Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

The PTA Connected: Be Internet Awesome program, sponsored by Google and YouTube, aims to empower elementary and middle schools by providing $1,500 in funding to 50 local PTAs. This initiative fosters engaging discussions among parents about digital safety and well-being, while educating children on responsible online behavior. The program emphasizes the importance of digital citizenship, equipping kids with the necessary skills to navigate the online world confidently.

The Health Careers Scholarship of Sonoma County, administered by 10,000 Degrees, supports students pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, or allied health fields. Established in 2001, it is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Sonoma County or graduated from its high schools. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA and provide two letters of recommendation, excluding relatives. This scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring healthcare professionals in the community.

The Raymond J. and Mary C. Reisert Foundation Grant aims to enhance community well-being by supporting local 501(c)(3) organizations in education, healthcare, and housing initiatives. Grants typically range from $500 to $15,000, with an emphasis on projects in Eastern North Carolina, Long Island, NY, and Central Maine. The foundation has awarded over 300 grants since its inception, reflecting its commitment to impactful community partnerships and ongoing evaluation of funded projects.

The Park Foundation Grants for the Environment focus on ensuring clean and accessible drinking water while opposing shale gas extraction and infrastructure expansion. They fund diverse initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices and policies, particularly within New York State. The Foundation supports advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility efforts that align with their mission to foster a just and sustainable environment, empowering communities to protect their natural resources.

The Herman J. and Helen D. Wyngarden Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students from Northern Ottawa County or local high schools. Established in memory of dedicated educators, this scholarship encourages academic advancement beyond high school. Eligible applicants should provide transcripts and relevant documents, with preference given to those pursuing economics or medicine. This competitive scholarship aims to honor the legacy of the Wyngardens while empowering future leaders.

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation administers the Kirschner Trusts, established to honor Phil and Roberta Kirschner's philanthropic legacy. These trusts focus on supporting young individuals with disabilities, Muskogee nonprofits, and Jewish causes. Since their transfer to the foundation in 2013, the trusts have continued to provide vital grants to organizations that align with the Kirschners’ values, ensuring their charitable impact persists in the community.

The Silvio O. Conte Digestive Diseases Research Core Centers (DDRCCs) program invites applications to enhance communication and collaboration among researchers in digestive and liver diseases. Funded by the NIDDK, DDRCCs focus on shared resources that foster productivity and innovative research ideas. Each center must revolve around a central theme aligned with the NIDDK's mission, ensuring effective research support while avoiding overlap with other NIH Institutes' funding areas.

The Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2025 by the Turtle Trackers Board, honors Linda Zambelli's legacy through scholarships for students pursuing higher education in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences. This initiative supports high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, ensuring they have opportunities to excel academically while fostering a commitment to marine conservation. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which has invested over $125 million in local communities.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship is awarded annually by SHAPE America to honor outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in health and physical education. Established in 1995, this scholarship supports three undergraduate and two graduate recipients. Candidates must be SHAPE America members, majoring in relevant fields, and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. In addition to financial support, recipients receive a three-year membership to SHAPE America, fostering a commitment to health education and physical activity.

The SHAPE America Major of the Year Award recognizes exemplary undergraduate students in health, physical education, recreation, and dance. This prestigious accolade aims to highlight nominees who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to service within their communities. Faculty members from colleges and universities are encouraged to nominate one outstanding student per major, ensuring that the next generation of health educators is celebrated for their achievements and contributions to the field.

The AAO-HNSF/ANS Herbert Silverstein Otology/Neurotology Research Award supports innovative clinical or basic science research focused on auditory and vestibular diseases. Established by Herbert Silverstein, MD, this award aims to assist young academic investigators in launching new projects. Since 2000, it has funded seven grants totaling $175,000, emphasizing projects with clear clinical relevance and potential for future funding. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to research and secure institutional support, with a priority for junior faculty and fellows.

The Louis N. Cassett Foundation provides grants to support a variety of charitable endeavors, particularly focusing on organizations in the Philadelphia and South Florida areas. As a private foundation operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, it empowers tax-exempt organizations to apply for funding. The Foundation does not impose religious affiliation requirements on recipients, ensuring that support is inclusive and aimed at a broad range of charitable, cultural, and educational projects.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, established by SHAPE America, honors outstanding graduate students in health and physical education. Awarded annually since 1995, it recognizes two graduate recipients based on academic excellence and leadership. Along with financial support, winners receive a three-year SHAPE America membership, enhancing their professional network. This scholarship underscores the organization's commitment to advancing health education and supporting future leaders in the field.

The AAO-HNSF Percy Memorial Research Award offers $25,000 for one year to support innovative research projects in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. This grant aims to fund projects with clinical significance, encouraging the development of new long-term research initiatives. Applicants must submit a detailed budget and secure letters of support from their Department Chair and key personnel involved in the project. Funds cannot cover salaries or purchase equipment exceeding $500.

The Rines Thompson Fund Grant, established in 1999, supports community-based organizations in Greater Portland, focusing on projects that enhance local vibrancy. It provides project and general support grants to eligible nonprofits, municipalities, and public agencies. The fund prioritizes initiatives in environment conservation, early childhood programming, and arts and culture. Organizations must operate within specified geographic areas and meet eligibility criteria defined by the Maine Community Foundation.

The Northrop Grumman Corporation Graduate Education Scholarship, part of the Graduate Education Fund, supports Australian students pursuing graduate-level studies in the USA. Offering up to $40,000 for one year, it is aimed at fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Physics, and Aerospace Engineering. Eligible candidates must be Australian citizens or permanent residents and have a formal offer from an accredited American institution. This scholarship promotes academic exchange and fosters international collaboration in specialized disciplines.

The VIA Art Fund provides Artistic Production Grants to support innovative artistic commissions for public spaces. These grants, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, are awarded twice a year to artists and organizations that exemplify artistic excellence and public engagement. Projects must have a confirmed exhibition venue, ensuring artworks reach diverse audiences and foster meaningful community experiences beyond traditional gallery settings.

The Hunger to Health Collaboratory (H2HC) 2025 Prizes for Innovation aim to enhance health equity for youth through innovative funding in three categories: Food and Nutrition Policy, Nutrition Education & School Food, and Indigenous Food Justice. Supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, these prizes include $100K grants for policy work and $25K grants for education and justice initiatives. Winners will participate in the H2HC Fall Summit in Boston, fostering collaborative solutions to food challenges.

Taos Diplomats Scholarship

The Taos Diplomats Scholarship was first established in 2015 by Peter Winter (Taos High ’04) and Dori Winter, who have served as Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Department of State. During college at the University of Southern California, Peter studied International Relations and Mandarin Chinese, later studying abroad in Beijing, China. Dori, a graduate of the University of South Carolina and Texas A&M University, studied in China and France. Both have represented the United States government at embassies and consulates around the world, including assignments in Northern Ireland, Egypt, Pakistan, China, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.

This award is open to graduating High School Seniors from Taos County (GPA of 3.0 or above) who are interested in pursuing a degree in fields such as international affairs, political science, public and government policy, global communications, international education and development, global health, international business, and foreign languages or studying abroad. This scholarship is open to those applying to 4 year colleges and universities as well as 2 year vocational/trade schools. The award ranges from $250.00 to $1,000.00 and is paid directly to the student’s account at the college or university attended.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student matriculating at a college, university, or business in the year of the scholarship.

OneRural provides essential technical assistance to rural organizations, fostering the development of affordable housing and community initiatives. This program offers tailored support, helping organizations enhance their operational capabilities and drive impactful change. By accessing expert resources and training, participants can effectively navigate challenges, improve program outcomes, and strengthen community resilience. This initiative targets nonprofits and tribal entities, ensuring that rural communities receive the guidance needed for sustainable growth and development.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Scholarship Program supports students aiming to enroll in firefighter, law enforcement, or emergency medical programs at accredited institutions. Established in 2005, the foundation provides $5,000 scholarships to eligible candidates, including high school seniors and current college students. The program emphasizes commitment to public safety and community service, assisting those pursuing careers as first responders. This initiative highlights the foundation's dedication to enhancing lifesaving capabilities within local communities.

Seacoast Womens Giving Circle

We are 200 members strong and are committed to preserving the quality of life on the Seacoast. Members hail from around the world but most call the Seacoast area "home". 

What We Do

Members contribute to an annual collective gift and participate in volunteer service projects in the community. Over the course of the year, members educate themselves about community issues, identify a specific topic on which to focus, and select nonprofit organization(s) to receive the Giving Circle's annual gift.

Where We Serve

The immediate scope of our giving and volunteering includes the following towns: Seabrook, Hampton, Hampton Falls, North Hampton, Rye, Portsmouth, New Castle, Greenland, Newington and Kittery.

Request for Grant Application

Topic: Protecting Marginalized and At Risk Children & Adolescents

When children and adolescents face mistreatment or discrimination, are stigmatized, and/or cannot access vital health and educational services, they cannot thrive.

The Seacoast Women's Giving Circle will be accepting applications from organizations that support marginalized and at-risk children and adolescents.

Priority will be given to organizations that address one or more of the following:

• ​Direct services
• Advocacy
• Social change initiatives

Seacoast Women’s Giving Circle Priorities:

• Improving quality of life on the Seacoast
• Serving the socio-economically underprivileged
• Fostering independence and self-reliance
• Addressing emerging needs and issues
• Providing long-term solutions
• Investing in the expansion of existing organizations rather than the creation of new ones

We are accepting applications for unrestricted funding grants of $25,000.

The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) empowers tribal communities across the U.S. by promoting renewable energy projects and workforce development. Launched by GRID Alternatives, TSAF provides critical funding for solar initiatives, enhancing energy sovereignty and resilience. Since its inception, TSAF has integrated community participation into its projects, ensuring that tribes can access sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing education and equity, TSAF supports a transition to a clean energy economy, aiming for a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Aspiring Educators CREATE Grants, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, offer up to $2000 to strengthen the AE Program and foster impactful partnerships. Grants focus on areas such as Educator Quality, Community Engagement, Political Action, and Social Justice. Eligible organizations include state AE chapters, and submissions are accepted three times a year. This initiative encourages aspiring educators to develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.