Best Human Rights Grants in Maine

Nonprofit organizations in Maine that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary support. Programs with clear community need, measurable outcomes, and strong collaboration may be competitive, and human rights or social justice initiatives serving children and families may be eligible.

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 children’s health, education, development, and welfare can seek up to US $15,000 for youth-focused programs, including in Maine. The Dan Paul Foundation supports initiatives such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental responsibility, and related workshops, scholarships, and scientific endeavors that benefit young people worldwide.

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling social justice, human rights, or other major social and environmental challenges can access funding to scale their solutions. Focused on bold, scalable impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation offers up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support for organizations, including those serving communities in Maine.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants up to US $100,000 in Maine and worldwide. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities, including those advancing social justice and human rights, develop innovative, scalable solutions.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for low-income urban youth in Maine may be eligible for more than US $50,000 in project or scaling support. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports social enterprises and nonprofits in the U.S., India, and South Africa that advance opportunities for children and families in poverty.

Nonprofit charities managing humanitarian, educational, environmental, or cultural projects can seek funding for innovative community programs, science education, disaster relief, and contemporary arts initiatives in Maine and worldwide. Grants from La Roche help organizations that promote sustainable development and can actively partner with local Roche affiliates where programs operate.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs that operate in the U.S. may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help Maine social justice and human rights organizations, among others, expand well-managed services that significantly benefit their target populations and the broader community.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maine working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or diversity programs can seek sponsorship support for community-focused initiatives. Bank of America Foundation sponsorships may benefit organizations advancing social justice or human rights through neighborhood preservation, supportive housing, hunger relief, and inclusive community programming.

Employers, municipalities, nonprofits, human service organizations, and public or private transportation providers in Maine can receive up to US $750,000 to launch or expand workforce transportation pilot projects, especially in rural areas. The Maine Department of Transportation funds capital, operating, and start-up costs for initiatives connecting workers to jobs in sectors hit hard by COVID-19, which may benefit social justice and human rights efforts.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, faith institutions, and Maine public entities serving Cumberland or York Counties can apply for Sam L. Cohen Foundation grants up to US $50,000 to support programs or operations. Organizations advancing social justice, human rights, immigrant and refugee services, and related community well-being in Maine may benefit.

With a mission to support life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Hansen Family Foundation provides Maine and other U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $10,000 for children, education, humanitarian aid, and related causes. Organizations with human rights or social justice programming may be eligible if they meet size and overhead limits.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in Maine can seek funding to tell powerful stories about their preservation, education, or wellness work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports storytelling projects that highlight impact in areas like environmental conservation, historic preservation, early childhood education, mental health, and community wellness; awards are more than US $50,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peace-focused initiatives in Maine can seek support for their programs through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This private foundation funds charitable projects that respect people, the environment, and life, and Maine human rights and social justice efforts may be eligible.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Maine seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for Lawrence Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help U.S.-headquartered groups with general operating or project needs, and human rights or social justice programs may be eligible when aligned with its priorities.

Local education associations in Maine can receive funding to lead human, civil rights, and social justice initiatives in their schools and communities. Maine Education Association grants up to US $1,000 for speakers, materials, space rental, or equipment for projects that advance public education equity and human rights-focused leadership among educators and students.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maine nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with support for programs like hunger relief, shelters, housing, job readiness, and cultural enrichment. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations showing measurable outcomes and financial stability, especially those engaging Ameriprise volunteers, may be eligible.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Individuals, students, and student or educator groups promoting human and civil rights in Maine can receive recognition and support for their work through this award. Maine Education Association honors efforts that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination in schools and communities, including programs fostering tolerance, improving human relations, and protecting civil rights.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine serving youth and families through education, housing, hunger relief, or environmental programs can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000. U.S.-based nonprofits and equivalent charities in select countries may be recognized for impactful, community-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Maine with strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing collaborations that address significant social issues. Six U.S. nonprofits are honored annually for exemplary cross-sector partnerships, which can include social justice and human rights initiatives that measurably improve lives and communities.

Grants for smaller nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those focused on social justice and human rights, are available in Maine and worldwide. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation support 501(c)(3) entities or qualifying foreign organizations with revenues of $300,000 to $3,000,000, offering US $5,000 - US $250,000 for humanitarian, poverty, disability, and disaster relief work.