Best Job Creation Grants in Maine

Maine 501(c)(3) public charities can seek funding for programs in areas such as job creation, economic development, youth services, education, and related community benefits. Through the Libra Foundation, eligible organizations may receive up to US $25,000 for projects carried out exclusively in Maine that enrich communities and improve quality of life.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Maine working on job creation, workforce readiness, and community development can access funding from KeyBank Foundation, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants support small business growth, employment services, financial literacy, and education-to-career pathways that build economically self-sufficient families and thriving local economies.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on job creation, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank Of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program to build organizational capacity. Eligible organizations must serve designated Bank of America markets, have multi-year impact plans, and commit their CEO and an emerging leader to a two-year leadership development program.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on basic needs, job creation, and economic mobility can use this grant to support low- and moderate-income communities. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help fund programs that create income, build workforce skills, and strengthen community vitality for vulnerable residents across eligible Maine markets.

Nonprofit organizations building pathways out of poverty through job creation, workforce preparation, or related programs in Maine can seek multi-year, unrestricted support and intensive capacity-building consulting. Arbor Brothers offers US $125,000 - US $175,000 per year plus strategic, financial, data, and leadership support to second-stage 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored groups meeting its budget and staffing criteria.

Eligible 501(c) or 170(c) nonprofits in Maine working on economic and community development, job creation, workforce readiness, or related priorities can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee matching gifts program. Organizations within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations when supported by full-time associates or recent retirees, helping expand local employment and economic opportunity initiatives.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits and qualified public entities seeking to strengthen operations can receive US $25,000 - US $150,000 for strategy, staffing, and infrastructure upgrades that boost community impact. TD Charitable Foundation supports capacity building around tactics, talent, and tools, with preference for smaller organizations serving low- to moderate-income and historically underserved communities, including through job-related services.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maine focused on basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or community empowerment can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Stable Housing and Empowering Communities grants. Funding supports economic mobility efforts such as job creation, workforce development, and housing stability for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in eligible Maine communities.

The MPPEP Phase 3 program aims to enhance processing capabilities for invasive, wild-caught catfish, benefiting both processors and fishers. By increasing processing capacity and volume, the initiative seeks to create fair wages and stable job opportunities, fostering economic growth in rural areas. This grant will support innovative strategies that ensure sustainable practices and elevate incomes within the community, thus contributing to the overall development of the meat and poultry sector.

Tribal governments and Alaska Native villages in Maine can seek US $500,000 - US $2,000,000 to develop housing, community facilities, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. Grants from US HUD Office of Public and Indian Housing help fund single-purpose community development or urgent health and safety projects that may also support local job creation.

Maine nonprofits and public agencies creating volunteer-based job readiness or employment support programs can access funding through Volunteer Mississippi, with awards up to Up to US $75,000. Projects that engage adults 55+ as AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers to support workforce preparation, reduce homelessness, or strengthen families may be especially competitive.

Focused on municipal workforce development, eligible city governments in Maine and nationwide can access intensive planning support via the Georgia Municipal Association’s Municipal Workforce Learning Lab. This 8‑month program helps cities address workforce challenges, recruit and retain talent for critical local government jobs, and collaborate with education and workforce partners to strengthen job creation pipelines.

Nonprofit institutions working to create jobs and strengthen rural economies in Maine can apply for USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Rural Cooperative Development Grants, offering up to US $1,000,000 to establish and operate rural cooperative development centers. Grants help nonprofits provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned rural businesses.

Maine job creation and workforce nonprofits can access funding through H Hovnanian Family Foundation for programs in education, entrepreneurship, youth development, public health, arts, and community development. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of outcomes may receive up to US $10,000, with preference for projects creating jobs and economic benefits, especially in New Jersey.

Leaders and professionals working on U.S. job creation, economic mobility, and related equity issues, including those impacting Maine, can receive a US $5,000 stipend through the Big Bets Fellowship. Rockefeller Foundation’s five-month program builds skills in theory of change, partnership building, and storytelling to advance solutions connecting displaced workers to work and resilient local economies.

Dental students, residents, and early-career dentists in Maine focused on oral health and related employment opportunities can receive US $5,000 to attend approved leadership programs. With a mission to recognize promising oral health leaders, ADA Foundation provides funding for tuition, travel, meals, and lodging for American Management Association or ADAF-approved courses.

501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, public agencies, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups in Lewiston and Auburn can access funding from the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation for collaborative, equity-focused work in job creation and community development. Grants support efforts in workforce access, equitable municipal systems, community health and food systems, and healthy, affordable housing through a participatory local process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 in program, capital, or general support to advance job creation and related social services. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes proven initiatives in job training, job creation, economic development, and youth development that promote economic independence and strengthen families.

Mission

The Fish Family Foundation of Maine is a faith based charitable organization located in Bangor, Maine. Founded in 2007, our mission is to provide resources for many initiatives including, but not limited to, missions, education scholarships, ministries, medical research, and employment creation. The Fish Family Foundation of Maine is primarily funded by the family. However, contributions from like minded individuals and organizations is appreciated. The Fish Family Foundation of Maine has a balanced strategy of making funds available for immediate needs, while also investing to build a perpetual earning endowment ensuring the Foundation's successful future.

Missions:

We support needs of missionary organizations including sponsorships for young people who wish to attend youth group sponsored mission trips. We ordinarily make one time contributions but on occasion have made up to a three year commitment. 

Education/Scholarships:

The Foundation makes scholarships available to Colleges, Universities, and other Schools for student enrollment and expenses. We also consider new construction, existing renovation, equipment, and support material contributions.

Independent Churches and Ministries:

We accept a wide variety of requests, including, but not limited to: materials, equipment, new construction, renovations, programs, and services. 

Medical Research:

We support medical research opportunities close to our hearts and organizations that our family and friends have experienced. 

Job Creation:

We Support organizations that fund entrepreneurs in impoverished areas to start small businesses providing services and employment to the community.

Requests are considered by the trustees the first week of each month. Foundation payments are made by paper check in US dollars and are reported to the appropriate tax agencies. While we certainly wish that we could contribute to all the applications that meet our funding criteria, there are times when when available funding is limited and we are not able to contribute to some very worthy causes. If we are not in a position to help in the timeline requested, we will keep the information on file for possible consideration in the future. 

The NBRC Catalyst Program aims to stimulate economic growth in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York by funding innovative projects that address regional economic needs. It supports initiatives like modernizing public services, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and developing workforce programs. By fostering partnerships and leveraging private investments, the program seeks to alleviate economic distress and improve rural vitality, ultimately leading to job creation and sustainable community development.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

The Santander Charitable Sponsorship Program focuses on supporting low- to moderate-income communities primarily in the Northeast and Florida. With a commitment of $100 million in charitable giving, the program addresses key community development needs, including affordable housing, job creation, financial education, and disaster relief. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or be public agencies, demonstrating capacity to meet community needs. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

The Sustainable Forests and Communities Grant aims to foster environmentally and economically sustainable forest communities in the U.S., particularly where the Weyerhaeuser Family has interests. It prioritizes projects enhancing the environment, economy, and community through sustainable practices. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities operating in forested areas, focusing on integrated approaches that value forest ecosystem services. This initiative encourages local job creation, sustainable economic activities, and innovative partnerships to achieve sustainability goals.