Best Workforce Grants in Maine

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

With a mission to improve the lives of vulnerable residents, John T Gorman Foundation provides Maine workforce and family-focused organizations with funding for two-generation and whole-family strategies. Programs that strengthen education, employment navigation and supports, social capital, health, and family stability for children, youth, parents, and low-income seniors may be considered, typically by invitation.

Research institutions and organizations in Maine that support STEM research administration and workforce development can seek funding to strengthen research enterprise infrastructure. National Science Foundation provides U.S. research-supporting entities with support for improving practices, developing human capital, and scaling effective models that enhance equitable, diverse, and resilient research operations, which may benefit workforce preparation and training efforts.

Nonprofit organizations running workforce preparation, trade education, or job-readiness programs in Maine can seek support for non-traditional scholarships and related educational initiatives. Justamere Foundation supports trade education, veterans’ workforce resources, childhood literacy, and arts education, working with community partners to remove barriers to self-sufficiency through education, coaching, and connections.

Nonprofits and community organizations supporting trade education, veterans’ workforce transitions, childhood literacy, or arts education in Maine can seek project funding that removes barriers to self-sufficiency. Grants from Justamere Foundation help workforce preparation and job readiness programs acquire tools or resources that unlock training and educational opportunities for underserved individuals. Applicants are encouraged to connect with the foundation before applying.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, municipalities, and eligible sponsors in Maine can receive funding for specific programs, services, events, and capital projects that benefit local communities. With a mission to strengthen Maine’s financial wellness and economic vitality, Machias Savings Bank provides support for workforce development, financial education, affordable housing, youth programs, and related community initiatives.

Maine employers seeking workforce preparation and job readiness support can access up to US $1,200 per frontline worker for training and education. Focused on workforce development, the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce offers scholarships, advising, and record-keeping for Maine-based training through community colleges, third-party vendors, or company-based programs.

Nonprofit organizations supporting workforce development, K–12 education, or basic human needs in Maine can apply for community grants from OneAmerica Financial. The OneAmerica Financial Foundation funds programs that improve financial literacy, enhance academic outcomes for youth, expand access to affordable housing, and strengthen social service providers, with giving focused on Indianapolis and Maine but available nationwide.

Employers, municipalities, nonprofits, human service organizations, and transportation providers in Maine can access Maine Department of Transportation’s Workforce Transportation Pilot Program, offering up to US $750,000 for rural workforce transportation projects. Funding supports capital, operating, and start-up costs to connect workers with jobs in key industries on a rolling, competitive basis.

Maine arts-focused 501(c)(3) organizations seeking general operating support can use this grant to cover eligible costs that help sustain their creative workforce and infrastructure in Maine. Focused on arts and culture, Maine Arts Commission invites arts nonprofits with budgets above $25,000 to apply for up to US $7,500 for operating expenses or reimbursement.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

Organizations in Maine working on workforce preparation, job readiness, and broader economic development can seek funding for projects that improve rural economic vitality. Grants from Northern Border Regional Commission help Maine communities modernize public infrastructure, revitalize transportation, expand workforce development programs and facilities, grow the outdoor recreation economy, and increase access to childcare and healthcare facilities in eligible counties.

Department of Business and Economic Affairs

The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is the premier resource for businesses considering expansion in, or relocation to, New Hampshire, as well as people seeking a home in a place where they can balance their careers amid the natural beauty it offers.

Dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the state and promoting it as a destination for domestic and international visitors, BEA is comprised of the Division of Economic Development, Division of Planning & Community Development, and the Division of Travel and Tourism Development.

Within these divisions are programs that support BEA’s mission to keep the state’s economy strong and competitive, from international trade and government procurement to workforce development and municipal planning.

About NBRC

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a partnership between the federal government and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC targets resources to promote economic growth strategies and projects in designated counties within its member states. 

Mission Statement: The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in the northern border region with flexible funding and strategic support.

Forest Economy Grant Program

The Forest Economy Program, administered by the Northern Border Regional Commission, makes awards in the form of Grant Agreements. The program stimulates economic growth in the forest-based industries, including new technologies and viable business models, across the NBRC four-state region in alignment with state economic development plans and forest economy initiatives. 

NBRC's Forest Economy Program (FEP) is designed to support state-identified development plans for the regional forest economy and to assist in the industry’s evolution to include new technologies and viable business models.

Forest Economy Program Priorities  

Successful projects support a broad range of initiatives such as, but not limited to:

• Public infrastructure projects that directly support the forest industry;  
• Community development projects that support the diversified use of forest for economic activity;  
• Workforce training and development projects for the purpose of building the skills and recruiting and retaining the workforce needed for forest businesses, and;
• Marketing, communication and education projects that are paired with a public infrastructure, community development or workforce training or development project.  
• Basic research projects will not be considered. Preference will be given to applied research and demonstration projects that demonstrate a strong connection to industry.

Maine 501(c)(3) organizations running workforce preparation or job readiness programs for youth or young veterans with disabilities can access funding through Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. Grants of US $10,000 - US $200,000 support innovative, nationally focused projects that build leadership and employment skills, create employer tools, and promote inclusive, competitive employment in the U.S.

Focused on workforce preparation and job readiness, Clowes Fund invites Maine 501(c)(3) organizations serving socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals to seek multi-year operating support. Nonprofits providing immigrant services, workforce development, youth development, or K–12 classroom-based education in southern and mid-coast counties may apply for Introductory or Continuation Grants up to US $150,000.

With a mission to strengthen Northern New England communities, Bangor Savings Bank Foundation provides Maine 501(c)(3) organizations with US $2,000 - US $25,000 for program development, facilities, equipment, and some operating support. Nonprofits working on workforce preparation and job readiness, economic development, education, health, arts, or social services may be eligible.

Early-stage organizations, new initiatives, and even individuals in Maine developing innovative teaching, learning, or talent solutions can apply for NewSchools Venture Fund’s Teaching Reimagined grants. NewSchools provides US $150,000 - US $250,000 for one-year projects that reimagine educator roles, leverage generative AI, or engage community talent, which may benefit workforce preparation and job readiness efforts.

With a mission to improve oral health access, Northeast Delta Dental Foundation provides Maine nonprofits, government, and academic institutions with up to US $2,000 for oral health education, preventive care, clinics, and workforce development. Dental programs that train, retain, or support oral health professionals may be especially relevant for workforce initiatives.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic opportunity, education, health, or community well-being for underserved residents can receive up to US $15,000 in flexible, two-year general support. With a mission to build a better Maine, Maine Community Foundation provides funding for workforce preparation, job readiness, and related equity-focused programs through the River Rock Shared Future Fund.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, schools, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups in Lewiston and Auburn can seek multi-year support for collaborative, equity-focused community initiatives. Grants from Elmina B. Sewall Foundation help Maine organizations advance workforce access and economic development alongside equitable municipal systems, community health and food systems, and healthy, affordable housing, with awards from US $10,000 - US $30,000.

Nonprofits, public agencies, schools, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups in Maine can seek funding for rural development and systems-change work, including workforce development and training. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation supports collaborative backbone infrastructure and regional partnerships, with awards from US $10,000 - US $200,000 for efforts in areas like housing, broadband, health, and economic opportunity.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Local governments in Maine can fund workforce training, job readiness, and related public services for low- and moderate-income residents through the CDBG Public Service Grant Program, with awards up to US $50,000. Maine Department of Economic and Community Development supports operating costs, equipment, and materials for programs like skills development, child care, health, safety, and homeless services.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Maine workforce development and job readiness nonprofits can access funding and free Zendesk software to support vulnerable communities, crisis response, and tech career pathways. Through the Tech for Good Impact Awards, Zendesk offers US $10,000 - US $50,000 to verifiable charitable organizations worldwide that are ready to adopt and configure its customer experience technology.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.