Best Grants for Community Centers in Maine

About MNRCP

The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program (MNRCP) awards competitive grants to projects that restore, enhance, and protect high priority aquatic resources throughout Maine. MNRCP is administered by The Nature Conservancy on behalf of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since its launch in 2008, MNRCP has awarded over $36 million to non-profit groups, municipalities, and public agencies to help restore, enhance, or preserve wetlands and other important habitats at over 180 project sites across the state.

MNRCP was created to manage the allocation of funds collected through Maine’s In Lieu Fee Compensation Program. This voluntary program provides flexibility for regulators as well as for those seeking natural resource permits to choose a fee in lieu of more traditional permittee-responsible mitigation options. These so-called In Lieu Fees are collected by the Maine DEP and then transferred to the Natural Resource Conservation Fund administered by The Nature Conservancy.

Funds are awarded through an annual competitive grants process. Proposals are solicited each year and evaluated by a Review Committee, convened by the Maine DEP, and made up of public and nonprofit entities. Final award decisions are made in November or December of each year by the Interagency Review Team (Approval Committee) comprised of state and federal agencies. The Nature Conservancy administers the process but does not decide which proposals receive funding.

Apply

MNRCP awards competitive grants each year to projects that restore, enhance, and protect high priority aquatic resources in Maine. MNRCP funding rounds are usually announced in April or May. Public agencies, non-profit conservation organizations, tribes, and municipalities are encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent for eligible projects.

Maine Office of Community Affairs

The Maine Office of Community Affairs (MOCA) was established by the Maine State Legislature in 2024 as a one-stop-shop to assist municipalities, Tribal governments and regional planning organizations in building a more resilient future.

In spring 2025, MOCA introduced a newly established State Resilience Office and staff to lead cross-agency efforts to enhance climate resilience across the state, especially in communities with significant climate vulnerabilities impacting residents, infrastructure, and the environment.

Shore and Harbor Planning Grants

The Maine Office of Community Affairs’ Maine Coastal Program (MCP) and Municipal Planning Assistance Program (MPAP) are seeking applications for coastal planning grants totaling approximately $550,000. The two grants covered by this announcement are the Shore and Harbor Planning Grant and the Coastal Community Grant. Funding for these planning grants comes from the Maine Coastal Program’s annual grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

Program Goals

The Shore and Harbor Planning Grant program provides resources on a competitive basis for shoreline access planning, waterfront and harbor planning, identification and resolution of waterfront use conflicts, and planning, feasibility, and design efforts for resilient waterfront infrastructure. Shore and Harbor Planning Grant projects are often well prepared to compete for construction funding through other sources.  

Workforce Pilot

The Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan provides $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Maine Department of Transportation to support local, regional, and state workforce transportation pilot projects, especially in rural areas. Administered by MaineDOT’s Bureau of Planning, the department’s Workforce Transportation Pilot program is a competitive grant program that provides funds to support other workforce transportation pilot projects around the state. Funds may be used for capital and operating costs, including program start-up costs.

The Bureau of Planning anticipates a $750,000 award cap; however, that award cap is subject to change based on need and volume of applications. MaineDOT reserves the right to negotiate project scope and deliverables prior to finalizing awards. There is no minimum or maximum number of awards. Projects will be selected based on merit and the availability of funding.

While there is no application deadline, applicants are encouraged to submit projects as soon as possible. The Bureau of Planning will accept, evaluate, and make decisions on grant applications on an ongoing, rolling basis until all funds have been disbursed. In its evaluation process and awarding of funds, MaineDOT will consider that some applicants will be able to apply for funds sooner than others. In general, awarded projects should begin within four months of contract execution. This requirement can be waived based on circumstances as described by the applicant.

While projects may support transportation of workers from rural areas to more urban areas or centers of employment, the focus is on workforce transportation in rural areas. As such, some funds will be targeted specifically to connecting workers in rural areas to employment opportunities in rural areas.

Federal guidance provides that funds may be used to respond to COVID-19’s negative economic impacts on the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries. Other identified industries suffering comparable economic impacts include healthcare and social assistance; construction, trade, and logistics; manufacturing; education; agriculture, fishing, and forestry; information; and clean energy. Applicants must demonstrate that they are addressing challenges in these industries. Proposed initiatives must focus on workers and potential workers in these key industry sectors. MaineDOT staff will work with potential applicants to ensure that any proposals meet these requirements.

Applications may be submitted by employers or groups of employers, municipalities, non-profit organizations, human service organizations, and public/private transportation providers. Applicants are encouraged to engage with potential partners including, but not limited to, regional planning organizations, chambers of commerce and other business groups, county governments, workforce boards, and community action programs.

The Movement Focus Area Grant by the Quimby Family Foundation supports Maine-based nonprofits dedicated to advancing Human Wholeness through movement and nourishment. Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000, with a focus on fostering connections between people and nature. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate community involvement. This grant aims to create equitable access to outdoor experiences and promote health and well-being through active engagement with nature.

Farmers Drought Relief Fund

The Department is making grants available to farmers to address the need for agricultural water management plans and the installation of agricultural water sources, including:

• Dug wells
• Drilled wells
• Gravel-packed wells
• Water storage ponds

Overview

Background and Purpose

The Maine Farmer Drought Relief Fund (FDRF) was created by the Maine Legislature (7 M.R.S.A., Chapter 8-A, subchapter 4 § 220-A(3)) to assist farmers in the State to overcome the adverse effects of drought conditions by providing grants.

The Department will make up to $ 930,000 available for installation of agricultural water sources from nonlapsing funding. An additional $ 300,000 may be available from FY 27 funding after July 1, 2026 and may be used to fund additional projects at the discretion of the Department.

The Department reserves the right to determine the number of awards and modify, partially fund, or increase awards at the Department’s discretion.

The Wild Geese Foundation supports organizations focused on human rights, food justice, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. With a commitment to marginalized communities, they prioritize reproductive justice and sustainable agriculture in New England. Grants are available to 501(c)3 organizations, excluding those with budgets over $5 million or involved in international projects. Their mission emphasizes the importance of fostering environments where youth can thrive, ensuring a just and equitable society for all.

The Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation provides grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in California that focus on animal protection, land conservancy, agriculture, and civic endeavors. Established in 1995, the foundation prioritizes grants for specific capital acquisitions and does not support operational costs or direct aid to individuals. Emphasizing local impact, California-based organizations are favored over out-of-state counterparts.

The WKKF Grant, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a future where every child and family thrives. With a focus on nurturing early education, accessible healthcare, and equitable food systems, this grant supports initiatives that empower communities across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Haiti. Organizations meeting IRS regulations and being legal entities, particularly 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting impacts in their communities.

Efficiency Maine Trust 

The Efficiency Maine Trust (Efficiency Maine) is the independent, quasi-state agency established to plan and implement energy efficiency programs in Maine. Through its suite of nationally recognized programs, Efficiency Maine provides consumer information, marketing support, demonstration pilots, discounts, rebates, loans, and other initiatives to promote high-efficiency equipment and operations that help Maine’s homes, businesses, and institutions reduce their energy costs and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The result is job growth, better grid reliability, improved energy independence, a stronger local economy, and progress toward meeting the State’s climate change goals. Efficiency Maine is governed by a Board of Trustees with oversight from the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Custom Program

The C&I Custom Program incentivizes tailored energy efficiency and distributed generation projects that require site-specific engineering analyses and/or projects with energy conservation measures that are not otherwise covered by the C&I Prescriptive Program incentives.

Examples of customers who have participated in the C&I Custom Program include hospitals, manufacturers, universities, commercial bakeries, food processors, office complexes, and data centers.

The C&I Custom Program includes: 1) Custom Efficiency Projects; 2) Custom Distributed Generation Projects; 3) Energy Storage System Projects; 4) Compressed Air Leak Surveys; 5) Technical Assistance; 6) School Decarbonization Technical Assistance; 7) Scoping Audits 

School Decarbonization Technical Assistance

To assist schools as they plan, design, and procure new construction projects or energy upgrades, Efficiency Maine offers a financial incentive for qualifying professional services directly related to complex energy projects. Eligible projects must result in reduced carbon emissions. Efficiency Maine may provide up to 50%, not to exceed $20,000, toward the cost of approved Technical Assistance (TA) studies.

 Only professional services provided by an engineering or legal firm from the Approved TA Provider List will be eligible for a TA Incentive.

 Note: Projects receiving funding through the School Decarbonization Technical Assistance program may not also receive funding from the standard Technical Assistance program.

The NACD Technical Assistance Grants program, in partnership with NRCS, has been enhancing conservation district support since 2018. By funding staff hires, it aims to improve service for agricultural producers and address conservation workload challenges. The initiative focuses on outreach, education, and civic engagement to empower local communities, promote sustainability, and support historically underserved producers in implementing conservation practices, thereby fostering both individual and community resilience.

The Community Investment Grant Program by United Way of Kennebec Valley provides essential funding to support local programs that enhance health, education, and financial stability in Kennebec County. The initiative emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion while aligning with the Impact2032 Vision Statements. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and municipal entities, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $50,000. This program aims to address community disparities and foster collaboration among diverse groups through targeted funding efforts.

The Kosciuszko Foundation offers Tuition Scholarships for American students of Polish descent pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. Scholarships can provide up to $12,000 for full-time studies, including master's and Ph.D. programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with Polish heritage and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program aims to foster educational exchanges and cultural understanding between the U.S. and Poland, supporting various fields of study.

The Levin Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofits focused on critical issues in Montgomery County, Ohio, such as the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, anti-bullying, and suicide prevention. Established in 1996, the foundation has invested over $12 million globally, emphasizing projects that align with its mission. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. Priority is given to initiatives in the Greater Dayton Area, fostering positive community impact.

The Patricia D. Klingenstein Grants Program, established by the Sadie & Harry Davis Foundation, offers funding between $5,000 and $25,000 to support organizations addressing the health needs of Maine’s children, particularly those from low-income and under-resourced communities. Projects should enhance physical, mental, and social well-being, with a 12-month project period. The program emphasizes support for organizations with annual budgets under $5 million, fostering equity for diverse populations.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

The Arts Education and Public Engagement Grants by The Onion Foundation support organizations in Maine with budgets up to $50,000. These grants focus on enhancing arts education and public engagement, prioritizing programs that serve rural communities and address systemic inequities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units. Funding is available for general operating support and project grants, aimed at fostering creativity and community connection through arts initiatives.

Lilly Foundation

To extend Lilly’s charitable reach and impact, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation) was established in 1968 and is supported by donations from Eli Lilly and Company.

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation supporting programs that align with its philanthropic priorities.

Grantmaking Approach

The Lilly Foundation’s work is guided by a charitable vision of a world where every person has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. Through grantmaking focused on Lilly Foundation’s charitable vision, grants can serve as a catalyst for closing gaps and empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

All proposals should demonstrate clear alignment with at least one focus area and include charitable outcomes that are measurable and consistent with the Foundation’s long-term charitable goals.

Global Health, K-12 STEM Education and Economic Mobility Grant

Focus Areas

Global Health

Lilly Foundation, through its charitable grants, aims to support permissible charitable efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for resource-limited communities in low- and lower-middleincome countries (L/LMICs) and in the United States. Strengthening access to care is essential for enhancing community well-being and supporting economic stability in resource-limited settings.

The Global Health focus area aims to close gaps in quality healthcare by supporting charitable solutions that improve access, bring care closer to where people live, and address the high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in resource-limited settings. To the extent permissible, the Foundation prioritizes charitable efforts related to cardiometabolic health in resource-limited settings.

K-12 STEM Education

The K-12 STEM Education focus area aims to close the gaps for students from low-income communities by supporting programs that foster new pathways and pipelines to STEM education through focused K-12 efforts, concentrating on the critical middle school years. The Foundation’s K-12 STEM Education grants are focused on initiatives that benefit Marion County, Indiana.

Economic Mobility

The Economic Mobility focus area supports charitable and educational programs that strengthen workforce readiness, postsecondary and skills-based educational pathways, and housing stability to promote long-term prosperity. This support is focused on Marion County, Indiana, with the goal of improving economic opportunity for low-income communities and advancing community well-being.

The MainStreet Foundation Quarterly Grant, initiated by Androscoggin Bank, focuses on supporting at-risk youth in Maine by funding essential programs related to food, security, shelter, and education. Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded quarterly to nonprofits that effectively address the needs of vulnerable children. By emphasizing community involvement and sustainable practices, the Foundation aims to create a supportive environment for youth development, ultimately enhancing their well-being and future prospects.

The Barr Foundation's Climate Grants program is committed to addressing climate change through equitable solutions that prioritize communities impacted by environmental injustices. With a focus on clean energy, mobility, and resilience, the program aims to foster an inclusive movement that supports diverse voices and builds capacity among organizations led by people of color. The initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare communities for climate impacts.

Ecolab Foundation

Ecolab Foundation is a philanthropic arm of Ecolab dedicated to advancing community well-being through programs that promote education, environmental stewardship, and public health. Its mission is to create positive social impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and foster sustainable development.

The foundation’s primary areas of engagement include educational programs that enhance learning and workforce readiness, environmental projects that encourage conservation and sustainability, and health-related initiatives that improve hygiene and safety. It focuses on partnerships that deliver measurable benefits and long-term impact.

Ecolab Foundation operates primarily within the United States while also supporting global initiatives aligned with its corporate responsibility goals. Its geographic scope reflects a commitment to addressing local community needs and contributing to broader sustainability efforts.

The foundation collaborates with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community-based groups. It prioritizes partnerships that demonstrate strong governance, clear objectives, and alignment with its mission of education, health, and environmental responsibility.

Ecolab Match Program

Ecolab established the Volunteer and Community Relations programs to encourage and reward Ecolab employee and alumni involvement in the communities where people live and work. There are three programs including the Board Leadership Volunteer Grant.

Board Leadership Volunteer Grant

Ecolab will donate up to $500 USD annually to a qualifying 501(c)3 organization (some restrictions apply) for which an eligible person serves on the Board of Directors. 

Focus Areas of Giving

• Youth and Education: programs that promote youth development, particularly for programs that ensure all students are successful
• Civic & Community Development: affordable housing, work readiness, crisis assistance and hunger relief
• Environment & Conservation: hands-on environmental learning programs, environment and conservation organizations
• Arts & Culture: arts education for children and youth as well as support for museums and the performing arts

The New England Grassroots Fund offers SEED Grants to support community-driven projects in New England, particularly those initiated by groups with limited resources and experience. These grants aim to empower organizations that represent diverse voices in their communities and focus on local environmental issues. Eligible applicants include grassroots organizations without formal tax status, emphasizing the fund's commitment to accessible funding for innovative, grassroots solutions.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding

Please note: The Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding was formerly known as the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Transportation Enhancements, Quality Communities, and Safe Routes to School Funding programs.

General Information about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding

• This program assists with funding sidewalks, pedestrian crossing improvements, off-road transportation- related trails, downtown transportation improvements, projects that address safety and/or ADA compliance concerns, etc.
• The goal of this program is to improve transportation and safety, encourage healthful activities, and promote economic development, while improving the livability and vitality of local communities
• MaineDOT annually allocates the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program about $4 million in federal funds for this statewide program. Each project has a 10% local match requirement.
• MaineDOT is currently accepting applications for projects to be constructed 3 years out. Communities seeking construction outside of this timeline would need to contact the Program Manager to discuss this request.

MaineDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program

MaineDOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Funding was previously known as the Transportation Alternatives (TAP), Transportation Enhancements (TE), Quality Communities (QC), and Safe Routes to School (SRTS) funding programs. It is a federally-funded program to help communities improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, and to provide transportation options that relate to surface transportation under the eligible categories outlined under the FAST Act and prioritized by MaineDOT. These priorities include: 

• Safe Routes to School for non-drivers
• Pedestrian & Bicycle Facilities
• Development of Trails and Paths that Serve a Transportation Purpose

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Program principally supports locally-initiated projects that improve the community transportation environment, economic vibrancy, safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, downtown revitalization initiatives and environmental mitigation. There is a required 10% non-federal share required.

Efficiency Maine Trust 

The Efficiency Maine Trust (Efficiency Maine) is the independent, quasi-state agency established to plan and implement energy efficiency programs in Maine. Through its suite of nationally recognized programs, Efficiency Maine provides consumer information, marketing support, demonstration pilots, discounts, rebates, loans, and other initiatives to promote high-efficiency equipment and operations that help Maine’s homes, businesses, and institutions reduce their energy costs and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The result is job growth, better grid reliability, improved energy independence, a stronger local economy, and progress toward meeting the State’s climate change goals. Efficiency Maine is governed by a Board of Trustees with oversight from the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Custom Program

The C&I Custom Program incentivizes tailored energy efficiency and distributed generation projects that require site-specific engineering analyses and/or projects with energy conservation measures that are not otherwise covered by the C&I Prescriptive Program incentives.

Examples of customers who have participated in the C&I Custom Program include hospitals, manufacturers, universities, commercial bakeries, food processors, office complexes, and data centers.

The C&I Custom Program includes: 1) Custom Efficiency Projects; 2) Custom Distributed Generation Projects; 3) Energy Storage System Projects; 4) Compressed Air Leak Surveys; 5) Technical Assistance; 6) School Decarbonization Technical Assistance; 7) Scoping Audits 

Custom Efficiency Projects

Program Description

The Trust is seeking applications for energy efficiency projects with the principal goal of reducing energy use by Maine businesses and institutions through the installation of more efficient equipment. 

Maine businesses, nonprofits, institutions and governments are eligible for funding for electrical and thermal energy efficiency projects through Efficiency Maine’s Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Custom Program.

Eligible projects may include process improvements designed to improve efficiency, heat recovery and custom heat pump systems, HVAC equipment and controls, high efficiency compressed air systems, installation of VFDs on motors, chillers and pump upgrades.

Efficiency Maine Trust 

The Efficiency Maine Trust (Efficiency Maine) is the independent, quasi-state agency established to plan and implement energy efficiency programs in Maine. Through its suite of nationally recognized programs, Efficiency Maine provides consumer information, marketing support, demonstration pilots, discounts, rebates, loans, and other initiatives to promote high-efficiency equipment and operations that help Maine’s homes, businesses, and institutions reduce their energy costs and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The result is job growth, better grid reliability, improved energy independence, a stronger local economy, and progress toward meeting the State’s climate change goals. Efficiency Maine is governed by a Board of Trustees with oversight from the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Custom Program

The C&I Custom Program incentivizes tailored energy efficiency and distributed generation projects that require site-specific engineering analyses and/or projects with energy conservation measures that are not otherwise covered by the C&I Prescriptive Program incentives.

Examples of customers who have participated in the C&I Custom Program include hospitals, manufacturers, universities, commercial bakeries, food processors, office complexes, and data centers.

The C&I Custom Program includes: 1) Custom Efficiency Projects; 2) Custom Distributed Generation Projects; 3) Energy Storage System Projects; 4) Compressed Air Leak Surveys; 5) Technical Assistance; 6) School Decarbonization Technical Assistance; 7) Scoping Audits 

Custom Distributed Generation Projects

Program Description

The Trust is seeking applications for DG projects with the principal goal of reducing grid-supplied kilowatt hour (kWh) consumption from businesses that use electricity delivered through Maine’s electrical grid.

Maine businesses, nonprofits, institutions and governments are eligible for funding for distributed generation projects through Efficiency Maine’s Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Custom Program. Distributed generation projects are behind-the-meter generation projects that reduce the consumption of grid-supplied electricity and meet Efficiency Maine’s cost-benefit analysis.

Combined heat & power (CHP) projects are the most common type of distributed generation project completed through the C&I Custom Program.

Efficiency Maine Trust 

The Efficiency Maine Trust (Efficiency Maine) is the independent, quasi-state agency established to plan and implement energy efficiency programs in Maine. Through its suite of nationally recognized programs, Efficiency Maine provides consumer information, marketing support, demonstration pilots, discounts, rebates, loans, and other initiatives to promote high-efficiency equipment and operations that help Maine’s homes, businesses, and institutions reduce their energy costs and lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The result is job growth, better grid reliability, improved energy independence, a stronger local economy, and progress toward meeting the State’s climate change goals. Efficiency Maine is governed by a Board of Trustees with oversight from the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Custom Program

The C&I Custom Program incentivizes tailored energy efficiency and distributed generation projects that require site-specific engineering analyses and/or projects with energy conservation measures that are not otherwise covered by the C&I Prescriptive Program incentives.

Examples of customers who have participated in the C&I Custom Program include hospitals, manufacturers, universities, commercial bakeries, food processors, office complexes, and data centers.

The C&I Custom Program includes: 1) Custom Efficiency Projects; 2) Custom Distributed Generation Projects; 3) Energy Storage System Projects; 4) Compressed Air Leak Surveys; 5) Technical Assistance; 6) School Decarbonization Technical Assistance; 7) Scoping Audits 

Energy Storage System Projects

Program Description

The Trust is seeking applications from customers with demand meters to install and dispatch energy storage during ISO-New England peak summer load conditions. The Trust will require participants awarded under this PON to remain active in the program for a minimum of 5-years. 

Efficiency Maine’s Energy Storage System (ESS) Program Opportunity Notice (PON) offers performance based incentives for the deployment of energy storage systems during summer peak demand conditions.

All demand metered customers (commercial, nonprofits, institutions and government) are eligible to participate.

The Nourishment Focus Area Grant by the Quimby Family Foundation supports Maine-based nonprofits that promote human wholeness through community engagement and education in regional, plant-based food choices. Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000, with a focus on empowering people to choose healthier, sustainable food options. The foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating community-rooted values and aims to address disparities in access to nutritious foods.

The Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation supports charitable organizations focused on basic provisions for underserved populations, humane care of animals, health care services, public media, and environmental initiatives. The foundation prioritizes organizations in Boothbay Harbor, Southport, and Brunswick, and encourages requests for general operating support, program support, and capital projects, while maintaining a focus on the impact of their services.