Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

The Beyond Print Grant Program by The Lenfest Institute aims to support independent local newspapers in transitioning from print to digital formats. With funding of up to $400,000, the program encourages innovative strategies to enhance digital sustainability and engage younger audiences. Eligible applicants must demonstrate leadership commitment and focus on specified areas like communications, customer service, and digital revenue. This initiative is vital for fostering new revenue models and ensuring access to local journalism in the digital age.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Arden & Dorothy Baie Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Arden and Dorothy Baie. The Baie Scholarship is available to college sophomores, juniors and seniors pursuing any field of study. One, $2,400 will be awarded to a deserving student.

The Thomas H. & Mary Williams Shoemaker Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations aligned with the Religious Society of Friends' strategic goals, particularly innovative projects that enhance monthly meetings. Grants range from a few hundred to over $200,000, typically distributed over 1-3 years. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a strong connection to the Fund's objectives. Preference is given to Quaker organizations, particularly those connected to the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.

The National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers funding to support administrative expenses that bolster CDC's mission. This initiative enhances partnerships to address health threats both domestically and globally. Projects funded through this grant align with CDC's strategic goals, focusing on measurable outcomes such as program support and participation from various CDC Centers and Offices. Importantly, this grant only supports non-research activities.

The NSF State and Regional AI Infrastructure Hubs program seeks to enhance access to computational resources essential for AI-driven scientific exploration. By forming flexible consortia among government, academia, and industry, these hubs aim to foster innovation and workforce development in AI. The initiative aligns with national R&D priorities, emphasizing the critical role of AI in advancing scientific discovery and expanding infrastructure to support this mission across various disciplines.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

George W. “Bill” and Ann Marie Stanley Scholarship

To honor Bill and Ann Marie Stanley, family members created this scholarship in their memory. This scholarship is for sophomores, juniors and seniors in college majoring in any field of study. One, $2,000 scholarship will be awarded annually.

Daviess 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 Daviess 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

Ronald Frette and Ann Frette 4-H Scholarship

Annual scholarship created by the Daviess County 4-H Club Association in honor of long-time supporters, Ronald and Ann Frette.

Award Amount

• $4,330 (multiple scholarships may be awarded from this amount).

Daviess 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 Daviess 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

Dwight Risley Scholarship

Annual scholarship established by Martha Risley Reiners in memory of her husband.

Award Amount

• $31,550 (multiple scholarships may be awarded from this amount).

The Adolph Coors Public Policy Grant Programs support organizations that embody western values like self-reliance and personal responsibility. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote youth prosperity, economic opportunities for adults, and public policies reflecting America’s founding principles. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, with a focus on rural Colorado nonprofits. The Foundation does not fund projects in areas such as arts, health, or international components, ensuring a clear alignment with its mission.

The Apolonia Stanulis Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports college students residing in NCCF's 20-town service area. With awards ranging from $300 to $1,500, this scholarship aims to empower students in their educational pursuits. NCCF is dedicated to fostering community development and connecting donors with local nonprofits, ensuring that the causes important to the community are championed effectively.

Union County Foundation

For more than three decades, the Union County Foundation has been dedicated to serving the Union County, Ohio community as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to assist individuals and organizations with the accumulation, investment, and distribution of charitable dollars. We believe in enhancing the quality of life for all the citizens of Union County by promoting and facilitating charitable giving. Together, we can create a positive and lasting impact that will benefit our community for generations to come. Join us in our mission and be a part of something truly meaningful.

John & Kandy Taylor College Expenses Grant

This program was established in 2019, to honor the memory of John and Kandy  Taylor. They were both strong supporters of helping the Union County community and higher education.

This grant awards one student recipient per academic school year (Autumn through Summer semester). The recipient would be reimbursed for school-related purchases (i.e. textbooks, classroom materials, supplies) each semester, for a combined total of up to $200.

The William and Sally Vaun Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports local students pursuing degrees in medicine or environmental studies with an emphasis on ecology and conservation sciences. This scholarship provides an average award of $1,500 to eligible applicants from the NCCF's 20-town service area. The foundation is dedicated to championing community causes through thoughtful grant-making and scholarships, ensuring impactful support for future leaders.

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.

Lou and Diane Gerard Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is open to all majors, with priority given to students majoring in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Education.

Lou and Diane Gerard Scholarship Fund honors long-time citizens of Redding, Lou and Diane Gerard, who made Northern California their home since 1959. Both were compassionate former teachers with a devotion to community service. They were members of numerous nonprofit boards and organizations over their lifetimes, including a combined 89 years on Redding area school boards. With unwavering dedication, Lou and Diane Gerard were committed to the advancement of educational opportunities for all.

This endowed fund provides scholarship opportunities for those seeking to further their education. 

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.

The Tollar Family Scholarship, administered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students from NCCF's 20-town service area pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. Offering a $4,000 award, this scholarship encourages local talent and fosters educational growth. It is designed for those dedicated to their academic journey, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder potential. This initiative exemplifies community support and commitment to education, empowering students to achieve their goals.

The NewSchools: Innovative Schools Grant supports education leaders aiming to create new public and charter schools that address the unique needs of today's students. With funding ranging from $150,000 to $250,000, the grant emphasizes equity and innovative educational models. Applications are encouraged before the December 10, 2024 priority deadline, with the final deadline on January 8, 2025. This initiative seeks to empower diverse communities through transformative educational solutions.

The SVNA Health Care Related Educational Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in healthcare (excluding pre-med) from specific towns. This scholarship provides $10,000 annually, renewable for up to five years, making it a significant opportunity for local students committed to making a difference in the healthcare field. The foundation emphasizes community engagement and smart grant-making to address local issues.

The Christopher Day Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Crown Point Community Foundation to support graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited program. This non-renewable scholarship aims to assist students with financial needs while encouraging involvement in the ProStart program. The foundation manages over 80 scholarship funds, ensuring that community-driven financial support is directed to those who meet specific criteria.

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.

Merit Scholarship Award

United Scholarships, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships to deserving students of the Yreka Union High School District.

Through wise investments and sound stewardship, United Scholarships, Inc. is committed to making available to graduates of Yreka Union High School District for many future years the monetary awards they will need to be successful at college. 

United Scholarships, Inc. partners with the Community Foundation to offer applications for the Keefer Scholarship Award and Merit Scholarship Award.

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.

Reach Higher Scholarship Fund

From their freshman to senior year, the Reach Higher Scholarship Fund, offers $250 that may be renewed by the awarded student for a total scholarship of up to $1,000 at the end of four years. This scholarship aims to reward and motivate students EARLY in their high school careers and build a sense of hope for the pursuit of higher education. Annually, ten high school freshmen will be awarded $250 – funds will be held for final scholarship distribution when the awarded student successfully enrolls in a university. The mission of the Reach Higher Scholarship Fund is to make a difference in the community, as well as in individual students’ lives, by focusing upon Shasta County students who are statistically unlikely to pursue a university education; ultimately increasing the percentage of our local high school graduates who pursue a university education. 

If selected, you will receive your scholarship award when you are enrolled at a four-year college or university.

The Shepard Family Scholarship, administered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students residing in NCCF's service area who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate education. With awards ranging from $300 to $1,500, this scholarship is also available for individuals in non-degree, adult education, or private primary and secondary programs. It reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community engagement.

The Isabel Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that promote the Christian Science faith. Founded by Isabel and C.S. Harding Mott, the foundation primarily funds initiatives such as camps, churches, and nursing facilities that align with these values. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations. Although the foundation appreciates the work of branch churches, they are currently unable to fund their projects. This grant represents a commitment to nurturing the Christian Science community.

The Infant-Toddler Court Program State Awards empower states and communities to enhance child welfare practices by integrating courts, social services, and families. This initiative promotes safety, healthy development, and nurturing relationships for young children involved in child welfare. Awardees implement the evidence-based ITC approach, sharing lessons learned with local teams, tracking outcomes, and training to ensure effective program expansion across targeted communities.

The Infant-Toddler Court Program's National Resource Center (NRC) focuses on enhancing child welfare practices across the United States. By collaborating with courts, social services, and families, the NRC aims to improve the safety and healthy development of young children involved with the child welfare system. This initiative not only supports families but also fosters nurturing relationships essential for child growth and well-being, making it a crucial resource for 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.

Redding Sunrise Rotary Scholarship

Redding Sunrise Rotary Club is proud to support students and programs in the Gateway Unified School District. The Club is offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Gateway Unified School District.

Norton Healthcare

For more than 130 years, Norton Healthcare’s faith heritage has guided its mission to provide quality health care to all those it serves. Today, Norton Healthcare is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients from throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond.

Norton Healthcare Foundation

The Norton Healthcare Foundation raises funds to purchase new equipment, provide programs and education, and fund research that makes a difference for the more than 400,000 patients and their families who come to us for help each year.

Scholarships

Norton Healthcare is proud to offer a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support the academic and professional growth of students pursuing careers in health care. These programs reflect our commitment to investing in the next generation of skilled, compassionate health care professionals. Whether you are beginning your educational journey or advancing your career, Norton Healthcare scholarship opportunities provide valuable financial assistance and recognition for your dedication to excellence in patient care and community health.

Norton Healthcare James R. Petersdorf Dependent Scholarship

Dependents of Norton Healthcare employees who are considering a degree in a health care-related field may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship for the fall 2026 semester. These awards are made possible through the generosity of the James R. Petersdorf Fund.

AMA Foundation

Founded in 1950, the AMA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Medical Association. Its mission is to bring together physicians and communities to improve the nation's health. The AMA Foundation is dedicated to fostering leadership, providing crucial grant funding, offering valuable medical school tips and much more. It provides charitable grants to financially support innovative partnerships of physician-led, community-based agencies, including free clinics. It also recognizes and fosters the development of the next generation of physician leaders through scholarships, mentorship and ongoing training. At the heart of the AMA Foundation lies a commitment to forging connections between physicians and the communities they serve.

The AMA Foundation Leadership Development Institute

Program Overview

The Leadership Development Institute is dedicated to cultivating an aspiring cohort of physician leaders who are committed to their patients, their communities, and the future of health care.

Designed for medical students, this competitive, yearlong program provides participants with professional development opportunities and individualized mentorship from experienced physician leaders. Through the LDI, participants gain the tools, confidence, and perspective needed to navigate medical school, explore leadership pathways, and contribute to organized medicine throughout their careers.

What to Expect

• Monthly virtual webinars
• An in-person convening during the 2026 AMA House of Delegates Interim Meeting
• A June culmination weekend during the 2027 AMA House of Delegates Annual Meeting
• One-to-one mentorship with an experienced physician leader
• Opportunities to build relationships with leaders across organized medicine