Best Grants for Rural Development in Maine

Organizations supporting education, health, or family economic stability for low-income urban children and youth in Maine and other eligible areas can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds qualified nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and related entities working in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations improving education, health, conservation, and community well-being in Maine can seek project support from the Betterment Fund, with awards of US $10,000 - US $35,000. Grants favor rural and Western Mountains communities and systemic, community-driven initiatives that strengthen rural development and quality of life.

State of Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry

The key to Maine's past, present, and future quality of life and economic prosperity for its citizens is permanently linked to the condition of the State's forest resources. The Maine Forest Service works to ensure that the trees and forest lands of Maine will continue to provide benefits for present and future generations of Maine people. The Maine Forest Service does this by:

• Developing, advocating for, and promoting activities that encourage the sound long term management of Maine's forest resources.
• Protecting Maine's forest resources from the effects of fire, insects, disease and misuse.
• Providing accurate, relevant, and timely information about Maine's forest resources.

Volunteer Fire Capacity Program

The purpose of the Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program, formerly known as the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Program, is to provide Federal financial, technical, and other assistance to State Foresters and other appropriate officials to organize, train and equip fire departments in rural areas and rural communities to prevent and suppress wildfires. A rural community is defined as having 10,000 or less population.

Each year, federal funds are appropriated to assist towns with the purchase of forest fire equipment or to provide forest fire training. Grants require that towns match the grant funds dollar for dollar.

Maine rural microenterprise development organizations seeking capital and support for small business growth can access funding through the United States Department of Agriculture. This program offers up to US $500,000 in loans and grants to build rural microloan revolving funds and provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and microentrepreneurs.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Maine can receive US $2,001 - US $7,500 for public-facing humanities programs and projects such as exhibits, films, conferences, and initiatives. Maine Humanities Council prioritizes projects that deeply engage local audiences, involve topic experts, and include under-resourced rural communities through creative, participatory humanities activities.

Maine organizations improving health care access and health equity in rural communities can access funding through Maine Health Access Foundation. Grants up to US $50,000 support systems-level work in rural health, aging and older adults, behavioral health, and maternal and child health, with strong community involvement in designing and evaluating improvements.

Maine-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or those with a fiscal sponsor, can apply for Quimby Family Foundation’s Movement Focus Area Grant, awarding US $2,000 - US $20,000 for nature-based movement and outdoor access projects. Rural development organizations improving trails, parks, active transportation, or equitable access to nearby nature in Maine may be eligible.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and governmental units can seek funding to expand equitable outdoor access and environmental engagement, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $30,000. The Onion Foundation supports efforts that eliminate barriers for underrepresented residents, strengthen land trusts and watershed groups, and may benefit rural development initiatives across Maine.

Rural Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, schools, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups can seek funding for collaborative rural development and health initiatives, including housing, broadband, workforce, and community planning. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation supports partnerships in regions like Katahdin and Washington County, offering US $10,000 - US $200,000 for organizational and multi-organization efforts.

Rural economic and community development organizations in Maine can use this program to fund infrastructure, workforce, and community revitalization projects. Grants from Northern Border Regional Commission help Maine rural development efforts modernize water and wastewater systems, upgrade transportation, expand workforce training, and support outdoor recreation, childcare, and healthcare facilities in eligible northern and rural counties.

Department of Business and Economic Affairs

The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is the premier resource for businesses considering expansion in, or relocation to, New Hampshire, as well as people seeking a home in a place where they can balance their careers amid the natural beauty it offers.

Dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the state and promoting it as a destination for domestic and international visitors, BEA is comprised of the Division of Economic Development, Division of Planning & Community Development, and the Division of Travel and Tourism Development.

Within these divisions are programs that support BEA’s mission to keep the state’s economy strong and competitive, from international trade and government procurement to workforce development and municipal planning.

About NBRC

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a partnership between the federal government and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC targets resources to promote economic growth strategies and projects in designated counties within its member states. 

Mission Statement: The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in the northern border region with flexible funding and strategic support.

Forest Economy Grant Program

The Forest Economy Program, administered by the Northern Border Regional Commission, makes awards in the form of Grant Agreements. The program stimulates economic growth in the forest-based industries, including new technologies and viable business models, across the NBRC four-state region in alignment with state economic development plans and forest economy initiatives. 

NBRC's Forest Economy Program (FEP) is designed to support state-identified development plans for the regional forest economy and to assist in the industry’s evolution to include new technologies and viable business models.

Forest Economy Program Priorities  

Successful projects support a broad range of initiatives such as, but not limited to:

• Public infrastructure projects that directly support the forest industry;  
• Community development projects that support the diversified use of forest for economic activity;  
• Workforce training and development projects for the purpose of building the skills and recruiting and retaining the workforce needed for forest businesses, and;
• Marketing, communication and education projects that are paired with a public infrastructure, community development or workforce training or development project.  
• Basic research projects will not be considered. Preference will be given to applied research and demonstration projects that demonstrate a strong connection to industry.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and governmental units can access funding for arts education and public engagement programs, including general operating or project support. The Onion Foundation offers multiyear grants up to US $22,500, with priority for rural communities and equity-focused initiatives serving historically marginalized residents across Maine.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on education, healthcare, or housing projects in Maine can apply for grants of US $500 - US $15,000 from the Raymond J and Mary C Reisert Foundation. With a mission to improve neighbors’ lives, this fund supports rural development efforts in central Maine communities through one-year and occasional multi-year awards.

Rural municipalities, tribal or county governments, nonprofits, and planning or university partners in Maine can seek support for community design challenges through the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design. Focused on rural development, this U.S.-wide program offers up to US $6,000 stipends, technical assistance, and design learning opportunities for communities of 50,000 people or fewer.

Maine 501(c)(3) charities, fiscally sponsored projects, and governmental units can seek funding to deliver science-based nature learning programs for youth, especially in rural communities. Grants from The Onion Foundation help Maine organizations expand high-quality environmental education and overnight outdoor learning experiences that benefit residents and strengthen rural development across the state.

Nonprofit organizations and social enterprises developing community-centered internet connectivity solutions in Maine can apply for the Internet Society Foundation’s Community-Centered Connectivity Catalyst Track, with awards up to US $50,000. Projects should expand affordable, reliable access and digital literacy for digitally excluded rural communities, with preference for work serving refugees, Indigenous communities, and women and girls.

Maine rural development organizations focused on expanding internet access can access funding through the Internet Society Foundation’s Community-Centered Connectivity Scaling Track. Eligible nonprofits and social enterprises with prior experience managing at least US $50,000 grants may receive up to US $200,000 to scale proven connectivity solutions, especially for refugees, displaced communities, Indigenous communities, and women and girls.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit and public entities in rural Maine can access funding to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants, with awards from US $10,000 - US $500,000. Grants support enterprise and opportunity projects like business counseling, incubators, revolving loan funds, and community economic development.

Maine Department of Education

The Maine Department of Education, in collaboration with educators, schools, districts, and communities statewide, strives to provide all Maine students access to educational experiences — PreK through adult — that lead to their success in life and career. With students at the center of every decision, the department's goal is to promote educational experiences that engage and challenge every student through individualized learning opportunities that enhance achievement.

Maine Healthcare Careers Exploration Program

The Maine Department of Education, in conjunction with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) from eligible organizations for the Maine Healthcare Careers Exploration Program. The program seeks to build sustainable career pipeline programming to support Maine youth in grades 9-12 in exploring healthcare occupation opportunities, acquiring foundational skills, and creating meaningful connections to healthcare professionals and employers, and to provide relevant high school instruction, postsecondary enrollment, and workforce development opportunities in Maine.

Funding for this opportunity is made available through Maine’s federal Rural Health Transformation Program award, administered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Consistent with federal RHTP funding requirements, eligibility for this opportunity is focused on rural schools and students, as defined under the program. To learn more, visit Maine’s Rural Health Transformation Program webpage.

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

BIPOC-led arts organizations and arts-based programs in Maine serving rural communities and/or BIPOC people can apply for Maine Community Foundation’s Maine Expansion Arts – BIPOC grants, with awards up to US $10,000 for general operating or project support. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, public agencies, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups expanding arts access.

Maine rural development and arts organizations with budgets under $250,000 can seek funding for general operating support or arts-based projects that expand access to the arts in rural communities. Maine Community Foundation provides Maine groups, municipalities, public agencies, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored projects with up to US $10,000, including limited indirect costs.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural Maine can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities funding to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. Support includes grants and low-interest loans for projects such as health care, public safety, community centers, and local food system infrastructure in eligible rural areas.

Rurally located public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in Maine can use these grants to prepare for or recover from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites eligible communities to fund waterline extensions, repairs, or new water sources and treatment facilities, with awards up to US $1,000,000.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Maine can seek funding for arts, culture, historic preservation, and environmental initiatives that strengthen community connections and sense of place. Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust offers up to US $20,000 for operating or project support, including rural cultural facilities, outdoor equity, land and water conservation, and nature-based education that may benefit rural development efforts.

New England Foundation For The Arts

Our work at NEFA is simple: to cultivate and promote the arts in New England and beyond. Our programs support artists across many forms of expression and many geographies, connecting them with collaborators and communities, fueling creative exchange and public discourse, and strengthening the arts and culture ecosystem.

Each program and project brought to life at NEFA builds a stronger and more dynamic infrastructure for the arts. Through grants, convenings, and online tools, NEFA continues an almost 50 year history of pioneering partnerships and programs supporting the arts.

Public Art Learning Fund

The Public Art Learning Fund aims to strengthen the field of public art in New England by providing professional development support directly to artists.

The Public Art Learning Fund provides grants to support professional development opportunities for New England artists to strengthen their public art practices. Through the Public Art Learning Fund, NEFA intends to foster the continued development of more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces and public life throughout New England.

Artists may utilize the Public Art Learning Fund to: pursue a specific professional development opportunity to strengthen their own public art practice in New England and beyond. Examples may include but are not limited to attending a conference, workshop, training, or discussion related to building creative or administrative skills related to their public art practice. 

Program Values & Goals

NEFA’s Public Art programs acknowledge the necessity of addressing the intersectionality of spatial justice and racial justice in cultivating a more vibrant and equitable public art ecosystem.  

The Public Art Learning Fund aims to strengthen the public art field in the region by supporting artists in further developing the skills, resources, and connections they need to build a more vibrant and equitable community of practice in the region. Learning in partnership with grantees, NEFA strives to learn how we may be able to better support a more equitable and sustainable public art ecosystem throughout the region. 

Funding Priorities

Public Art Learning Fund equips artists with skills, resources, and connections to strengthen public art practices that contribute to more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces and public life throughout New England. 

The Public Art Learning Fund gives priority to timely opportunities that are: 

• Specifically expanding an artist’s public art practice. NEFA will look for clarity on desired learnings and application to artist’s public art practice.
• Equitably contributing to more just and inclusive public artmaking in the region. Artists at various stages in their public artmaking practice from urban, suburban, and rural communities across all six states in New England are welcome to apply.

NEFA values diverse cultural and artistic expressions as essential to more equitable and vibrant public spaces and recognizes that some artists may experience barriers to accessing professional development opportunities due to race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, class, age, and geography. The Public Art Learning Fund intends to prioritize equity in funding opportunities.