Best Marketing Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

The Big Bets Fellowship: Economic Opportunity in the United States is a transformative 4-month program designed to empower emerging leaders to tackle economic challenges head-on. With a focus on innovative solutions for job creation, affordable housing, and equitable access to resources, the fellowship equips participants with essential skills and a supportive network. The initiative aims to drive systemic change and promote sustainable economic prosperity, addressing inequalities while fostering resilient communities across the nation.

The Kiwanis Foundation of New England End Hunger Grant supports Kiwanis Divisions and SLP Administrators in their efforts to combat hunger in New England. By contributing $1,500 towards a $4,000 meal packing project, participants can access $2,500 in funding for projects aimed at providing 10,000 meals. This initiative not only fosters community involvement but also ensures that vital resources are allocated to fight hunger effectively.

The 2025 Giving Project Fund for Community Organizing aims to empower community-led movements in Maine, providing unrestricted support of up to $20,000 for at least five groups. This participatory grantmaking initiative, guided by a diverse cohort of donor-organizers, focuses on advancing justice in economic, environmental, racial, and social spheres. By prioritizing organizations that utilize community organizing as a strategy, the fund seeks to foster equity and address systemic issues faced by marginalized communities.

The Thomas Musgrave and Beulah Long Musgrave Scholarship supports Maine residents pursuing higher education as nontraditional students. Aimed at those facing financial challenges, this scholarship helps alleviate the costs associated with attending two- and four-year colleges, certificate programs, or self-directed learning experiences. The scholarship is available to applicants who meet specific criteria, including being over 25 years old or working full-time while studying. It encourages individuals to prepare adequately before applying.

The Narragansett Foundation Grant aims to support charitable, educational, and scientific endeavors, focusing on public charities in Buxton, Maine. It funds start-up expenses, new projects, and general operating support. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and government entities using funds for public purposes. The foundation prioritizes local needs but may extend support throughout Maine and beyond as necessary.

The Keystone Grant Program, funded by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, aims to empower grassroots and community-led initiatives focused on environmental and racial justice in Maine. With available funding of up to $1.5 million, the program supports organizations demonstrating a commitment to advocacy and civic engagement. Applicants must be eligible to receive tax-deductible donations and can include diverse groups, particularly those led by marginalized communities, to foster a sustainable and equitable future.

The David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund (Watertown) provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in New York and New England. Established in 1974 by Marian Woodward Ottley, the fund aims to fulfill her vision of improving the world for future generations. The fund prioritizes arts, education, health, and human services, with a historical preference for Connecticut organizations. It also considers the religious affiliations of applicants, reflecting Mrs. Ottley's charitable legacy.

The John T. Gorman Foundation focuses on enhancing the lives of Maine's vulnerable populations through targeted investments in education, health, and family support. Their initiatives, which are primarily invitation-only, aim to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences and improve overall well-being. The Foundation is dedicated to addressing systemic issues such as poverty and educational disparities, striving for substantial, measurable outcomes that foster resilience in children and families across the state.

The Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine, focusing on community-based initiatives that address social and environmental issues. Established in 1986, the foundation prioritizes projects enhancing community capacity, with a particular interest in literacy and the arts. Grant decisions are made at the foundation's discretion, with no obligation to applicants. Organizations may only apply once per year, and funding is not available for individual support or recurring operational costs.

The Maine Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future offers Community Action Grants to support local climate initiatives. These grants, totaling up to $4.6 million, empower communities to implement climate mitigation and adaptation projects. Eligible applicants include municipal and tribal governments, which can apply for up to $75,000 individually or $175,000 jointly. The program aims to enhance local resilience by encouraging community-driven climate actions that align with the state's climate strategy.

About Us

The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) serves as a key coordinator, working collaboratively with other State agencies and stakeholders to address critical long-term issues facing the State of Maine. We support planning and implementation by providing research, data, and innovative policy solutions.

Service Provider Grants

Service Provider Grants support service provider organizations to assist communities with climate action, energy and resilience planning.

There are two Service Provider Grant Tracks:

Track 1 Community Enrollment Service Provider Grants enable organizations to assist up to five communities to prepare for and enroll in the Community Resilience Partnership and then apply for grant funds to undertake priority climate and energy projects.

Track 2 Community Vulnerability Assessment Service Provider Grants enable organizations to assist up to five enrolled/enrolling Communities to complete community vulnerability assessments that identify vulnerable community members, infrastructure, and assets, and then utilize that data to further prioritize climate action projects and apply for grant funds.

Service Provider organizations can apply for both grant tracks, but can only submit one application per track. 

As part of the application to the program, prospective service providers will recruit a group of up to five communities. Prospective service providers may request up to $15,000 per community.

Applicants will include a letter of support from each community in the proposed group. Letters must be submitted with the application. Letters received separately will not be read.

For all Service Provider Grants, a 15% cost share is required of the service provider. In-kind match is permitted.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.

The Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, offered by the National Forest Foundation, invites graduate students to engage in hands-on conservation projects. This fellowship provides practical experience, mentorship from conservation professionals, and training in collaborative leadership. Fellows will gain a deep understanding of forest management and expand their professional networks. With a focus on developing future conservation leaders, the program seeks students passionate about public lands and community engagement.

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The Adult Learner Scholarship provides financial assistance to nontraditional students in Maine pursuing higher education. Aimed at those over 25, working full-time, or independent, the scholarship supports various training paths, including degrees and certificates. Award amounts typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 per semester, based on individual need and study status. Recipients can renew for up to five years, allowing them to complete their educational goals. This scholarship particularly favors applicants without a prior Bachelor's degree.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The NESOT Student Travel Award for SOT Annual Meeting supports graduate and undergraduate students who are members of the NESOT Regional Chapter. Eligible students must apply with a membership application, abstract, and a letter of support from their Major Advisor. The award offers significant prizes for the top five applicants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, promoting student engagement and research in toxicology within the NESOT region.

The Adult Learner Scholarship - Short-Term Credential Award supports nontraditional students in Maine who seek to enhance their education and skills. Designed to alleviate financial burdens, it covers various training programs, including certificates and non-degree courses. With awards ranging from $200 to $1,200, applicants can apply for funding for programs lasting less than a semester. The scholarship encourages financial need assessment and preparation for successful educational pursuits.

Bristol Myers Squibb is dedicated to enhancing healthcare and advancing scientific knowledge through its Corporate Giving program. By supporting various organizations, BMS aims to improve health equity and access to essential medicines for underserved populations. Their focus includes charitable donations, medical education, and community support initiatives. This commitment reflects BMS's goal to make a positive impact on patients' lives and foster strong communities where their employees work and live.

John Estrella Foundation: Helping Hand GrantThe John Estrella Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in memory of John Estrella.

Our funding supports a clinical protocol to acquire tumor samples from kidney cancer patients who have a kidney removed. These important samples are being used to identify factors that help predict which patients are likely to require additional therapy for their disease. With our continued funding, this protocol has been expanded to other major hospitals in the area, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Purpose of the Grant: In addition to the ever-mounting cost of medicines and treatment, people with Kidney Cancer often need assistance with expenses like transportation, living expenses, home care, and childcare. The purpose of our grant is to provide support to individuals and their families experiencing financial burdens associated with a diagnosis of and treatment for Kidney Cancer.

The Marion F. & Peter Plouff Scholarship is designed to support Maine's nontraditional adult learners pursuing higher education. It alleviates financial burdens, allowing students to focus on their studies. Eligible applicants must be Maine residents and meet specific criteria to be considered nontraditional. The scholarship provides renewable funding for various educational pathways, including degree programs and certificates. Priority is given to those returning to education after a break, with the goal of fostering lifelong learning and personal growth.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Catalyst Grant supports climate-informed planning for land protection and stewardship in the Appalachian region. With funding up to $20,000 available, the grant aims to enhance community resilience and promote strategic land conservation efforts. Eligible applicants include land trusts, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities. Projects should prioritize broad-scale conservation planning and engage local communities to ensure specific benefits are achieved within a 12-18 month timeframe.

The Food Access Infrastructure Initiative Grant, offered by Farm Credit East, provides funding up to $50,000 to organizations aimed at enhancing food security in the Northeast. Eligible projects include improving produce handling, expanding storage capacity, and enhancing distribution capabilities. Non-profit organizations within Farm Credit East's territory are encouraged to apply for support in capital projects that improve food distribution infrastructure.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Maine Vietnam Veterans Scholarship, established in 1985, supports Maine veterans who served in the Vietnam Theater and their descendants. This scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens for nontraditional students pursuing higher education, whether through accredited programs or self-directed learning. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, such as being over 25 or financially independent. The scholarship encourages educational growth and aims to foster commitment to the community by supporting veterans and their families in achieving their educational goals.

The Spurling Scholarship, established in 1984, supports Maine's nontraditional students seeking higher education. It aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by adult learners, particularly those from unbridged islands like Cranberry Isles and Mount Desert Island. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet specific criteria, such as being over 25 or working full-time while studying. The scholarship encourages educational advancement through accredited programs, contributing to personal and professional growth.