasizing contemporary American classical concert music. Eligibility includes organizations without non-profit status if sponsored by a 501(c)(3) entity, while projects featuring American music are prioritized. This funding opportunity encourages innovative performances and fosters greater recognition of emerging talents in the classical music sphere.

The Dale Jr. Foundation is dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through targeted support in five key areas: Empowerment, Education, Wellness, Hunger, and Hope. By providing safe homes, educational resources, and healthy food, the foundation helps children overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Their commitment extends to various charities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. The foundation emphasizes community support and holistic care, making a significant impact in the lives of many young people.

The SAF National Awards Program includes the Sir William Schlich Memorial Award, which honors exceptional contributions to forestry, particularly in policy and international activities. Presented biennially at the SAF National Convention, it features a $500 honorarium, complimentary registration, and up to $500 for travel expenses. This award commemorates Sir William Schlich's significant role in advancing forestry education and practices in the 19th century, promoting sustainable management of forest resources.

The Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation Grant provides vital funding to nonprofit organizations focused on intellectual freedom, medical research for rare diseases, Jewish heritage preservation, elder care, and climate change initiatives. By supporting innovative projects that align with their mission, the foundation aims to uplift communities and foster meaningful societal contributions. Organizations must be 501c-3 compliant and demonstrate a clear plan for engagement with beneficiaries and measurable objectives to be eligible for funding.

The Friends of Reservoirs: Large Grant supports fish habitat enhancement projects in manmade reservoirs, promoting conservation and partnerships. With approximately $250,000 in Federal funding and $500,000 from Bass Pro Shops, grants up to $75,000 are available. Projects must match funding and can be multi-year, with specific caps on subsequent funding. This initiative aims to address habitat impairments and enrich community quality of life through improved fishing opportunities.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Coastal Program offers vital technical and financial support for projects aimed at protecting and restoring fish and wildlife habitats in priority coastal ecosystems. Collaborating with conservation partners, the program ensures that all projects are scientifically sound and align with the missions of the Department of the Interior. Applicants must contact a local office for guidance before applying, ensuring projects meet strategic conservation goals.

The Nonprofit Resource Training Grant offers up to $1,000 for tax-exempt organizations to send employees to essential training and conferences. This initiative supports community-based groups that serve low- to moderate-income populations and align with The Ready Commitment. By enhancing employee skills, the grant aims to strengthen nonprofits and their impact in the community, ensuring they provide valuable services effectively.

The Friends of Reservoirs: Mossback Grant offers three grants of $1,000 in Mossback products to eligible members of Friends of Reservoirs organizations. Sponsored by Mossback Fish Habitat, these grants aim to enhance structural habitat in public waters. The total retail value is approximately $1,500. Applicants must cover freight costs, and a $25 application fee applies to each submission. This initiative supports habitat restoration efforts across member organizations.

The Lasher-Bottorff Award, established by the American Association of Avian Pathologists, recognizes outstanding contributions to poultry health. It honors Dr. Hiram N. Lasher and Dr. C. A. Bottorff, pivotal figures in avian medicine. The award, valued at $1,000, is presented annually to a veterinarian who has made significant advancements in avian diagnostics or technical services over the past decade, promoting the health and productivity of poultry in North America.

The Bonnell Cove Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in North America focused on safety at sea and marine environmental initiatives. With a funding limit of $10,000, it prioritizes well-defined projects that can be evaluated for impact. Proposals are accepted biannually, with deadlines on February 1 and September 1 for March and October reviews, respectively. The Foundation seeks innovative solutions for personal safety equipment and environmental stewardship, emphasizing projects that promote sustainable practices in marine operations.

The Jim and Margie Fegley Orchestral String Scholarship Fund, established in 2013 by Marjorie Fegley, honors her late husband, James E. Fegley. This fund supports Berks County residents pursuing music education, particularly in orchestral strings. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have participated in music programs. The Berks County Community Foundation manages this fund, which contributes significantly to the local arts and education landscape, fostering musical talent in the community.

The Ornis Birding x Lost Birds Expedition Grant aims to inspire skilled young birders, aged 18-30, to explore remote regions and rediscover species that have evaded scientific detection for over a decade. Funded by Ornis Birding Expeditions, this grant offers up to $5,000 for innovative expeditions, encouraging participants to submit detailed observations and engage with local communities. The initiative seeks to fill critical gaps in ornithological knowledge while promoting conservation and ecotourism.

J. C. & L. A. Duke Employees' Assistance Fund

Grants from the Duke Fund are designed to:

• Help recipients achieve self-sufficiency and/or return to the workplace.
• Provide transitional assistance.
• Improve the quality of life for the employee and their family.

Selection Criteria

The applicant must have experienced a combination of the following factors:

• Financial hardship as a result of a catastrophic illness or accident.
• Lack or depletion of benefits available through the 3M Benefit Plan, personal benefit plans and/or other resources.
• In addition, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that a grant will substantially assist them in overcoming all or a portion of the adversity. Awards will be made without regard to race, creed, color, gender, individual marital status, religion or national origin.

The Horton PhD Research Grant supports up to three Ph.D. students annually in hydrology and related fields, funded by the Robert E. Horton Fund. It provides a maximum of $10,000 for research and travel, along with $500 for U.S. and Canadian applicants participating in AGU's annual meeting. Eligible students must be active AGU members, enrolled for the award's duration, and meet all application requirements. This grant promotes excellence in hydrological sciences.

The Healthy American Forests Initiative, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to enhance forest health and resilience through targeted funding. This initiative anticipates awarding 10-15 grants ranging from $250,000 to $2 million, supporting projects up to 2 years in duration. A 20% non-federal match is required, and interested applicants are encouraged to collaborate with NFWF and Native Americans in Philanthropy for potential match funding.

The Eastern Bank Foundation (EBF) is dedicated to empowering communities through its Neighborhood Donations initiative. By investing over $16 million in local organizations, EBF aims to support vital services and promote equity in Eastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. This program allows contributions to non-501(c)(3) organizations, reinforcing EBF's commitment to partnership and community-driven solutions, with donations typically ranging from $100 to $1,000.

The See, Test & Treat Grant offers funding for a pathologist-led cancer screening program aimed at underserved communities. With a focus on health education, the program provides vital cervical and breast cancer screenings, ensuring same-day results and follow-up care. Eligible institutions can apply for funding up to $20,000 for single-year projects or up to $50,000 over three years. This initiative addresses health disparities, empowers communities, and enhances the visibility of pathology in healthcare.

The KTGF Fellowship Programs, funded by the Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation, offer $100,000 over two years to support post-doctoral and junior faculty research on ADHD and depression in children, particularly from low-income and under-resourced backgrounds. This initiative aims to foster promising early-career scientists while producing impactful research that benefits affected children and families. Applications are accepted from September 1 to December 15, with specific eligibility criteria outlined for candidates.

Our Mission and Vision

The Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation exists to foster innovative sustainability initiatives that make a positive impact on our planet. We want to find solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today.

Our vision is to facilitate positive action toward sustainable and innovative solutions in agricultural and environmental sectors that reduce carbon footprints and minimize risk for our communities.

Grant Programs

Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation administers projects directly funded by donors that help reduce carbon footprints through carbon positive practices and emission offsetting. The foundation holds open application periods for projects in the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico and Canada that focus on reducing environmental risk through regenerative agricultural practices, habitat restoration and using natural energy sources to make our communities more sustainable.

Reducing Carbon Footprints

The foundation supports projects that work to reduce carbon footprints through the following initiatives.

Habitat Reclamation

• Restoration of habitats creates spaces for native flora and fauna and microorganisms to survive. Natural landscapes are integral to functioning ecosystems and increasing biodiversity, not to mention creating habitats for pollinator species like bees and butterflies that we so desperately need for agricultural success.

Regenerative Agriculture

• Regenerative agricultural practices have a far-reaching impact on the industry and our lives. We aim to reduce carbon emissions by fostering projects that innovate row crop sustainability and dairy, beef, pork and poultry operations to create practices that are sustainable for years to come.

Renewable Energy

• We care about carbon positive practices that harness renewable resources like solar, wind and biomass for improved efficiencies and overall reduction in use. Organic matter often sourced from agricultural production, garbage and tree pruning can be converted to energy in various ways, recycling it back into the agricultural operation that created it or fueling our communities.

Soil

• Soil sequestering practices have wide-reaching benefits like restoring and building organic matter in the soil and increasing biodiversity. It boosts water infiltration and retention and reduces erosion. Through practices like no till, applying organic matter like manure and biochar, and planting cover crops, we improve soil health as well as take CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Tree Planting

• Planting trees is a simple act that makes a huge impact in our urban, suburban and rural communities. They provide shade, release oxygen and improve air quality, improve soil quality and biodiversity, all of which contributes to offsetting carbon emissions.  

• Water
• We want to find ways to protect and restore the integrity of our water resources. We aim to fund projects focused on practices that create efficiencies and reduce the agricultural production impact on water quality and benefit our communities by conserving one of our most important natural resources. 

John Harsch Regenerative Agriculture Grant

Funding for projects adopting best regenerative agricultural management practices that impact one or several of these areas:

• Improve water quality
• Reduce soil erosion
• Increase soil health index
• Reduce synthetic fertilizer use
• Increase effective manure use as a fertilizer
• Increase biodiversity
• Reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions

The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sight preservation, children's services, and environmental conservation, primarily in Utah. Established in memory of David Kelby Johnson, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting impactful charitable initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, with a commitment to improving communities both locally and globally.

The Lundbeck US Charitable Fund focuses on enhancing brain health through sponsorships that support various initiatives. These sponsorships are available to both non-profit and for-profit organizations, provided they align with Lundbeck's mission. Funds are primarily allocated for educational or awareness events, with an emphasis on community outreach and collaboration to address gaps in care, especially for vulnerable populations. By fostering innovative strategies, the Fund aims to drive meaningful change in the field of brain health.

The Lundbeck US Charitable Fund focuses on enhancing brain health through impactful donations. Established to support organizations dedicated to brain health, it addresses pressing needs by funding innovative strategies and community collaborations, particularly for at-risk populations. The Fund aims to transform lives and improve mental health care, with a commitment to responsible giving. With over 20 organizations supported in 2023, it drives meaningful change in communities affected by brain disorders.

The Kalamazoo Valley Chapter's Stanley Weber Projects Fund honors a dedicated member by supporting projects that enhance coldwater fisheries and their habitats. Offering grants up to $5,000 annually, the fund prioritizes non-profit initiatives that foster conservation, restoration, and public education while promoting volunteer engagement. Recognition through plaques or media announcements is requested for grant recipients, ensuring the legacy of Stanley Weber continues to impact the community positively.

The Dell Scholars Program, established by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, provides scholarships and support to empower students in their journey towards college graduation. It offers flexible funding for tuition, housing, and essential expenses, ensuring students can focus on their education. Alongside financial aid, scholars receive academic coaching, career guidance, and mental health resources, fostering resilience and success. Since 2004, it has helped over 6,000 scholars, including 4,500 graduates, achieve their academic goals.

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.