Best Volunteer Grants in Maine

Research institutions and universities in Maine conducting fundamental engineering, biological, or biomedical systems research can access funding through the National Science Foundation’s Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems program. Projects may include biosensing platforms, imaging, tissue or organ function restoration, rehabilitation engineering, or biomanufacturing advances, and may indirectly support volunteer-driven health or disability initiatives.

Grassroots community groups in Maine launching new or significantly evolving local environmental projects can receive US $500 - US $1,000 to support early-stage work. New England Grassroots Environment Fund prioritizes volunteer-driven groups with small budgets and broad community representation, including those without formal nonprofit status but with a group bank account.

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 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

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 FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

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 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Maine environmental and conservation 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for funding to support wildlife, habitat protection, environmental protection, and outdoor recreation projects that engage volunteers and communities. The Davis Conservation Foundation prioritizes work in Northern New England, especially the Gulf of Maine, Northern Forest, and climate change adaptation, mitigation, and resilience efforts that may involve volunteer engagement.

Students 18 and under planning volunteer or community service projects in Maine can apply for microgrants of US $250 - US $1,000 to cover core project costs. With a mission to support young people in service, Karma for Cara provides funding for creative, hands-on initiatives that improve local communities across the U.S.

Maine organizations running community service and volunteerism initiatives can seek funding to build program capacity, strengthen volunteer management, and support national service efforts. Focused on volunteerism and philanthropy, Volunteer Maine invites eligible groups to develop AmeriCorps and other service programs that address critical community needs across the state.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Maine

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits in Maine can receive up to US $15,000 to plant and maintain trees and strengthen community forestry programs. With a mission to support long-term community forestry, Maine Forest Service provides funding for tree planting, maintenance, site preparation, and related supplies, where volunteer involvement and community engagement can be part of the required 50/50 match.

Maine volunteer leaders working with local Main Street America organizations or Coordinating Programs can access recognition through the Mary Means Leadership Award, honoring exemplary community and economic development leadership. National Main Street Center highlights individuals who build local capacity, center equity, and unite diverse stakeholders, which may benefit Maine volunteer-driven revitalization efforts.

Maine nonprofits serving middle and high school students in agriculture courses can access funding for organized youth leadership development programs through Maine Agriculture in the Classroom; awards up to US $1,000. Programs that build student leadership in agriculture and natural resources, including those engaging volunteers, may be eligible for one-year support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine that provide PreK–12 agricultural education can apply for up to US $2,000 to support statewide events, materials, and programs. With a mission to build agricultural awareness, Maine Agriculture in the Classroom provides one-year grants that require matching contributions and reach students, educators, and volunteers across the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving marginalized and at-risk children and adolescents in Seabrook, Hampton, Kittery, and nearby Seacoast towns can apply for unrestricted grants of US $25,000 to expand their work. With a mission to improve Seacoast quality of life, Seacoast Women’s Giving Circle supports direct services, advocacy, and social change efforts that foster independence and long-term solutions.

Maine nonprofits, public agencies, schools, municipalities, and tribal governments serving Peaks Island can access funding for community-enriching programs, operations, and capacity-building. Peaks Island Fund offers up to US $10,000 for projects that reduce economic barriers, support health and social services, expand education and enrichment, or protect the island environment, which may include volunteer-driven initiatives.

Companies and corporations in Maine that contribute volunteer time, financial support, or donated materials to public schools can be recognized through this education-focused Corporate Award. Focused on volunteerism and philanthropy, Maine Education Association invites businesses supporting public education to highlight their community service and impact on students and educators statewide.

Individuals or groups in Maine who volunteer with schools, youth, or community education can be nominated for this recognition-focused Golden Apple Award. Focused on volunteerism and civic engagement, Maine Education Association honors residents or MEA members showing strong commitment to local schools and children through organizing, school service, or youth work.

High school students pursuing academic studies, particularly those active in volunteerism or community service, may be eligible for the Oleta Lambert Scholarship supporting higher education. Offered by the Rotary Club of Sacramento Foundation, this annual award of US $1,100 supports study at accredited four-year universities or community college vocational or transfer programs.

High school seniors pursuing college with strong academics and a commitment to service can apply for Rotary Club of Sacramento Foundation scholarships, awarding US $1,750 - US $2,500 for one year of undergraduate study. Students at C.K. McClatchy, Sacramento Charter, or West Campus High Schools may be especially interested, including those engaged in volunteerism-focused activities.

Founders or leaders of registered nonprofits worldwide working in underserved communities can apply for One Young World’s AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Impact Fellowship, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for 6–12 month youth health projects. Maine-based volunteer-driven organizations focused on health equity, climate-health, or resilient health systems may be eligible.

Maine graduates with ties to Washington County who are building their professional and personal lives locally can receive tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment support through the Gracie Fund in Maine. Washington County residents engaged in community service and early-career work may be eligible for up to US $5,000 in annual, renewable awards from Maine Community Foundation.

Organizations running conservation-focused volunteer projects in Maine can receive up to US $10,000 to support community service initiatives. Volunteer Maine’s ConSERVE Maine Grant funds efforts in Oxford, Franklin, and Somerset counties that engage at least two people in service to advance energy efficiency, environmental education, flood resilience, and community health through structured volunteerism.

Maine nonprofits serving PreK–12 students with agriculture-focused education projects in Maine can access funding through Maine Agriculture in the Classroom for curriculum-based agricultural awareness initiatives. Grants up to US $1,000 support integrating food and fiber concepts into classroom learning for up to one year, which may complement volunteer-supported educational programs.

Nonprofit organizations in Maine serving PreK–12 students can receive up to US $2,000 to integrate agricultural concepts into curricula and promote understanding of the food and fiber system. Maine Agriculture in the Classroom supports short-term educational projects that may engage volunteers in delivering agriculture-focused learning experiences statewide.

Nonprofit organizations in Maine or serving Maine students can receive up to US $2,000 to create or enhance school gardens and greenhouses that integrate agricultural education into PreK–12 curricula. Maine Agriculture in the Classroom supports projects that teach about the food and fiber system and can engage volunteers through community involvement and in-kind support.

Nonprofits, public agencies, schools, municipalities, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups in Maine supporting LGBTQ+ communities can seek up to US $10,000 for general operating support or time-bound projects. Maine Community Foundation’s Equity Fund backs initiatives in civil rights, social action, advocacy, and health care, which may include volunteer-driven programming and capacity-building.