Best Renewable Energy Grants in Maine

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine working on renewable energy, climate change, or broader environmental conservation can seek operating or project support, including multi-year funding, from Island Foundation. Focus areas include linking climate change and regional planning, supporting sustainable fisheries and agriculture, and advancing environmental justice and community health in coastal communities.

Maine renewable and sustainable energy organizations, public schools, and government agencies can seek support for climate action, clean energy, mobility, and resilience projects. Focused on equitable, low-carbon solutions, Barr Foundation invites 501(c)(3) public charities and fiscally sponsored projects to advance greenhouse gas reductions and climate resilience, especially in communities of color across the Northeast.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets in Maine communities served by RBC Wealth Management can seek funding for workforce skills, inclusive prosperity, or environmental sustainability programs. RBC Foundation USA provides Maine organizations with support for job readiness, youth development, community accessibility, and net-zero transition initiatives that may include renewable and energy-efficiency projects.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

Nonprofit visual arts organizations in Maine and across the U.S. can receive up to US $20,000 for clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability projects through the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative’s Catalyst Grants. Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports first-step or small-scale efforts like solar installations, LED upgrades, building redesigns, audits, and museum-specific sustainability measures that reduce energy use and emissions.

Minority-serving institutions with STEM research doctoral programs, including those in Maine, can apply for National Science Foundation support to expand research capacity and increase doctoral student production. Focused on areas like renewable and sustainable energy and other advanced STEM fields, this program offers US $100,000 - US $2,000,000 across multiple CREST-RISE tracks.

Focused on STEM education, Edison International invites Maine-related renewable energy and STEM students to apply for the Edison Scholars Program. Eligible high school seniors planning full-time undergraduate study in approved STEM majors, who live in Southern California Edison’s service territory and demonstrate financial need, can receive US $50,000 toward a four-year degree.

Organizations conducting social, cultural, historical, or economic research on fisheries–offshore wind interactions in the Northeast, including Maine, can apply for up to US $400,000 to support their work. The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium, with NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center, funds collaborative, community-engaged studies that build actionable science and long-term research capacity.

Graduate-level students and researchers in renewable or sustainable energy and related technologies can receive up to US $40,000 for study or research between Australia and the U.S., including applicants from Maine. With a mission to support advanced security, technology, diplomacy, and clean energy fields, American Australian Association provides scholarships covering tuition, travel, living, and research costs.

Tribal governments and communities pursuing renewable and solar energy projects can access funding to build capacity and infrastructure across the U.S., including Maine. Grants from GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund help advance solar installations, workforce development, education, and long-term tribal energy planning, with awards up to US $100,000 for feasible, community-engaged projects.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with timely, actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental challenges, American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship may benefit students in Maine working on sustainable water and renewable resource issues.

Energy technology developers in Maine and across the U.S. can apply for US $5,000,000 - US $20,000,000 to scale ARPA-E-funded inventions toward commercialization. The U.S. Department of Energy supports applied R&D on transformative energy, efficiency, biofuels, and renewable technologies, but only for subject inventions originating from prior ARPA-E awards that meet specific patent and reporting requirements.

Tribal governments and Tribal collaboratives seeking to build capacity for offshore wind engagement in Maine and nationwide can apply for funding to plan and implement engagement strategies. Focused on offshore wind energy, the U.S. Department of Energy invites Tribes to pursue activities such as community engagement, workforce training, economic development, and environmental monitoring across three prize phases.

Industrial and energy-technology organizations developing thermal or electric storage solutions can access funding through the U.S. Department of Energy to advance cost-effective industrial energy storage. This U.S.-wide, three-phase prize offers up to US $700,000 per team for design, prototyping, and validation of systems that improve efficiency and support renewable and sustainable energy use, including projects benefiting Maine facilities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on renewable and sustainable energy or clean drinking water initiatives in Maine and across the U.S. can seek support for policy, advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility efforts. Grants from Park Foundation also back investigative reporting on shale gas and water issues, with emphasis on New York State relevance.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations in Maine can apply for BMO Financial Group’s funding; awards support programs in renewable and sustainable energy, environmental conservation, and related community initiatives. Eligible projects must take place in Canada or the U.S. and align with BMO’s priorities around sustainable futures and stronger communities.

Focused on renewable and sustainable energy, Enbridge invites Maine nonprofits and community organizations near its operations to apply for community grants. Awards range from US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities, including environmental education, energy transition, conservation, and related community programs.

Maine renewable and sustainable energy organizations, especially those advancing social justice, education, workforce development, environmental stewardship, or community health, can access funding through AES Hawaii Foundation for community-focused programs. Projects should serve specific communities or operate statewide, demonstrate measurable impact, and provide long-term benefits around clean energy and related community needs.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on solar energy education, workforce development, or installations in the U.S. can access funding through All Points North Foundation, with awards from US $60,000 - US $100,000. Eligible organizations must have at least one year of proven operations, strong leadership, and a commitment to equitable, non-proselytizing service.

The Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program, administered by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the capabilities of eligible institutions in agriculture and related fields. By providing financial support, the program encourages institutions to compete for federal funding, disseminate vital information, and foster community engagement in educational and research initiatives. This initiative is crucial for developing infrastructure, promoting faculty development, and establishing graduate assistantships to address national and regional agricultural priorities.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Fellowship Program, managed by the Environmental Leadership Program, aims to foster conservation and clean energy careers for emerging leaders of color. This two-year paid fellowship provides recent graduates with professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Ideal candidates are those with a passion for social and environmental justice, who identify as part of historically marginalized groups, and are committed to community engagement. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the environmental sector.

The Environmental Grantmaking Program at the Educational Foundation of America (EFA) aims to support projects that facilitate a transition to a net-zero electricity system. Focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the program emphasizes initiatives that enhance access to affordable clean energy, accelerate regional transitions, and strengthen financial investment in electric utilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 public charities, academic institutions, and government entities committed to sustainable energy solutions.

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 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.

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation's Environment Initiative Grants aim to support projects that enhance ecological health and sustainability. With an annual budget of approximately $3.4 million, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote responsible environmental practices, clean energy, and waste reduction. Grants between $25,000 and $75,000 are available for projects at various levels, focusing on innovative solutions that foster community partnerships and address root causes of environmental challenges.