Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Maine

Robert H. Moser Essay Award

To honor the late Robert H. Moser, MD (AΩA, Georgetown University, 1969). Awarded to one outstanding essay celebrating the life of a physician like Dr. Moser who has enriched the world through his/her career in medicine.

Background

Dr. Moser organized and worked in one of the first MASH units during the Korean War. He was a pioneering flight controller for NASA during the Project Mercury and Project Apollo space programs, served as Chief of Medicine at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, and treated patients at the Kalaupapa Leper Colony in Molokai. He was Chief of Medicine at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, editor of JAMA, Executive Vice President of the American College of Physicians and a member of The Pharos Editorial Board.

The Award

One award of $4,500 for an essay highlighting the life of a physician who has enriched the world of medicine. The winning essay will be published in The Pharos. The winning author must submit a W-9 form prior to issuance of the award check.

The Engagement Award: Capacity Building aims to enhance the skills of patients and stakeholders in patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) and comparative effectiveness research (CER). With funding of up to $300,000 for projects lasting up to two years, this initiative seeks to foster meaningful participation from patients, families, and caregivers. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) anticipates distributing up to $25 million for these efforts in fiscal year 2026, emphasizing community engagement in research.

The Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists honor exceptional faculty-rank scientists and engineers in the U.S. Recognizing achievements in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Chemical Sciences, each Laureate receives $250,000 in unrestricted funds. Nominations come from a select group of institutions and previous Laureates, emphasizing innovation and impact. The awards celebrate the future potential of young researchers, fostering diversity in STEM fields. The ceremony takes place annually in New York City.

The Baker and Taylor YALSA Conference Grant provides two $1,000 awards to librarians working with young adults, enabling them to attend the Annual Conference for the first time. One grant supports a school librarian, while the other is for a public library librarian. Applicants must be current members of ALA/YALSA, with prior membership preferred for at least two years, and must have between one to ten years of experience working with teenagers.

The National Scleroderma Foundation's Pre-Doctoral Summer Fellowship Award Program aims to support Ph.D. students conducting vital research on scleroderma. This initiative encourages emerging researchers by fostering their early interest in discovering the causes and potential cures of this challenging disease. By funding innovative research, the Foundation seeks to advance medical knowledge and improve the lives of those affected by scleroderma, reinforcing its commitment to finding a cure.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Lars Onsager Prize

To recognize outstanding research in theoretical statistical physics including the quantum fluids. The prize consists of $10,000 as well as a certificate citing the contribution made by the recipient. It was presented annually beginning in 1995.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

The Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative, launched by the Gordon E. and Betty I. Moore Foundation, aims to support mid-career scientists in experimental physics. With a funding of $1,250,000 over five years, this program encourages innovative research and collaboration among scientists. Applicants from U.S. institutions are invited to submit pre-proposals, with about 50% advancing to full proposals. The initiative fosters inclusivity and equity while aiming to make significant impacts in the field of experimental physics.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Leo P. Kadanoff Prize

This prize recognizes scientists whose theoretical, experimental, or computational achievements have opened new vistas for statistical and or nonlinear physics. The annual prize consists of $10,000, a medal, certificate, travel reimbursement up to $500 for recipients traveling within North America, up to $1,000 from overseas, and a registration waiver to attend the APS March Meeting to give an invited talk and accept the award.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Leo Szilard Lectureship Award

To recognize outstanding accomplishments by physicists in promoting the use of physics for the benefit of society in such areas as the environment, arms control, and science policy. The lecture format is intended to increase the visibility of those who have promoted the use of physics for the benefit of society. The award consists of $5,000, a certificate citing the contributions of the recipient, plus $2,000 travel expenses for lectures given by the recipient at an APS meeting and at two or more educational institutions or research laboratories in the year following the award. The lectures should be especially aimed at physicists early in their careers.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

LeRoy Apker Award

The LeRoy Apker Award recognizes outstanding achievements in physics by undergraduate students, and provides encouragement to students who have demonstrated great potential for future scientific accomplishment. Two awards are presented each year, one to a student from a PhD granting institution, and one to a student from a non-PhD granting institution. The award consists of $5,000 for the recipient, $5,000 for their undergraduate institution's physics department to support undergraduate research, a certificate, and reimbursement for travel to an APS meeting to give an invited talk.

Six finalists are selected to present their research for the Apker Award Selection Committee. Each of the finalists will receive an honorarium of $2,000, $1,000 for their undergraduate institution’s physics department to support undergraduate research, reimbursement for travel to the selection meeting, and a certificate.

The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program, funded by Wild Ones, supports projects that foster an appreciation for nature through native plants and natural landscapes. Since 1977, it has empowered schools and nature centers to create educational gardens that engage students and volunteers. Eligible projects include pollinator and rain gardens, tallgrass prairies, and sensory playgrounds, all designed to enhance ecological understanding. Funding is specifically for the purchase of native plants and seeds, promoting sustainable community involvement.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Lev D. Landau and Lyman Spitzer Jr. Award for Outstanding Contributions to Plasma Physics

Recognizes outstanding theoretical, experimental, or technical contribution(s) in plasma physics and for advancing the collaboration and unity between Europe and the United States of America by joint research or research that advances knowledge which benefits the two communities in a unique way.

The award may be given to a team or collaboration of up to four persons affiliated with either European or United States institutions.

The award consists of $4,000, a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, and a registration fee waiver to attend the meeting at which the award is to be presented.

The person or team receiving the award will be offered an invited talk at the forthcoming annual conference of APS-DPP (usually early November) or EPS-DPP (usually end of June, or first week of July), depending on the affiliation of the recipient(s).

On years that DPP is hosting, in the event of a team larger than five (5), DPP may cap the number of registration waivers.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, funded by Lockheed Martin, aims to support schools in expanding or establishing PLTW Computer Science courses. This initiative addresses the critical shortage of skilled professionals in STEM fields, enabling students to gain essential knowledge and skills. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has successfully partnered with PLTW to implement programs across the nation, impacting over 77,000 students. Schools are encouraged to apply for funding to enhance their computer science curriculum.

The Therapeutic Garden Grants program, sponsored by the National Garden Bureau, awards $7,500 annually to five selected therapeutic gardens, promoting health and healing through gardening. Organizations must have a defined therapeutic program for at least a year and a commitment to the garden for five years. Grants are co-funded by several partners, and winners are determined through a social media voting contest, ensuring community engagement and visibility for the gardens.

The Hope Goddard Iselin Fellowship in Public Horticulture, established in 2013 by the Hope Goddard Iselin Foundation, honors the legacy of its namesake, a pioneer in enhancing urban landscapes. This fellowship supports graduate students engaged in practical research and training at recognized public gardens or similar institutions across the U.S., providing annual funding of $5000. It aims to foster experiential learning and promote the study of public horticulture, thus connecting people with nature.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Max Delbrück Prize in Biological Physics

To recognize and encourage outstanding achievement in biological physics research. The prize consists of $10,000, an allowance for travel to attend the meeting at which the prize is awarded, and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient or recipients. It is presented annually.

Prior to 2008, this prize was awarded as the Biological Physics Prize.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Norman F. Ramsey Prize in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, and in Precision Tests of Fundamental Laws and Symmetries

The Norman F. Ramsey Prize in Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, and in Precision Tests of Fundamental Laws and Symmetries recognizes outstanding accomplishments in the two fields of Norman Ramsey: atomic, molecular, and optical physics; and precision tests of fundamental laws and symmetries. The Prize consists of a $10,000 check, a certificate citing accomplishments, and travel support for the recipient to attend the DAMOP annual meeting at which the prize is presented.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline. 

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Polymer Physics Prize

To recognize outstanding accomplishment and excellence of contributions in polymer physics research. The prize consists of $10,000, up to $1,500 in travel reimbursement, and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. It is presented annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Physics Prize

The Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Physics Prize recognizes and encourages outstanding theoretical or experimental contributions to condensed matter physics. The prize consists of $20,000 and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient or recipients. It will be awarded annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

The FAA Aviation Research Grants Program invites applications for aviation research grants aimed at supporting innovative research for civil aviation growth. Eligible applicants, primarily colleges and non-profit institutions, can propose studies across various scientific disciplines. The program emphasizes advanced research in areas like air traffic control, communications, and human factors, promoting the development of technologies that enhance safety and efficiency in aviation and commercial space transportation.

The Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowship offers a $42,000 stipend plus $8,000 for project-related expenses to support early-stage doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences. This fellowship encourages innovative dissertation research and aims to diversify academic methodologies and perspectives. Applicants must be PhD students in relevant fields, with certain eligibility criteria, including not having advanced to candidacy before January 2025. The fellowship promotes inclusive excellence, contributing to a diverse academic community.

The Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to bolster engineering research capacity by supporting new academic investigators. This initiative is designed for those who have not yet received significant federal funding and are affiliated with institutions below the 'very high research activity' level. By fostering innovation and mentorship, the program seeks to broaden participation in engineering research across the nation.

The Mellon Emerging Faculty Leaders Award supports early-career faculty committed to building inclusive campus communities. Funded by the Mellon Foundation, it offers a $20,000 stipend to assist with summer research and academic year support. Eligible candidates are assistant professors in tenure-track positions who have passed their third-year review and are engaged in fostering diversity and inclusion in their academic fields. This fellowship not only aids their research but also emphasizes their role in mentoring underrepresented students.

State Farm Companies Foundation offers marketing sponsorships to organizations that align with their mission of building safer, stronger communities. They are open to partnerships that enhance their marketing strategies on both local and national levels. Interested parties can expect a review of their proposals within 2-3 weeks. This initiative aims to foster collaboration with various brands and causes that resonate with State Farm's vision.

The Mellon Mays Graduate Assistance Program (GAP) supports alumni of the Mellon Mays initiative in their journey to graduate school. By providing resources like structured gap year activities, media resources, and mentoring, the program aims to bridge the transition from undergraduate to graduate studies. It has successfully placed over 90 scholars in advanced programs, fostering diverse perspectives in academia. GAP addresses challenges faced during the gap year, ensuring participants remain engaged and prepared for their academic careers.

The Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MSPRF) aim to support emerging leaders in mathematics and statistics. These fellowships enhance participants' research environments, ensuring significant scientific development. Awardees can choose between a Research Fellowship or a Research Instructorship, with funding available for research across various mathematical and statistical disciplines. Proposals are submitted directly to the NSF, and fellows must affiliate with eligible institutions or organizations.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by Arconic Foundation, aims to expand STEM education in public and charter schools across several states. This grant will help cover costs for necessary equipment and training, focusing on high-need student populations. Eligible schools must implement PLTW's Advanced Manufacturing course by the 2026-2027 school year. The initiative is designed to ignite student interest in engineering and increase enrollment in STEM disciplines.