Best Human and Social Service Grants in Maine

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through human and social services in Maine and beyond can seek funding for programs advancing children’s health, education, development, and welfare. The Dan Paul Foundation offers up to US $15,000 for initiatives such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, early childhood development, and related environmental education.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges can access funding and support from the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, including in Maine. Focused on scalable solutions for underserved communities, awards up to US $300,000 over three years combine capital with intensive capacity-building and peer community connections.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Grants to 501(c)(3) organizations supporting charitable, educational, scientific, or medical work in Maine can fund programs serving broad community needs within the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help human and social service nonprofits that are tax-exempt under federal and, when applicable, California law strengthen services and general welfare impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine working on human and social services such as housing, hunger, workforce development, and community development may be eligible for sponsorship support. Bank of America Charitable Foundation also considers projects in arts and culture, environment, sports, and diversity and inclusion that strengthen low- and moderate-income communities.

With a mission to strengthen human and social services, Town Fair Tire Foundation provides Maine nonprofits with flexible support for community-based programs addressing poverty, health, education, and quality of life. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may receive general operating, program, capital, or endowment funding, with a primary emphasis on New England communities and families in need.

Employers, municipalities, nonprofits, human service organizations, and transportation providers in Maine can obtain grants to launch or expand workforce transportation pilot projects, especially in rural areas. The Maine Department of Transportation funds capital, operating, and start-up costs, with awards up to US $750,000, to connect workers in key industries to employment opportunities.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, faith institutions, and public entities in Maine can apply for Sam L. Cohen Foundation grants of up to US $50,000 to support human and social services, including health, food security, and related programs. Organizations serving Cumberland or York Counties, or the broader state, may request support for programs, operations, or capital needs.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Human and social service organizations in Maine addressing basic human needs, health, education, or arts access may be eligible for this funding. Focused on environment, health and welfare, arts and culture, education, and churches, the Adelard and Valeda Roy Foundation offers US $2,500 - US $10,000, prioritizing immigrants, refugees, Indigenous communities, low-income youth, and the elderly.

Human and social service nonprofits working on education, health care access, food security, or affordable housing in Maine may be eligible for support from the Elizabeth M Pfriem Foundation. Focused on improving the human condition, it invites fiscally responsible 501(c)(3) public charities, especially those serving vulnerable children and families, to submit letters of inquiry.

501(c)(3) human and social service organizations serving communities south of the Mason-Dixon line can seek single-year program funding for poverty relief, children and family services, disaster relief, education, health, and related needs. Robinson Foundation supports Southern U.S. nonprofits with more than three years of activity; Maine-focused programs may be eligible only if they primarily serve this Southern region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Maine can seek support for their charitable programs. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit human and social service initiatives addressing community needs and quality of life.

Maine human and social service nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities can seek funding for education, community enrichment, entrepreneurship, and environmental programs that serve communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Focused on strengthening local well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites applicants located within 30 miles of a qualifying manufacturing community to apply.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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 physical activity and outdoor access projects. Programs that build trails, expand outdoor recreation, reduce access barriers, or foster equitable, health-focused community engagement may be eligible.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in Maine, can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support human and social services such as community programs, youth and senior services, disability services, and health facilities. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation also considers museums, cultural arts, education, environmental, wildlife, and other community-based initiatives.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Maine human and social service nonprofits can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for programs in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental projects. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three years of financial activity may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project-focused support.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, schools, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups can apply for US $10,000 - US $75,000 to support companion animal welfare and related human services. Grants from Elmina B. Sewall Foundation help organizations provide humane sheltering, keep pets with families, expand affordable veterinary care, and humanely control cat and dog populations.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, schools, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups in Maine can seek funding for rural community and human service initiatives, with awards from US $10,000 - US $200,000. The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation supports collaborative efforts in areas like housing, health, workforce, and systems change, especially in the Katahdin Region and Washington County.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing human and social services—such as economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief—in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates, including Maine, may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports programs improving quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families.

Human and social service nonprofits in Maine working with youth, families, housing, food insecurity, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalent public charities in Canada, the United Kingdom, or Singapore.

Nonprofit organizations in Maine with strong, replicable partnerships that address significant social issues can apply for the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award. This national U.S. competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners that measurably improve lives and communities, which may include human and social service programs in Maine.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.