Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Maine

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports college journalism education by awarding scholarships and grants for excellence in journalism. The 2024-2025 program offers $700,000 across various competitions in writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia, allowing each university to submit two entries per competition. Open to undergraduate journalism majors and minors, this program aims to encourage student participation and recognizes outstanding journalistic work in diverse formats.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, offers substantial support for journalism education through competitive scholarships totaling up to $700,000. This prestigious program includes various competitions covering writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia, allowing students from ACEJMC-accredited institutions to showcase their talents. Additionally, the Hearst Foundation promotes educational and charitable initiatives across the country, contributing over a billion dollars to various fields. This program encourages the next generation of journalists to excel in their craft.

The Teiger Foundation Single Project Grant supports innovative visual arts projects at non-profit exhibition spaces with annual budgets exceeding $3 million. Focused on curatorial practices, the grant encourages experimentation and creativity, aiming to drive positive structural change in contemporary art. Eligible expenses include artist fees, publication costs, and coalition-building efforts. The next Call for Proposals opens in Fall 2026, with funding of up to $150,000 available for selected projects.

The Teiger Foundation Programming Grant supports innovative visual arts projects led by curators at smaller non-profit organizations with budgets under $3.5 million. Grants of up to $150,000 are available for three years, funding development, realization, and documentation of exhibitions and related programs. The foundation emphasizes community engagement, racial justice, and artistic experimentation while encouraging collaboration with other cultural institutions. Note: The next Call for Proposals opens in Fall 2026.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

William J. Nichols Medical Scholarship

Established by the Hyde Park Rotary in honor of Mr. Nichols, income from this fund provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors living in the Hyde Park School District with plans to pursue a career in a medical field.

Type of Award

One-time non-renewable scholarship payable to school

Current High School

Franklin D. Roosevelt High School or residents in the Hyde Park School District

The Gallery Collection invites students aged 14 and older to participate in the Annual Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship contest. The winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship and have their artwork featured on a card sold by the company. This competition is open to high school, college, and university students, as well as home-schooled students, who are legal residents of the U.S. and its territories. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your talent!

The Center for Scholarship Administration

The Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA) provides corporations, foundations, trust funds, and individual philanthropists scholarship selection and administration management that is experienced, professional, and cost efficient while lending the program an integrity not inherent in internal selection committees.

Wickam, Ivie Frances scholarship

The Ivie Frances Wickam Scholarship Trust is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.

This scholarship is for one year only; however, current recipients may reapply and be considered for additional funding along with other new applicants. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time. Scholarship recipients are limited to four total years of scholarship award and are expected to have been enrolled consecutive years during that time. Students must reapply for additional scholarship awards each year.

The Tree City USA Growth Award, presented by the National Arbor Day Foundation, recognizes communities that demonstrate exceptional tree care and engagement. Eligible communities, including towns and cities, must document at least 10 points from various sustainable forestry activities to qualify. This award not only celebrates current efforts but also encourages ongoing commitment to enhancing urban green spaces, ensuring healthier and vibrant environments for future generations.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Shapoor Alexander Ghane Memorial Endowment

Shapoor Alexander Ghane was a Navy SEAL and to honor his memory this scholarship fund was established to benefit the children of Navy SEAL members who died in action. 

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Win Winogrond Memorial Scholarship

Mark Winogrond has established a scholarship in memory of his older brother, Henry “Win” Winogrond, Jr., who passed away in Clarksdale in 2014. The scholarship will help an outstanding graduate of Coahoma Community College to complete a four-year degree at a college of the recipient’s choice.

Win was a lifelong fan of the blues. In Clarksdale, he restored historic buildings as lodging for national and international travelers making pilgrimages to America’s “Home of the Blues”. Win served with distinction in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart as a decorated member of the Special Forces. He continued to assist the U.S. government throughout a long and distinguished career. He traveled to more than 300 counties. Win was buried, with an honor guard, at Arlington National Cemetery.

Our Mission

We strengthen our community for current and future generations by helping people make a difference in the lives of all.

We believe in our community’s lasting goodness. In fact, making sure our community is always a special place for us to live is why we’re here.

Scholarships

Through the generosity of our donors, we have more than $2 million in scholarships available in 2025 to students from more than 60 high schools. We offer scholarships to high school seniors, college and nontraditional students, and K-12 art and music camps and lessons.

The Academy Martial Arts Leadership Scholarship

Background

The Academy Martial Arts Leadership has been serving families in the Fox Cities since 1995. As the founders/owners, Jeff & Amanda Denu have been passionate about making our community stronger one Black Belt at a time teaching martial arts, while reinforcing respect, self-discipline, integrity, and excellence. Their passion with community involvement and creating a positive learning environment inspires others to be their personal best, and to make a difference every day.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Columbia Bank Kenneth R. Gifford, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program

The Columbia Bank Kenneth R. Gifford, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program (formerly Columbia Bank) awards ten, $1,000.00 scholarships each year. High school seniors attending school in Siskiyou, Shasta, Tehama, Glenn, Colusa, Placer, Sacramento counties may apply.

Columbia Bank recognizes that our continued success is contingent upon the health and vitality of the communities we serve. Taking action to improve the well-being of others is a community responsibility and commitment we fully believe in and commit to. We value the opportunity to provide financial support to the youth in our communities.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Don & Debbie Bankson Scholarship Endowment Fund

This opportunity allows the donors to fulfill their desire to help Shasta County youth, with excellent academics and a strong community-service background, pursue a college education.

Don and Debbie Bankson are longtime residents of Shasta County with a passion to support the community they love. Through a donation of real property to the Shasta Regional Community Real Estate Foundation, the Banksons seeded the Don and Debbie Scholarship Fund to fulfill their desire to help Shasta County youth, with excellent academics and a strong community-service background, pursue a college education.

The Teiger Foundation's Hosting Grant provides up to $75,000 for US-based curators or artistic directors to present contemporary visual art exhibitions that originated in different contexts. This grant encourages resource-sharing and collective learning, allowing institutions to expand their programming sustainably. It prioritizes projects affiliated with established non-profits, fostering community-building and positive change in the field of visual art while addressing issues of racial justice and climate crisis.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Sr. Cora Lee Middleton Scholarship

Sr. Cora Lee Middleton Scholarship is to assist the recipient in the next step of their education. This scholarship is established in her name to assist high school graduates of Tallahatchie or Coahoma County high schools in their next education step.

The Teiger Foundation's Curatorial Research and Development Grant offers support for innovative curatorial practices within the contemporary visual arts sector. Designed to address gaps in funding, this grant provides up to $50,000 for curatorial research projects, including travel and collaborative investigations. It emphasizes the importance of experimentation and creativity while aligning with values of racial justice and environmental sustainability. The next Call for Proposals will open in Fall 2026, with funding opportunities available to U.S.-based curators.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Tunica Woman’s Club Betty Jo Dulaney Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a young woman residing in Tunica County who embodies the spirit of volunteerism and exemplifies the core values of the Tunica Woman’s Club—dedication to service, advocacy for women, children, and families, commitment to global change, and the empowerment of women.

The Jacobs Research Funds (JRF) provide grants for research on aboriginal peoples of the Americas, supporting projects that focus on endangered cultures and languages, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Grants range from $3,000 to $9,000, and applicants must submit all required documents, including support letters, by February 15. JRF prioritizes new data collection and does not fund proprietary or non-aboriginal research. Eligible researchers must typically hold a Master's degree or have a designated Sponsor.

The Veterans Cemetery Grants program, administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, provides financial assistance to establish, expand, and improve Veterans cemeteries across the United States. With over $910 million awarded, this initiative ensures that state and tribal governments can maintain these sacred sites, supporting the interment of Veterans and their eligible family members. Grants cover up to 100% of project costs, reinforcing the commitment to honor those who served.

Gibson County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Gibson County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

George and Dorothy Eykamp Scholarship (College Scholarship Award)

Annual, renewable scholarship created by Dorothy M. Eykamp to encourage Gibson County residents and the children of employees of Mid-States Rubber Products to further their education, to recognize academic achievement of those graduating from high school and continuing their education, and to motivate recipients to achieve maximum scholastic and vocational potential.

Award Amount

• $1,000

Renewal Details

May be renewable for consecutive junior and senior years. Renewal applications may be considered provided recipient has maintained a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale) during the sophomore and junior years. Total awards will not exceed $3,500. Renewal award amounts may differ from the original award (anticipated renewal award amount for junior year is $1,000 and anticipated renewal award amount for senior year is $1,500). Renewal applications will be assigned to renewal candidates in their online student account.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Cindy Lipscomb Scholarship

To recognize an outstanding senior in DeSoto County, the DeSoto County Prayer Council established the DeSoto County Prayer Council Scholarship., now the Cindy Lipscomb Scholarship. The first scholarship was offered in Spring 2007 and continues to be open to all seniors in DeSoto County Schools each year.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Follow Your Dreams Scholarship

The Follow Your Dreams Scholarship, established in 2025, supports students from Cashmere High School who are pursuing post-secondary education through a trade school, apprenticeship, or certificate program. This scholarship is designed to encourage and assist students as they take the next step toward building practical skills, meaningful careers, and a future aligned with their goals.

About Us

For over three decades, the Hamilton Education Foundation (HEF) has been sparking innovation and expanding horizons within our classrooms. Since 1991, this community-powered non-profit has channeled more than $2.5 million from passionate individuals, local businesses, and forward-thinking organizations directly into the hands of Hamilton’s students and teachers. 

By funding transformative workshops, creative projects, and classroom grants, HEF doesn't just support education—it inspires students to dream bigger, rewards academic excellence, and builds a stronger, more vibrant community.

Our Vision

The vision of the Hamilton Education Foundation is to assist in achieving creative and academic excellence for the 21st Century through funding activities and projects for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Our Mission

Our mission, in partnership with the community, is to fund, Enhanced, Extended, and Enriched learning opportunities for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Teacher Grants

Educator Enrichment Grant

The Educator Enrichment Grant funds teacher participation in off-campus professional development, including seminars, workshops, conferences, and externships. 

PetSmart Charities

We’re proud to celebrate over 30 years of being the leading funder of animal welfare in communities across North America. Since 1994, we’ve granted over $600 million to change-making organizations that help transform the lives of pets and those who love them.

Our Mission: We make the world a better place for pets by investing in community partners that advocate and care for the well-being of pets and all who love them.

Adoption Growth Grants 

Purpose

Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores.

Funding Support

Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:

• Staff positions supporting in-store adoption programs and events.
• Marketing and advertising for in-store adoption programs.
• Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment related to in-store adoption events.
• Event supplies, including containment and enrichment materials.
• Shelter software and technology needs.
• Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events.
• Innovative in-store adoption ideas and pilot programs.
• Other costs directly associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events.

There are two Cohorts under this funding: Cohort 1-  Accelerating in-store adoptions; and Cohort 2: Capacity Building.

Cohort 2: Capacity Building

Applicants must have completed at least one adoption in a PetSmart store within the last 12 months.

Preference will be given to organizations seeking to build a consistent, sustainable in-store adoption program. Applications should include a clear plan, with examples, for sustaining the program over time.

Four Required Steps

Applicants must complete all four required steps below before submitting a grant application:

• Step 1 - Watch the kick-off video and complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
• Step 2 - Confirm eligibility and connect with your Adoptions Grant Manager: After completing the questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.
• Step 3 - Engage your PetSmart store partners: Discuss your intent to apply, align on goals, and gain their commitment to support the success of your in-store adoption program.
• Step 4-  Submit your application.

PetSmart Charities

We’re proud to celebrate over 30 years of being the leading funder of animal welfare in communities across North America. Since 1994, we’ve granted over $600 million to change-making organizations that help transform the lives of pets and those who love them.

Our Mission: We make the world a better place for pets by investing in community partners that advocate and care for the well-being of pets and all who love them.

Adoption Growth Grants 

Purpose

Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores.

Funding Support

Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:

• Staff positions supporting in-store adoption programs and events.
• Marketing and advertising for in-store adoption programs.
• Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment related to in-store adoption events.
• Event supplies, including containment and enrichment materials.
• Shelter software and technology needs.
• Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events.
• Innovative in-store adoption ideas and pilot programs.
• Other costs directly associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events.

There are two Cohorts under this funding: Cohort 1-  Accelerating in-store adoptions; and Cohort 2: Capacity Building.

Cohort 1- Accelerating in-store Adoptions

Applicants must have completed 500 or more adoptions in a PetSmart store in the U.S. within the last 12 months.

Preference will be given to organizations that demonstrate a clear plan to expand an existing in-store adoption program or introduce new in-store adoption models that will increase adoptions.

Four Required Steps

Applicants must complete all four required steps below before submitting a grant application:

• Step 1 - Watch the kick-off video and complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
• Step 2 - Confirm eligibility and connect with your Adoptions Grant Manager: After completing the questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.
• Step 3 - Engage your PetSmart store partners: Discuss your intent to apply, align on goals, and gain their commitment to support the success of your in-store adoption program.
• Step 4-  Submit your application.

The NIDCR Small Grant Program for New Investigators (R03) supports early-stage scientists in dental and craniofacial research. It funds pilot studies and developmental projects aimed at generating preliminary data for future Research Project Grant (R01) applications. Key deadlines for applications include February 16, June 16, and October 16 from 2025 to 2027, addressing the need for timely submissions in this competitive funding landscape.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Andrew J. Lavagnino Scholarship of Kindness

The Andrew J. Lavagnino Scholarship of Kindness honors Andrew Jonathan Lavagnino, a 2014 graduate of Eastmont High School. Andrew was known for the kindness, compassion, and joy that he brought to those around him. He was passionate about physical fitness, food, sports, music, and movies and loved his family, friends, and pets. This scholarship aims to support students who embody kindness and compassion to all those around them.