Best Higher Education Grants in Maine

The Public Higher Education Impact Award, offered by the Maine Education Association, recognizes individuals or groups that have significantly improved public higher education in Maine through advocacy and community leadership. This award honors those who support faculty and staff in their efforts to provide quality education. The MEA is committed to ensuring equity and empowering educators, making this award a vital acknowledgment of dedication and impact in the educational landscape.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in higher education, adult and vocational education, or health and mental health programs, including those in Maine, can apply for grants from L B Research and Education Foundation. Awards of US $10,000 - US $75,000 support expansion of proven programs addressing opportunity gaps for underserved populations.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Ronald P. Guerrette FFA Scholarship Fund, established in 1998 by friends and family, honors Ronald P. Guerrette of Caribou. This fund awards a $1,000 scholarship annually to graduating high school seniors in Maine who are FFA members and are committed to pursuing careers in farming or agriculture-related fields. The Maine Community Foundation, founded in 1983, supports this initiative by providing resources for educational opportunities across the state.

The Rice Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation in 1996, offers scholarships to students who have spent significant time on Maine's offshore islands and are pursuing higher education. This fund supports residents from both offshore and bridged islands, encouraging them to further their education at accredited institutions. Selection is based on financial need and commitment to community service, ensuring support for deserving students in Maine.

Maine adult learners pursuing higher education or training can access funding for one semester of post-secondary study, including degrees, certificates, or structured self-directed learning. Maine higher education students, especially nontraditional residents of Dexter and prior Plouff recipients, may be eligible for renewable support from Maine Community Foundation when demonstrating financial need and a plan to stay in the state.

Maine adult learners pursuing higher education or vocational and trade programs can receive scholarship support for one semester of study, with renewals possible. Focused on higher education, Maine Community Foundation invites Maine nontraditional students, including those in technical, certificate, or community college programs, to apply through its Adult Learner Scholarship application process.

Independent colleges and universities in Maine with 1,000+ full-time traditional undergraduates and no more than 5,000 total FTE students can seek capital funding for undergraduate academic facilities and equipment. George I Alden Trust supports projects like classrooms, labs, libraries, auditoriums, and learning centers that enhance undergraduate teaching and student intellectual growth.

The Patriot Education Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, supports Maine high school graduates pursuing a business degree in Maine. Launched in 2007, this scholarship aims to assist students enrolled part-time or full-time in accredited institutions. With a preference for candidates interested in the insurance profession, it embodies the spirit of community support and investment in education, providing vital financial assistance to help students achieve their academic goals.

The Marion Joy Morse Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to individuals pursuing education in medical fields. Eligible applicants must have been born on Mount Desert Island or attended a school there. This scholarship can be renewed at the discretion of the Advisory Committee. Since 1984, the foundation has awarded over $3 million annually through nearly 700 scholarship funds, supporting Maine residents in their educational endeavors.

The Lydia R. Laurendeau Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation in 2013, offers renewable scholarships to young women from Maine pursuing degrees in science or engineering at four-year universities. This initiative supports female graduates aiming for careers in these fields, emphasizing the importance of education and community investment. Preference is given to applicants with Franco-American heritage, promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM education.

The K. William Wiseman Engineering Scholarship, established by the Maine Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Maine high schools pursuing engineering degrees at accredited colleges or universities. This renewable scholarship fund is part of the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, providing financial assistance to students in need. Since its inception in 1983, the Maine Community Foundation has awarded over $3 million annually through nearly 700 scholarship funds, fostering educational growth and community leadership in Maine.

The Joseph W. Mayo ALS Scholarship Fund, established by friends of Mr. Mayo, supports students who are children or caregivers of ALS patients. Funded by the Maine Community Foundation, it aims to assist Maine residents pursuing higher education, including colleges and technical schools. With a commitment to education, this scholarship honors Mr. Mayo's legacy as a public servant and aims to empower future generations through financial assistance.

Adult learners and other Maine residents pursuing higher education or career and technical programs can receive scholarship support for accredited institutions through the Bruce Scholarship Fund. Grants from Maine Community Foundation help Maine higher education students, especially adult learners, with tuition and related educational costs in line with its Access to Education goal.

The Guy P. Gannett Scholarship Fund, established in 2000 by the Guy P. Gannett Foundation, supports Maine students pursuing journalism or related fields. This renewable scholarship emphasizes academic achievement and a strong commitment to journalism. Recipients, who must be Maine high school graduates or home-schooled in Maine, are encouraged to apply for renewal throughout their education, showcasing their dedication to the profession through coursework and extracurricular activities.

Maine adults pursuing higher education or career certificates at accredited post-secondary institutions in Maine can access tuition assistance through the Adult College Completion Fund. Maine Community Foundation supports both short-term credential programs and longer-term one- to four-year degree or certificate programs, helping adult learners complete their education goals in Maine.

Maine high school senior girls planning to study engineering or engineering technology at an accredited college can receive more than US $1,000 to support their higher education in Maine. The Society of Women Engineers’ Maine Section selects recipients to encourage women to enter engineering fields and promote SWE involvement.

The Annette M. Brown Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, offers financial support to Androscoggin County residents pursuing post-secondary education. Founded in 1983, it honors Annette M. Brown, a teacher who bequeathed $16,000 for needy students in her will. Preference is given to first-generation college applicants and those attending accredited colleges in Androscoggin County. Each year, the fund helps numerous students achieve their educational goals.

Booth Ferris Foundation provides Maine higher education institutions with capacity-building support for colleges and universities in New York that meet its guidelines. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public higher education institutions in New York State with annual budgets over $1 million. Grants range from US $50,000 - US $200,000.

The Sawyer Scholarship Fund, established in 1988 by the Maine Community Foundation, supports the sons, daughters, and spouses of Casella-Maine employees pursuing vocational training or higher education. With over $3 million awarded annually through nearly 700 scholarship funds, this initiative exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to education. Eligible recipients can use the funds for various educational expenses, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their academic pursuits.

The Corporal Eugene Cole Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation in 2019, honors the legacy of Eugene Cole by supporting Maine residents pursuing post-graduate studies in law enforcement. This scholarship aims to assist individuals seeking careers such as police officers, forensic specialists, and cybercrime analysts, among others. The Maine Community Foundation has a long history of providing educational support, awarding over $3 million annually across nearly 700 scholarship funds.

Cherokee Nation citizens pursuing higher education at colleges or universities in Maine and other New England states can receive a one-year Clarkson Family Scholarship for tuition support. Offered by Cherokee Nation Foundation, this scholarship is open to full-time students or graduating seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA attending eligible institutions.

Maine-based organizations supporting higher education and related community initiatives can apply for Betterment Fund grants of US $10,000 - US $35,000. Funding focuses on broad educational policy, adult and arts education, and higher education aspirations, with a preference for systemic, community-driven efforts benefiting residents, especially in Western and rural Maine counties.

Maine higher education students in their second, third, or fourth year of nursing school who demonstrate financial need can receive renewable scholarship support through the James Foley Scholarship Fund. Maine Community Foundation gives preference to adult learners, Washington County residents, and those maintaining at least a B average at accredited postsecondary institutions.

The ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship offers a one-year award for undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students attending institutions in ASHRAE Region I or those who graduated from high schools in the area. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific program criteria, promoting excellence in HVAC&R education. This scholarship supports future leaders in the field, ensuring a sustainable built environment.

Adult learners in Maine pursuing higher education or post-secondary training can receive support for tuition and related costs through the William Bingham 2nd Scholarship for Adult Learners Fund. Maine Community Foundation provides Maine higher education students, especially nontraditional residents of Oxford, Franklin, and Somerset counties, with renewable scholarships for colleges, universities, certificate programs, and technical or professional training.

Students, preservation volunteers, and practicing professionals pursuing historic preservation or allied higher-education fields in Maine can receive scholarship support for studies and professional development. With a mission to strengthen education, Maine Community Foundation provides Maine higher education communities with funding for tuition, conferences, study travel, and related historic preservation learning expenses through the Keepers Preservation Education Fund.