Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Maine

Maine public infrastructure and disaster preparedness projects can access funding for hazard mitigation activities, including energy efficiency and resilience upgrades. MEMA (Maine Emergency Management Agency) provides Maine public infrastructure organizations with US $1,000,000 - US $757,000,000 through FEMA’s BRIC program to reduce natural hazard risks and lower future disaster costs.

Tidewater municipalities in Maine can apply for Maine Department of Transportation’s Small Harbor Improvement Program, with awards up to US $250,000 for public marine infrastructure projects. Funding supports public wharves, piers, landings, boat ramps, and related facilities that improve public water access, economic activity, and commercial or recreational fishing, with a 50% local match required.

Units of general local government in Maine seeking gap funding for public infrastructure projects can apply for up to US $4,000,000 from the CDBG Public Infrastructure Grant Program. With a mission to strengthen communities, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development supports construction, acquisition, and related activities that advance long-range community development strategies.

Municipal and tribal governments and other eligible Maine communities can receive funding for local climate, energy, and public infrastructure projects through Community Action Grants. The Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future offers up to US $175,000 for individual or joint community projects once communities enroll in the Community Resilience Partnership.

Public infrastructure and climate-focused service provider organizations in Maine can receive up to US $15,000 per community to help localities with climate action, energy, and resilience planning. Grants from the Maine Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future support enrolling communities in the Community Resilience Partnership and conducting vulnerability assessments to prioritize projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine with at least three years of operation and a $100,000+ budget can seek funding for workforce skills, youth development, and community accessibility projects. RBC Foundation USA provides support for programs that build in-demand job skills, increase inclusive prosperity, and enhance sustainable, accessible community spaces.

Maine public agencies and tribal or local governments planning major surface transportation infrastructure projects may be eligible for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. This US Department of Transportation grant offers up to US $25,000,000 for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional public infrastructure and transit projects with significant local or regional impact across the U.S. territories and states.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes can seek funding to plan, design, construct, rehabilitate, or inspect transportation bridges in poor condition, including in Maine. Focused on public infrastructure, the Federal Highway Administration invites applications year-round for eligible Tribal Transportation Program bridges, including BIA/Tribally owned and non-BIA/Tribally owned structures needing safety or geometric improvements.

Industrial and energy technology organizations in Maine developing thermal or electric storage solutions can access funding through the U.S. Department of Energy for concepts that improve industrial energy efficiency and support public energy infrastructure. Grants up to US $700,000 are awarded through three competitive phases for design, prototyping, and validation of industrial energy storage systems.

U.S.-based research institutions and nonprofits studying social programs and policies through quasi-experimental designs may be eligible for this funding, including work on public infrastructure. Grants from Arnold Ventures help organizations conduct rigorous causal evaluations in areas like infrastructure, higher and career education, workforce training, reproductive health, and public finance that can inform policy decisions in Maine and beyond.

Focused on predevelopment for rural water and waste systems, USDA: Rural Development invites very small, financially distressed communities to seek funding for feasibility studies, preliminary design, and technical assistance. Eligible Maine applicants include most state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes serving rural areas of 2,500 or fewer residents with low median incomes.

Community partnerships led by a 501(c)(3) working on public infrastructure and water-related projects in Maine can access funding for workforce development, job creation, and community engagement, not bricks-and-mortar. Grants from Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities support U.S. initiatives leveraging existing public funds, offering US $45,000 - US $120,000 for human infrastructure and collaboration.

Public agencies, research institutions, and policy organizations in Maine and across the U.S. can seek funding for transportation infrastructure research, data, and policy reform projects. With a mission to improve systems through evidence-based solutions, Arnold Ventures provides support for work on surface transportation, project delivery costs, permitting, governance, and related public infrastructure policy issues.

State and local transportation agencies and similar public entities seeking to deploy advanced transportation technologies for public infrastructure in Maine may be eligible for this program, which offers up to US $12,000,000 per award. DOT Federal Highway Administration supports projects that improve safety, mobility, congestion management, and overall transportation system performance.

Public agencies and other eligible entities planning marine highway transportation projects that reduce landside congestion and expand public infrastructure, including in Maine, can apply for up to US $12,000,000. With a mission to advance marine transportation, US Department of Transportation: Maritime Administration (MARAD) supports projects along designated Marine Highway Routes across the U.S. and territories.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Dam Safety Program focuses on rehabilitating high hazard potential dams that do not meet state safety standards. Funded by FEMA, this initiative aims to protect lives and property by providing federal funds to eligible states, which then pass these funds to non-Federal governmental or nonprofit organizations. Rehabilitation involves repairing, replacing, reconstructing, or removing dams to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Local Community Grant

A genuine love of neighbor inspired Adam to help others, and his example inspires us to sustain his support of local communities.  

Driven by Adam’s sense of civic responsibility, the foundation is focused on initiatives to support both community infrastructure and the citizens for whom that infrastructure is designed, including:

• Parks and greenspaces
• Recreation facilities
• Visual and performing arts
• Community service organizations
• Historic building preservation
• Festival sponsorship
• Veterans’ organizations

Nonprofits, government entities, and tribal organizations in Maine working on traffic safety and public infrastructure can apply for National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $200,000. Funding supports innovative, evidence-based projects that improve road safety, address disparities in mobility and access, and can be replicated or scaled nationally within the U.S.

Maine public infrastructure and community-focused 501(c)(3) charities or government entities can seek support for projects that improve health, sustainability, and opportunity. SC Johnson Giving supports programs that strengthen communities, including public infrastructure, especially in areas where the company operates; some regional or national initiatives may also be considered.

The Smart Growth America Community Connectors Grant Program supports small and mid-sized cities in addressing divisive infrastructure caused by dangerous roads. With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this program aims to reconnect communities through temporary street safety projects while fostering skills and partnerships. Eligible teams must represent populations of 50,000 to 500,000 and include both government and community-based organizations. Priority will be given to projects benefiting low-income communities historically affected by disinvestment.

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund - Local Grants Program provides financial support for projects in Coös County, NH, and neighboring communities in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Québec. Grants up to $20,000 are available for eligible organizations focusing on community development and enhancement. This program aims to strengthen these border regions by fostering local initiatives that align with the foundation's mission to improve quality of life.

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund - Large Grants Program offers funding to strengthen communities in Coös County, NH, and bordering areas. With a focus on economic development, community resiliency, and education, the fund supports projects that enhance cultural assets, promote sustainable resource use, and address basic needs. Grants range from $20,000 to $300,000, requiring a pre-application consultation. The foundation aims to empower underserved populations and foster connections within the community.

The NBRC Catalyst Program aims to stimulate economic growth in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York by funding innovative projects that address regional economic needs. It supports initiatives like modernizing public services, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and developing workforce programs. By fostering partnerships and leveraging private investments, the program seeks to alleviate economic distress and improve rural vitality, ultimately leading to job creation and sustainable community development.

The Ittleson Foundation Environmental Program Grants support innovative projects that enhance environmental activism through education and grassroots efforts. In 2025, grants will focus on initiatives that strengthen environmental movements and engage new constituencies, particularly in environmental equity. The Foundation has provided resources since 1932 to improve public policy and community welfare, alternating its grantmaking focus annually between mental health and environmental initiatives.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.