Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

David Bruce Belcher Fund

About the fund

The David Bruce Belcher Scholarship Fund was established for the training of professionals in nursing, special education, and therapy (physical, speech and occupational) as a legacy of David Bruce Belcher and the caregivers who comforted him. This fund reflects David’s rare spirit and bright love in its support of those who seek to advance their nurturing skills in nursing, therapy, and special education.

Our Impact

UNCF was founded in 1944 to help more African American students attend and graduate from college.

Since then, we've helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college.

For Students

UNCF is more than just scholarships. We’re the nation’s leading minority education organization and our goal is to help you get to and through college.

Our support takes many different forms. From merit scholarships to financial assistance, on-campus assistance to professional development, emergency financial aid to community support, UNCF is committed to getting more students like you to and through college.

2026-2027 The RADM (ret.) Jeffrey A. & Linda J. Cook Scholarship

The RADM (ret.) Jeffrey A. & Linda J. Cook Scholarship is a need-based, recurring scholarship for active-duty, retired U.S. military veterans, or their dependents who are enrolled full time and pursuing undergraduate STEM degrees at an accredited HBCU. Recipients will receive a renewable award of up to $4,250 to support them in obtaining their undergraduate degree.

This scholarship is in honor of CPO Arthur A. Cook and Capt. Delbert E. Colwell, the fathers of the Grantors who served honorably during WWII.

The Ruth Goldstein Memorial Music Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Capital Region high schools who plan to pursue music education or performance. Offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, this scholarship prioritizes students specializing in woodwind instruments, piano accompaniment, or those demonstrating financial need. Since 1968, the foundation has empowered the community through generous giving opportunities, enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The BioMarin Medical Education Grant offers funding for educational activities aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals. Eligible applicants include accredited providers, medical associations, and patient advocacy groups. The grant focuses on supporting initiatives related to rare diseases, ensuring timely access to treatments and education. Applications are accepted year-round, but a minimum of 60 days is required for review prior to events. This commitment underscores BioMarin's dedication to improving patient care and advancing medical knowledge.

U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA works to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover. Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

Manufacturing grants

SBA provides grants to help empower small manufacturers.

Empower To Grow (E2G) Manufacturing in America Grant

The goal of this grant is to provide workforce development in key manufacturing industries, such as timber, energy, aluminum, steel, digital, and automotive.

SBA is looking for organizations that will provide technical proficiency and essential skills, including operating machinery, quality control, welding, utilizing industrial software, and workplace safety. 

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) offers grants to support Native farmers and ranchers through business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services. Established from the Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement, NAAF is committed to providing essential resources to eligible organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments. Special focuses include inflation assistance and market access, ensuring a holistic approach to agricultural support.

Erin Marie Masling Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship encourages students who have the potential and desire to pursue a post-secondary education despite the effects of an ongoing medical condition or illness.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; minimum award $500. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Hutsell, Alan Scholarship Fund

For a high school senior from Central Noble, East Noble, Wawasee, West Noble or homeschool (homeschooled student must live in Noble County) who will be pursuing advanced education in emergency services involving fire, police, criminal justice and/or EMS.

Awards Per Year:

• 1 scholarship

Applicant High School:

• Central Noble, East Noble, Homeschooled, Wawasee, West Noble

Colleges:

• Any accredited college or university

Areas of Study:

• Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Services, Emergency services involving fire, police, criminal justice and/or EMS.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

About Us

We are YOUR Community Foundation! Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc. is here to make our community the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. As a non-political private organization, we are uniquely able to provide grant money for innovative projects that have a major impact on our community.

Donald Forrest Hahn & Wilma Fraley Hahn Memorial Scholarship Fund

Donald Forrest Hahn and Wilma (Fraley) Hahn were high school sweethearts in Hollandsburg, Ohio where they graduated in 1941. Don enrolled at Earlham College, but was drafted into the Army to serve in World War II. He was part of the 3rd Army under the command of General Patton and his unit fought at Normandy Beach on D-Day, in the Battle of the Bulge, and in the battle for the Remagen Bridge. Don received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, one with clusters and a purple heart for shrapnel wounds. Don was a member of the Honor Guard for General Patton’s funeral. Wilma obtained her nursing degree from Reid Memorial Hospital. When Don returned from the war in 1946, they married and moved to 298 No. Jackson Street in Winchester where they lived as man and wife for 70 years in that same house. Don passed away on December 24, 2016 and just 30 hours later Wilma died on December 25. Wilma worked as an emergency room nurse from 1946-1949 and then was employed by the Randolph County Hospital from 1950-1968. From 1968 until her retirement in 1986 Wilma was Randolph Central School corporation’s nurse. Don farmed, was a rural route mail carrier, a member of the Lion’s Club and served on the school board for the Randolph Central School Corporation. He was on the board when the new high school was built. Don and Wilma were members of the First United Methodist Church of Winchester for 70 years. Both Don and Wilma were awarded Sagamores of the Wabash. They had three children, Greg, Randy and LeighAnne. Both Don and Wilma valued public school education and held higher education as a priority.

Awarded to a Randolph County, Indiana High School graduate with a financial need. Preference to be given to a student(s) pursuing a degree in Agriculture or Nursing.

The Judith Heavenrich Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Judith Heavenrich, aims to support single, low-income mothers in Saginaw County as they pursue higher education or vocational training. Judith, a lifelong advocate for education and environmental issues, faced numerous challenges in her life but remained dedicated to her community. This scholarship reflects her spirit and commitment to empowering women to achieve their educational goals, with awards typically ranging from $500 to $4,000.

The Debra Slater Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, assists graduating seniors from Hillsdale High School and continuing college students pursuing accredited two or four-year degrees. Eligible applicants must major in Agriculture or Animal Sciences and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, with preference given to current or former members of FFA or 4-H. This scholarship aims to support future leaders in agriculture and contribute to the community's growth.

The Virtual Living Room Grant Program aims to create welcoming spaces for veterans in rural communities, providing access to advanced medical technologies via telehealth. By establishing these rooms in accessible locations, veterans can connect with VA resources without the burden of travel, ensuring they receive essential care in a comfortable environment. This initiative not only supports health access but also fosters community engagement and enhances the quality of life for our nation's heroes.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County 4-H Livestock/Market Sale Scholarship

Established to support post-secondary scholarships to participants in Washington County 4-H Livestock and Market Sale programs.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County 4-H Dairy Scholarship

Established to support post-secondary scholarships to participants in Washington County 4-H dairy programs.

The Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated nursing professional who inspired many through her passion for healthcare. This scholarship encourages aspiring nurses at various educational levels to pursue their dreams in nursing. It supports individuals planning to attend accredited nursing institutions, fostering a new generation of compassionate caregivers, just as Dashanna did throughout her impactful career.

Shawnee Fine Arts Club Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to graduating seniors of Shawnee High School, Liberty Academy, or home-schooled residents of Shawnee, Oklahoma with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7. Student must be accepted into the university of their choice, majoring in music, visual arts, dance, or drama.

Homecare Assistance Grant

MS Focus understands the daily needs and challenges that must be met by both those with MS and their caregivers. In order to meet these needs in the most timely and efficient way possible, our Homecare Assistance Grant connects you to the best available local services. Should resources within your community not be available, direct support may be provided on a temporary basis.

Available Services include:

• Home Care - Personal hygiene services, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and transportation to and from appointments are all services that can be provided for a limited time.
• Therapy Visits - Based upon individual need, an appointment with an occupational, physical, or speech therapist can be arranged. Through education and training, these therapists can help to foster independence, self-esteem, and better quality of life for the person living with MS.
• Respite Care - Respite allows primary caregivers the opportunity to tend to themselves, or other family business, with the assurance that their loved one is being cared for by a properly trained individual. This service is provided on a short-term basis for a scheduled period of time. 
• Coming Home - Returning home from a stay at the hospital can be a difficult time of transition. We offer a four-hour visit from an aide who will meet the patient at the hospital, provide transportation home, and then get the patient settled comfortably at home.

The Isabelle Rowe Nursing Scholarship supports non-traditional students aged 21 and older from the Fox Valley and Waupaca areas pursuing nursing degrees. Established in 2007 by Julian Rowe in honor of his wife, Isabelle, this fund provides non-renewable scholarships of $2,000 for 4-year colleges and $1,000 for 2-year institutions. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, have work experience in healthcare, and demonstrate financial need, with opportunities to reapply annually.

St. Ignace Area Community Foundation: CTE Technical Scholarship

The St. Ignace Community Fund annually awards scholarships assisting students with higher education, technical training, vocational training or retraining based largely on acknowledgement of student responsibility, community service, and civic involvement. These Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors to the various accounts within the St. Ignace Area Community Fund. Some accounts specifically are awarded to recognize higher education in the areas of special education, vocational/technical careers, teaching, law enforcement, and health care.

The Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program (IHBG-COMP) for FY 2026 offers competitive grants to eligible recipients under NAHASDA. This program aims to support affordable housing initiatives benefiting low-income Tribal families, enhancing their living conditions and community well-being. Funded by the US HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing, the IHBG-COMP encourages the development of sustainable housing solutions within Native American communities.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Epilepsy Scholarship Fund

The Epilepsy Scholarship Fund was established in memory of David S. Izard, who lived in Canton, Illinois, and was active in football, track, and basketball. He graduated from Western Illinois University and worked as an Assistant Manager at Wal-Mart in Georgia. Diagnosed with epilepsy at age 3½, David lived a full and active life. He passed away on December 5, 1992, just fifteen days before his 27th birthday. Additional contributions have also been made in memory of other individuals. 

The fund provides scholarships to students pursuing an education at a junior college or four-year college or university.

 Cherokee Nation Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship

The Cherokee Nation Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to Cherokee Nation citizens pursuing college degrees in nursing and health care fields to support their readiness to contribute to and grow within the Cherokee Nation reservation labor market. 

The US Acute Care Solutions Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports the dependent children of non-physician employees of US Acute Care Solutions and its affiliates. Eligible applicants must be accepted into or attending a college, university, nursing school, or vocational program, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative highlights the Foundation's commitment to empowering future generations through education and community service involvement.

Who We Are

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

UNCF’s North Star is to increase the total annual number of African American college graduates by focusing on activities that ensure more students are college-ready, enroll in college and persist to graduation. This is done through a three-pillar strategy. Positioning member institutions as a viable college option for students and investing in institutional capacity to improve student outcomes; creating transformational support programs to ensure students are enrolling and persisting through college completion; building awareness of educational attainment and cultivating college-going behaviors within the African American community.

For Students

UNCF is more than just scholarships. We’re the nation’s leading minority education organization and our goal is to help you get to and through college.

Our support takes many different forms. From merit scholarships to financial assistance, on-campus assistance to professional development, emergency financial aid to community support, UNCF is committed to getting more students like you to and through college.

2026-2027 The Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship is directed towards current talented high school seniors within the Class of 2026 from the state of New York, who will be enrolling at any accredited UNCF member institution or other accredited Historically Black College/University.

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship is directed towards academically achieving high school seniors, who are seeking enrollment at any accredited UNCF member institution or other Historically Black College/University. 

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Foundation, Inc. is a social impactful philanthropic organization based in New York. The foundation actively focuses on funding critical initiatives in the arts and culture, education, health and religion.

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Foundation, Inc. has partnered with UNCF to establish the Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship. This scholarship is focused on providing vital financial assistance to ensure that high school seniors within the state of New York have access to a quality college education.

The candidates will have the opportunity to enroll in any accredited field of study at their selected institution. The candidates must be enrolled as first-time freshman within the 2026-27 Academic year. The eligible candidates must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 throughout the entire application process. 

The selected recipients will be eligible for renewal awards upon their continual adherence to the program guidelines and have established financial need by their institution each year.

The Stark County Medical Society Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, established in 1963, supports Stark County residents or graduates from local high schools who are pursuing accredited health care programs. This fund aims to assist students who have completed at least one year of their program, with a preference for those entering their final year of study. By investing in local students, the fund contributes to the development of future health care professionals in Ohio.

The James Knott Memorial Scholarship, established by the New Mexico Manufactured Housing Association, supports graduating high school seniors residing in manufactured homes. Awards of up to $1,000 are given annually to students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who attend a nonprofit or public educational institution full-time. Applicants must provide proof of residency, a written statement of financial need, and a reference from a teacher or counselor. This scholarship aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals.