Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in Maine

Maine nonprofit and community-based organizations can seek Betterment Fund support for education, health, conservation, community revitalization, and cross-sector economic development initiatives. Betterment Fund provides Maine groups with US $10,000 - US $35,000, favoring systemic, community-driven projects, especially in Western Mountains and other rural areas, which may include eligible solar or clean-energy components within broader community or conservation efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can access funding through McGraw Foundation; awards US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operating, projects, or occasional capital needs. While grants generally favor the greater Chicago area, Maine nonprofits with relevant programs may be eligible.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine offers vital financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. This program supports conservation practices to enhance soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats while combating drought and climate change. EQIP promotes sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring producers can integrate conservation into their operations effectively, ultimately fostering a healthier environment and agricultural resilience.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations working on community development, energy efficiency, outdoor recreation, education, and basic needs in Maine and nearby regions can seek large project support. New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund offers US $20,000 - US $300,000 for systems-change efforts and key community infrastructure benefiting Coös County, NH and bordering areas, including Oxford County, Maine.

Nonprofit and community organizations planning local projects in Maine and neighboring regions can seek up to US $20,000 for community development, environmental stewardship, recreation, health, education, or basic needs initiatives. Focused on rural and cross-border communities, the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund from New Hampshire Charitable Foundation may support Maine nonprofits, including those integrating solar or energy efficiency into broader projects.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental research, the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship may benefit those in Maine working on clean water and sustainability alongside solar initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation and climate-related projects in Maine can apply for grants that support both general operations and specific projects. Focused on marine and coastal resources, Island Foundation invites initiatives on climate change, renewable energy, working landscapes, environmental justice, and capacity-building that benefit coastal communities, including those most impacted by environmental harms.

Agricultural and forestry producers in Maine can receive more than US $4,000 to enhance environmental stewardship and conservation practices on working lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine supports soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through customized Conservation Stewardship Program contracts that reward both maintaining and expanding sustainable practices across entire operations.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Maine working on community development, education, workforce preparation, or financial literacy can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help improve affordable housing, homeownership, small business growth, academic success, and job readiness, which may benefit nonprofits planning or expanding solar-related projects within their broader programs.

Nonprofit charities, public education institutions, and government entities in Maine communities where Weyerhaeuser operates can seek funding for community programs, including environmental stewardship and green energy efforts. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports projects across areas like education, affordable housing, human services, and environmental conservation, with awards of more than US $1,000 for eligible local initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Maine supporting women, children, and family self-sufficiency can apply for Father's Table Foundation grants of up to US $750,000 for programs like homelessness services, education, employment assistance, and humanitarian aid. Projects that build long-term resilience and sustainability, including those that may integrate solar or energy-related components into broader services, may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine working in health and human services, homeless shelters, dental care, food security, or youth and family services can apply for Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants of US $1,000 - US $7,500. Grants may help Maine nonprofits strengthen operations or free up resources for projects like solar panel installations.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Maine conducting small-scale biomedical research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health; awards up to US $375,000 support research projects and enhance campus research environments. Colleges and universities that grant baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH support may be eligible, including those exploring health-related aspects of energy or facilities planning.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing economic mobility or affordable housing can access funding through Bank Of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Grants pair flexible capacity-building support with a two-year leadership development program for the CEO and an emerging leader. Eligible organizations must serve designated Bank of America markets and meet revenue and stability requirements.

Early-career medical and health researchers at eligible low- or middle-income country institutions, including those studying cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, mental health, or environmental health issues, can access funding for mentored career development and independent clinical trials. Grants from the National Institutes of Health support three- to five-year research careers that may benefit nonprofits collaborating on global health initiatives in Maine.

Early-career health researchers in low- or middle-income countries with junior faculty appointments can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health, with approximately US $140,000 to support mentored research and career development. Maine-based nonprofits partnering with eligible LMIC investigators on health-related projects may benefit from this opportunity.

Focused on education and youth programs, this grant invites Maine 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for US $5,000 - US $20,000 to expand learning opportunities and related services. The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust also considers community initiatives, arts and culture, and select environmental or historic preservation projects, which may include educational components tied to energy or sustainability efforts.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine can apply for Ensign-Bickford Industries’ Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant, which offers up to US $5,000 for education, environmental, health, arts, and community programs. Maine nonprofits pursuing projects like environmental conservation or community improvement, including those integrating solar or sustainability efforts, may be strong candidates.

Maine 501(c)(3) public charities, fiscally sponsored projects, and governmental units can seek up to US $60,000 for arts education and public engagement work benefiting Maine residents. The Onion Foundation offers general operating or project grants, prioritizing equitable, multicultural programming, underrepresented artists and audiences, and strong, ongoing community arts experiences across the state.

Maine conservation and outdoor recreation organizations can seek funding for wildlife, habitat, public lands, and natural resource projects through the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, administered by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Grants may benefit nonprofits in Maine whose solar or energy projects support natural resource conservation, outdoor recreation facilities, or related public access improvements.

Organizations planning medical or scientific congresses, events, or initiatives in Maine can seek sponsorship funding to support program costs in exchange for tangible benefits like exhibits, banners, or recognition. Biogen Foundation considers a wide range of disease areas, so Maine nonprofits hosting health-related events may be eligible if they offer reasonable, market-consistent sponsorship opportunities.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, established in 1988, focuses on enhancing community connections through arts, culture, and environmental initiatives in Maine. The Trust supports projects that foster creative expression, promote historic preservation, and encourage environmental stewardship. Grant applicants can seek up to $20,000 for operating support or specific projects that align with these priorities. The Foundation emphasizes equitable access and community representation in its funding decisions.

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.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Andrew Mitchell Memorial Scholarship supports Maine residents pursuing vocational or technical education, including community college programs. This scholarship is aimed at nontraditional students who face unique challenges in continuing their education. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, such as being over 25 or financially independent. The fund encourages applicants to utilize college preparation resources and demonstrates a commitment to remain in Maine after their studies. This scholarship honors Andrew Mitchell, a dedicated technician and outdoorsman.