Best Local Government Grants in Maine

Public agencies, tribal governments, schools, and other 170(c)-eligible entities in Maine can seek funding for environmental and racial justice advocacy, organizing, and civic engagement efforts. With a mission to strengthen grassroots, community-led movements, Elmina B. Sewall Foundation provides $10,000 - $100,000 for general operating, program, project, and some capital support, including fiscally sponsored groups.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine can seek multi-year general support to advance racial equity through economic opportunity, education, health, or community well-being initiatives; awards are up to US $15,000. Focused on underserved communities of color, the River Rock Shared Future Fund from Maine Community Foundation supports flexible program and operational needs, including civic engagement and community-building efforts.

Local governments, schools, and community groups in Maine that advance civic engagement and education can receive recognition through the Golden Apple Award, which honors strong commitment to local schools and children. Residents of Maine or Maine Education Association members with notable volunteer or organizing efforts may be nominated for this award.

With a mission to support educators, the Maine Education Association provides Maine MEA/NEA members with a $1,000 Award for Teaching Excellence recognizing outstanding classroom practice and advocacy. K‑12 and higher education staff who demonstrate leadership, community engagement, attention to diversity, and professional development may be nominated and honored through this statewide program.

Local government-related 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal entities, and select government institutions in Maine can seek more than US $50,000 to expand programs and staff that build civic engagement, education, health, environment, and other community services. M J Murdock Charitable Trust prioritizes capacity-building projects with significant Pacific Northwest impact, diversified funding, and budgets over $100,000.

Local government agencies and other eligible public entities in Maine seeking new, revenue-generating equipment or long-lived technology for civic engagement, education, health, or community services can apply for more than US $50,000 from M J Murdock Charitable Trust. Grants require at least 50% cost share and support capacity-building, including training and limited maintenance.

Maine civic and community-focused nonprofits planning major capital projects can access funding through M J Murdock Charitable Trust for construction, renovation, property acquisition, and other facility upgrades, with awards typically more than US $50,000. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, select tribal and government entities, and universities must primarily serve the Pacific Northwest and have at least 40% of project funding secured.

Maine civic engagement and social justice groups can access funding through the A.J. Muste Memorial Institute’s Rapid Response Grants for immediate, emergency needs tied to grassroots nonviolent activism. U.S.-based organizing projects may receive up to US $5,000 to act quickly on unexpected needs and timely political opportunities with powerful organizing and direct actions.

Focused on academic scholarships, Coral Gables Community Foundation invites graduating high school seniors interested in communications, journalism, leadership, or historic preservation to apply for the Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship. Eligible students from specific Miami-area schools can receive US $500 - US $2,500 per year, renewable up to four years with a 3.0 GPA.

Eligible local or tribal governments and other legally registered entities in rural communities, including Maine, can apply for Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ Trust for Civic Life Civic Experiment grants; awards Up to US $25,000 for specific programs. Funding supports non-partisan projects that spark civic participation and community-led problem solving in rural U.S. regions.

Young people aged 14–24 planning civic engagement and community projects in Maine and nationwide can receive up to US $4,500 in stipends and project support through the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship. With a mission to build civic skills, Institute for Citizens & Scholars provides youth teams with funding, coaching, and structured learning over a yearlong program.

Maine youth ages 5–25 planning community service, advocacy, or civic engagement projects can access funding through Youth Service America for youth-designed, youth-led initiatives. Grants of US $250 - US $500 support supplies, local transportation, outreach, and volunteer recognition for projects during Youth Service Month that engage diverse youth volunteers and build social and emotional skills.

Local governments and 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine working on civic engagement and voter participation may be eligible for Park Foundation’s Civic Participation Program. Focused on strengthening democracy, it supports year-round efforts to educate, motivate, and mobilize voters, protect voting rights and election integrity, and counter voter suppression across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities working on democracy, civic engagement, or gun violence prevention in Maine and other states can apply for the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund’s Democracy & Civil Liberties support. Programs must operate nationally or in multiple states and focus on voting rights, money in politics, or gun violence policy and education.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on civic engagement, financial literacy, housing insecurity, technology education, or community enrichment in the U.S., including Maine, can apply for funding to support scalable, high-impact programs. Affirm Cares provides grants on a rolling basis to initiatives that strengthen vibrant communities and expand equitable economic and technology opportunities.

Maine local governments, schools, and nonprofits can seek support for community health events, memberships, and engagement activities that promote well-being and civic participation. Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation’s Thriving Community Impact Fund backs health fairs, workshops, awareness campaigns, and economic development memberships that advance physical, mental, and social health and strengthen community engagement.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. economic mobility, opportunity, or systemic inequality can apply for US $35,000 - US $50,000 in one-year project support from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on civic engagement and related issues, it invites scholars, including those at under-resourced Maine institutions, to propose innovative, data-driven studies that advance its mission.

Local governments and 501(c)(3) partners in Maine working on civic engagement, education, arts and culture, health, or human services can seek large project, capital, or operating grants over US $10,000. Focused on social justice and underserved populations, the James B and Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation supports impactful community initiatives nationwide, including Maine.

Maine local government and 501(c)(3) organizations working on civic engagement, education, arts and culture, health, or human services can access funding through the James B and Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation for programs, capital projects, or general operations. Grants up to US $10,000 are available, with support offered nationwide, including Maine and West Texas–serving initiatives.

The EA Funds: Long-Term Future Fund Grant focuses on improving civilization's long-term trajectory by funding projects that mitigate global catastrophic risks. With grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to over $500,000, it welcomes applications from individuals and organizations globally. The fund particularly supports innovative small teams and individuals, emphasizing projects that reduce existential risks from AI and enhance global governance of transformative technologies. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if unsure of eligibility.

The ACS Congressional Fellowship Program offers trained scientists the chance to engage in the policy-making process, providing critical information to lawmakers on science-related issues. Each year, two fellows are placed in the offices of Senators, Representatives, or Committees, with the aim of educating them on how science policy is formed. Candidates with a strong background in chemical sciences or engineering are encouraged to apply, regardless of whether they hold a doctorate.

The LearningTimes Foundation is excited to announce the Fall 2025 Emerging Educational Filmmaker Grant, which aims to support new filmmakers creating educational films. With funding up to $10,000, this initiative seeks to empower storytellers to address significant societal issues and foster meaningful discussions through their work. The grant encourages diverse narratives, especially from underrepresented communities, and aims to connect projects with specific learning communities for impactful engagement.

The Amanda Reed Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Amanda Reed, a Rockford resident and 2001 Boylan Central Catholic High School graduate, who tragically lost her life due to domestic violence. This scholarship supports individuals committed to stopping domestic abuse and promoting community safety. Applicants are encouraged to provide references from those familiar with their work in domestic violence prevention. Academic performance will be considered moderately in the selection process, fostering a compassionate and proactive community.

The Bezos Scholars Program, supported by the Bezos Family Foundation, is a transformative, no-cost leadership development initiative designed for high school juniors. Each year, selected scholars from the U.S. and Africa engage in a year-long program, developing leadership skills through civic engagement and community projects. Participants receive personalized college advising, funding for their projects, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, fostering a diverse community of changemakers committed to making a difference.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $49,999 to support community health initiatives. Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration and addressing social needs to foster well-being. Eligible organizations include non-profits, schools, and government agencies. The fund prioritizes projects that align with the Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on health equity, civic engagement, and neighborhood enhancement. This initiative aims to empower communities and improve health outcomes while fostering corporate social responsibility.

Alliance for Social Trust: Trust in Practice Awards

Trust is the foundation of vibrant, resilient communities and healthy civic life. Across the country, local and national organizations are demonstrating the profound ways trust shapes our collective well-being—strengthening relationships between neighbors, cultivating confidence in institutions, and enabling people to work together to solve shared challenges. These efforts are often rooted in the knowledge and leadership of those closest to the work. 

The Trust in Practice Awards support non-profit organizations that are collaborating on new initiatives to build trust across local or virtual communities. Grantees will be part of a national network dedicated to fostering trust through the Alliance for Social Trust’s programs and storytelling platforms. Award recipients will also participate in the annual Trust in Practice Summit to celebrate the work of trust builders.