Best Maine Grants for Nonprofits

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is Maine's support center for many land-based natural resource interests, including farms and forestry-related businesses, outdoor recreation, and public access to parks and public lands.

We strive to provide excellent customer service, and we facilitate a team approach to land-use planning, conservation efforts, business support, and economic activity. Our agency has a wide range of duties, from promoting and advancing Maine's agricultural resources; protecting and enhancing our vast forestland, which comprises 89% of our state's land base; managing more than 700,000 acres of state parks and public lands; and administering numerous science-based programs focused on resource management, wise land use planning, and conservation, while strengthening the base of scientific research and information for effective decision-making.  

WoodsWISE Resilience Program

The Maine Forest Service has a new program to support Maine forestland owners. The WoodsWISE Resilience Program provides financial incentives for eight stewardship practices designed to enhance the resilience of Maine’s forests.

What is Resilience?

Forest resilience measures how well forests adapt and respond to changing conditions. A resilient forest can resist disturbances, such as intense windstorms, or recover after insect outbreaks. While some trees or species may be lost, the forest ecosystem endures.

Information for Landowners

Landowners interested in participating in the program should contact their District Forester for a site visit. To enroll in the program, landowners must work with a Resilience Forester. Find a Resilience Forester to work with in your area.

Information for Foresters

Foresters interested in working with landowners in the program must complete a Resilience Forester training with the Maine Forest Service. This training is required for all foresters who want to participate in currently open program funding, as well as a new funding opportunity opening in November. 

Eligible Practices

The program covers three categories of practices: early stand tending, regeneration support, and forest health.

Early Stand Tending Practices:

• Pre-commercial thinning: Reducing the number of trees in young or sapling-sized forest:
• Early commercial thinning: Reducing the number of trees in a forest where part of the trees can create a commercial forest product
• Crop tree release: Removing trees to favor those of the preferred form, vigor, or species

Regeneration Support:

• Regeneration management to promote tree regeneration: The intentional removal of trees to create space and resources for regeneration (seedlings, sprouts, or established small trees).
• Tree planting: Planting tree seedlings to meet landowner objectives
• Regeneration protection: Temporary tree cages or exclosures to protect small trees or seedlings from animal browsing.

Forest Health Practices:

• Sanitation cutting: Removing specific trees or tree species to reduce the threat of diseases, insects, fungi, or other health concerns
• Invasive plant control: Using mechanical or chemical methods to remove invasive plants

Financial Incentives

This is a reimbursement program for landowners. Landowners may request reimbursement for expenses incurred at multiple points throughout the program. Eligible expenses include planning costs, forester time, and practice implementation. Reimbursement is based on Not-to-Exceed rates for each eligible expense.

Underserved Landowners

Underserved landowners, as defined by the US Department of Agriculture, are eligible for an 90% reimbursement rate. All other landowners are eligible for a 60% reimbursement rate. US Department of Agriculture definitions for historically underserved landowners can be found HERE.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofit corporations, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Maine can obtain funding to build, purchase, or improve essential community facilities and related equipment. USDA Rural Development supports projects such as health centers, public safety buildings, community centers, and local food system infrastructure in eligible rural areas with populations under 20,000.

Rural Maine state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes can fund water and waste infrastructure projects through USDA Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal Program. Focused on sanitation and clean drinking water, it supports acquisition, construction, or improvement of drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater systems, plus related project costs.

The Maine Workforce Development Compact aims to address workforce challenges through collaboration among businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities. The Harold Alfond Center provides $60 million in funding for initiatives such as financial support for frontline workers and community college scholarships. Eligible participants include Maine residents aged 18 and older with a high school diploma or equivalent. Training can occur at community colleges or through company-based programs, benefiting small and mid-sized businesses.

The Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services is issuing a Request for Proposals for Independent Verification and Validation services for the Health PAS Modernization Process. This initiative aims to enhance the Medicaid Enterprise System, ensuring its stability and security while upgrading to a new version. The project is expected to last 24 months, focusing on improving user experience, retaining custom functionality, and addressing security risks, ultimately supporting the mission-critical needs of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

The Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Fund Grant, provided by the Maine Community Foundation, supports organizations led by and serving Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. The grant aims to promote equity in Maine through leadership investment, policy change, and combating race-based discrimination. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and public agencies in Maine, with a focus on programming that engages BIPOC communities. Grants offer up to $10,000 per year for various operational needs.

The Laura W. R. and George N. Appell Research Grants, offered by The Firebird Foundation, support the preservation of oral literature and traditional ecological knowledge among indigenous communities. Established to honor the Appell couple's dedication to the Rungus Momogon of Sabah, Malaysia, these grants provide up to $40,000 for community-based projects. They encourage collaboration with community members to safeguard their cultural heritage and environmental knowledge, addressing the urgent need to document rapidly disappearing art forms.

The James Foley Scholarship Fund, established by his daughter, supports Maine students pursuing nursing degrees. This fund honors James Foley's legacy as a first-generation college graduate from a large family during the Great Depression. It provides renewable scholarships to second, third, and fourth-year nursing students with financial need, particularly those residing in Washington County. Maine Community Foundation administers this fund, reflecting its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for Maine residents.

The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Grant Making program provides funding between $2,000 and $25,000 to support initiatives that enhance community vitality in Northern New England. The foundation prioritizes projects that leverage additional resources, produce measurable results, and foster collaboration between public and private sectors. Quarterly and bi-annual reviews ensure timely consideration of applications. With a commitment to improving workforce and economic development, the foundation aims to make a meaningful impact in education, health, and civic services.

The Bayard Long Award supports students researching plant species in the Philadelphia area and surrounding regions. With a typical funding of $2000, it encourages studies that enhance understanding of local flora, including field and herbarium work. Eligible projects must include at least one native plant species, promoting both academic and practical botanical endeavors. This opportunity is available to all students enrolled in degree programs at any post-secondary institution, furthering educational and scientific exploration in botany.

The Snowmobile Club Grant, administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, supports snowmobile clubs in preparing and grooming trails. This grant helps cover expenses such as fuel, equipment repairs, and labor. Clubs must be incorporated and in good standing to apply. Important requirements include submitting an accurate topographical map of the trails and ensuring that the trails do not cross frozen bodies of water. This grant fosters safe and enjoyable snowmobiling experiences.

The Movement Focus Area Grant by the Quimby Family Foundation supports Maine-based nonprofits dedicated to advancing Human Wholeness through movement and nourishment. Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000, with a focus on fostering connections between people and nature. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate community involvement. This grant aims to create equitable access to outdoor experiences and promote health and well-being through active engagement with nature.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits in Maine serving children battling illness can receive US $25,000 - US $65,000 annually to build or expand gaming programs. Joy in Childhood Foundation funds equipment, connectivity, staffing, and virtual programming so pediatric and teen patients can enjoy engaging, therapeutic gaming experiences during hospitalization.

Children’s hospitals and general hospitals with pediatric departments in Maine can receive US $20,000 - US $50,000 to host prom-like events for teen patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own prom due to illness. Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Dunkin’ Prom Grant funds event space, food, entertainment, formal wear, and related prom experiences.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization is offering funding to establish the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) in Region 1. This initiative aims to provide crucial technical assistance and business development support to small businesses while ensuring compliance and reducing barriers. The program includes a 10-month base year with two potential option years, emphasizing the Department's commitment to accountability and support for small enterprises.

Children’s hospitals and health centers in Maine can apply for the Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant to renovate or create joyful pediatric spaces such as playrooms, playgrounds, teen rooms, and healing gardens. Joy In Childhood Foundation offers US $75,000 - US $150,000 for single- or multi-year projects at facilities located near Dunkin’ locations.

Children’s hospitals and general hospitals with pediatric departments in Maine and near Dunkin’ locations can seek multi-year funding to establish or expand in-residence facility dog programs. Focused on pediatric health and service animals, Joy in Childhood Foundation typically awards US $80,000 - US $150,000 over three years, including eligible veterinary costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine focused on grassroots community organizing for social, racial, economic, or environmental justice can seek approximately US $12,000 in mostly general support. Focused on progressive social change, Abelard Foundation invites local, early-stage groups with budgets under $350,000 east of the Mississippi River to apply.

Nonprofit corporations, rural public entities, tribes, and educational institutions in Maine can use these USDA Rural Development grants to support small rural businesses through training, technical assistance, facilities, and community or technology-based economic development. Funding may also back revolving loan funds, business incubators, strategic planning, and other rural development projects benefiting businesses under the program’s size limits.

The Adult College Completion Fund, established in 2014 by the Maine Community Foundation, offers tuition assistance to Maine adults seeking degrees or certificates from accredited post-secondary institutions. The fund supports both short-term and long-term educational programs, with rolling application deadlines for short-term awards and specific deadlines of June 15 and November 15 for long-term scholarships. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote workforce development in Maine.

The Bruce Scholarship Fund, established in 2010 by the Maine Community Foundation, supports Maine residents pursuing education. Applications are managed through the Adult Learner Scholarship. Short-term credential applications are accepted on a rolling basis, while long-term scholarship applications are due on June 15 and November 15. The fund aims to assist adult learners in achieving their educational goals, contributing to the foundation's mission of enhancing community access to education.

About Us

The Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is a bureau of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management.

At the State level MEMA coordinates the mitigation (risk reduction) preparedness, response and recovery from emergencies and disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes or hazardous materials spills.

MEMA also provides guidance, and assistance to county and local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to provide protection to citizen and property, and increase resiliency in the face of disaster. The Agency uses strategies such as planning, training, exercise and public education to carry out its mission.

Since 2001, MEMA has been the focal point for the implementation of programs regarding Homeland Security, integrating these concerns into its all-hazard mission.

Maine Nonprofit Security Grant Program

This is a competitive grant program designed to assist nonprofit organizations in enhancing physical security and preparedness capabilities against potential threats or attacks and is separate from the FEMA NSGP. Eligible Activities May Include:

• Physical security enhancements
• Security equipment installation
• Target-hardening projects
• Contracted Security services

Maine 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies can seek funding to acquire conservation land or easements through The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program. Grants up to US $100,000 support land protection, community engagement, and stewardship within the Appalachians Program boundary, including eligible areas of Maine.

The Wabanaki Grant, offered by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, aims to support Wabanaki communities through flexible funding for initiatives that prioritize sovereignty, self-determination, and community well-being. With a total of $1.8 million available for 2025, grants range from $10,000 to $200,000, catering to both individual organizations and collaborative efforts. The foundation is dedicated to fostering Indigenous perspectives and ensuring that all funded projects align with the needs and goals of Wabanaki people.

Maine government and private nonprofit organizations, including federally recognized Tribes, can access funding through USDA Rural Development to provide technical assistance for rural self-help housing projects. Grants support supervision, training, and recruitment of very-low- and low-income families who build their own homes, which may benefit Maine nonprofits focused on housing and rural development.

The Snowmobile Disaster Relief Grant provides financial assistance to registered snowmobile clubs or political subdivisions affected by catastrophic weather events impacting state-funded trail systems. Eligible applicants must be incorporated and provide a detailed project map. This grant covers various projects, including bridge restorations and storm damage remediation. Applications must be submitted within 60 days after the event, ensuring timely support for critical trail repairs.

The Maine Trails Program (MTP) is a state initiative aimed at enhancing trails for recreation and transportation. With a budget of $30 million until 2034, it supports diverse trail projects and encourages community involvement through the Maine Trails Advisory Committee. The program prioritizes projects that ensure public access, promote sustainability, and cater to various users while fostering tourism and economic growth. Eligible applicants include municipalities and non-profits, emphasizing collaboration and matching resources.