Best Parent-Teacher Organization Grants in Maine

Schools and community centers in Maine seeking to establish educational orchards and gardens can access funding through United Charitable’s ReTreeUS program. United Charitable provides Maine K-12 education and greening projects with support to plant and maintain orchards, enhance outdoor learning, and build youth interest in horticulture, botany, and biology.

K–12 education and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine can apply for US $2,000 - US $25,000 to support program development, facilities, and equipment. Grants from Bangor Savings Bank Foundation help strengthen culture and arts, education, health and wellness, workforce development, and social services to make Northern New England communities more vibrant.

Focused on K-12 education, Maine Department of Education invites Maine school and community organizations to apply for funding to create or expand comprehensive before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs. Grants support academic tutoring, enrichment, and student well-being for Pre-K through grade 12 in high-need, economically disadvantaged communities, including support for working families.

Nonprofit organizations in Maine working on K–12 education, college and career preparation, or workforce readiness can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support students and adults toward thriving futures. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help fund academic success, financial literacy, affordable housing, and small business growth in eligible communities.

Maine-based nonprofits and community organizations can seek Betterment Fund support for education, health, conservation, and community-wide initiatives, with awards of US $10,000 - US $35,000. Betterment Fund provides Maine K–12 and broader educational efforts with multi-year project funding, favoring systemic, community-driven programs, especially in Western Maine and other rural regions of the state.

K–12 schools, libraries, colleges, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maine can seek up to US $10,000 to support comprehensive family literacy programs, including adult education, children’s education, and parent–child learning time. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations within 15 miles of a Dollar General store that are listed in the National Literacy Directory.

Maine Catholic schools and dioceses seeking to develop K–12 leadership can access funding through Catholic Extension’s Catholic School Leadership Development Grant. This one-year program covers most tuition plus travel for Loyola Marymount University’s online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, preparing nominated novice or prospective leaders to strengthen mission effectiveness, management, and instructional leadership locally.

K–12 schools and related educational institutions in Maine planning new construction or energy upgrades can apply for Efficiency Maine Trust’s School Decarbonization Technical Assistance incentive, awarding up to US $20,000 for qualifying professional services. Funding supports engineering or legal TA studies that reduce carbon emissions, using providers from the approved TA Provider List.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund provides Maine K–12 and youth music education programs with flexible support to help young people experience and learn bluegrass. Administered by the IBMA Foundation, funds are used where most needed to benefit individuals age 21 and younger across bluegrass-related educational activities.

Maine K–12 education organizations and higher-education programs with strong faculty mentors may be eligible for this national recognition supporting academic success and enrichment. Parent-teacher organizations partnering with full-time faculty who are SHAPE America members can nominate outstanding mentors who model professionalism, advise students, and encourage involvement in service, research, and professional activities.

Nonprofit organizations providing K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations can apply for approximately US $77,000 in program support from the Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund. With a mission to strengthen charitable and educational efforts, the fund backs year-round, measurable programs, which may benefit parent-teacher initiatives connected to Maine schools serving these communities.

Nonprofit organizations running K–12 education, workforce development, or basic needs programs in Maine can access funding that supports youth learning, job readiness, and community stability. Grants from OneAmerica Financial help strengthen financial security, food security, housing stability, and social services, with a primary focus on communities in Indianapolis and Maine but eligibility extending nationwide.

K–12 educators seeking agricultural literacy materials in Maine can use this grant to purchase accurate ag education resources for their classrooms. With a mission to support agricultural literacy, American Farm Bureau provides U.S. K–12 educators with US $100 in AFBFA store credit, which may benefit parent-teacher organizations collaborating with schools.

Current SHAPE America members in Maine and nationwide can receive US $1,000 to support projects advancing girls’ and women’s participation and leadership in sports, such as research, after-school programs, or professional development. Society of Health and Physical Educators offers this annual NAGWS Legacy Award, which may benefit K–12 educators and parent-teacher groups collaborating on school-based sports initiatives.

Maine K–12 schools, districts, and education-focused organizations developing STEM and biomedical science programs for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 may be eligible for the NIH Science Education Partnership Award. Parent-teacher organizations can use this U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health funding for classroom or informal science education projects, including after-school and library-based activities.

Parent-teacher groups and K-12 partners in Maine working with their county or state Farm Bureaus can seek up to US $1,000 for agricultural literacy projects. Focused on K-12 agricultural education, the American Farm Bureau Federation invites Farm Bureaus nationwide to start or expand durable, reusable ag literacy programs and materials.

The Measurement and Evaluation Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a distinguished SHAPE America professional who has significantly impacted measurement and evaluation in health and physical education. This prestigious award highlights the importance of scholarly achievement and the influence of national standards in enhancing educational practices. It aims to honor those who have dedicated their careers to improving the quality of health and physical education, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles for students across the nation.

K-12 teachers and education program organizers in Maine can use this grant to fund insect-focused science projects and classroom activities. Entomological Society of America supports K-12 education by covering project-related costs such as supplies, services, travel, and educator stipends, with awards up to US $2,500 available nationwide for creative insect science initiatives.

K-12 classroom teachers seeking to design their own professional learning experiences can apply for fellowships that enhance instructional practice and student achievement. With a mission to empower educators, Fund for Teachers provides Maine and other U.S. teachers with support for individualized, self-directed professional development that they then bring back to their students, schools, and communities.

The Principal Student Support Services Grant, offered by the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network, aims to enhance mental health support for students in grades 6-12 at under-resourced public schools. With funding available for hiring mental health professionals and performance-based awards, this initiative addresses critical challenges like chronic absenteeism and behavioral issues. By providing targeted interventions, the grant seeks to improve academic performance and overall well-being among students facing mental health crises.

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.

The All Kids Play: Youth Sports Grant aims to support families and community-based organizations in low-income areas, ensuring access to recreational sports for children in grades K-12. This grant assists those who struggle to afford youth sports, providing essential funding on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible organizations must demonstrate budget constraints and operate in areas with high low-income student percentages, promoting inclusivity in youth sports participation.

The Spotlight Fund Grants, specifically the STEM Fund, provide essential funding for K-12 educators to enhance their curriculum with necessary tools and materials for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. Aimed at supporting under-served communities, these grants typically range from $500 to $1,000 per educator, with a cap of $5,000 per school. Priority is given to educators from high-needs schools, ensuring equitable access to quality STEM education.

The Spotlight Fund Grants aim to enhance racial equity in K-12 education by providing flexible funding to BIPOC educators. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, these funds are essential for sourcing tools and materials that support diverse student needs. As schools face budget cuts exacerbated by COVID-19, this initiative focuses on proven strategies that foster an inclusive learning environment for students of color, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive.

The Spotlight Funds: Inclusive Classroom Grants support K-12 educators by providing financial assistance to acquire essential tools and materials for diverse classrooms. These grants address inequities based on race, gender identity, and ability, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed. With awards ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes high-needs schools, empowering teachers to create inclusive learning environments that reflect their students' unique backgrounds.

The Spotlight Fund: Arts Grants support K-12 educators by providing funding for essential tools and materials to enhance art education. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes educators in high-needs schools, fostering creativity and reducing dropout rates among at-risk youth. By engaging children in various art forms, the initiative enriches their educational experience and opens up future possibilities. This targeted support is vital for cultivating a new generation of artists and creative thinkers.