Best Maine Grants for Nonprofits

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 Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

The Exhibitions Abroad Support Grant Program, initiated by the Japan Foundation in New York, offers financial aid to U.S. museums and art institutions organizing exhibitions that showcase Japanese art and culture internationally. This program supports a range of events, including biennials and triennials featuring Japanese artists. Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations from designated states, with a focus on promoting cultural exchange and understanding through art.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The George A. Ramlose Foundation, established in 1956, focuses on supporting smaller qualified organizations with specific projects or equipment needs. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $6,000, prioritizing those making identifiable positive impacts. Preference is given to organizations with valid 501c3 status, particularly those in Georgia and New England. The foundation avoids funding large entities or general operational costs, ensuring that contributions lead to sustainable, meaningful change in the community.

The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, established in 1996, supports essential wildlife and conservation initiatives across Maine. Funded by a dedicated lottery ticket, it allocates resources to diverse categories such as habitat conservation, public land management, and species protection. The fund prioritizes projects that foster public-private partnerships and address significant natural resource concerns. Grants are awarded semi-annually, with over 28 million dollars distributed to more than 1200 projects to date, enhancing Maine's natural heritage.

The Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative Grant supports crucial conservation efforts for shorebirds during their migration along the Atlantic Flyway. This initiative addresses threats such as human disturbance, habitat loss, and hunting in critical areas from the U.S. Atlantic coast to the Caribbean and South America. By promoting coordinated research and management, the initiative aims to ensure the survival of species like the American oystercatcher and red knot, fostering healthy migratory pathways.

The Belvedere Animal Welfare Fund Grant, established in 2007, focuses on advancing animal welfare in Maine through one-year project proposals for organizations addressing population control for cats and dogs. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and public agencies. The fund emphasizes keeping low-income pet owners and their animals together and supports education on humane treatment. Note: No new general support applications will be accepted until 2025, but project proposals are welcomed.

About Us

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for protecting and restoring Maine's natural resources and enforcing the state's environmental laws. The agency can trace its roots back to the Sanitary Water Board that was created in 1941. The purpose of that Board was to study, investigate, recommend means of eliminating and preventing pollution in waters used for recreational purposes. The Board was renamed the Water Improvement Commission in 1951. In 1969, the Commission's title was abbreviated to the Environmental Improvement Commission.

Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program

The Maine Legislature established the Maine Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program to provide grants to public and private entities to assist in the development, implementation or improvement of programs, projects, initiatives or activities designed to increase the diversion of solid waste from disposal in the State.

Funding will be considered for proposals which include, programs, projects or ideas that address, but are not limited to:

• Establishing municipal or regional composting, organics recovery or recycling programs,
• urchasing infrastructure, equipment or other items necessary to implement such programs or improve existing programs,
• Programs or projects designed to provide equipment for or otherwise support residential composting and recycling,
• Programs or business models designed to collect, transport for processing or process organic or recyclable materials,
• Pilot programs designed to evaluate the feasibility of targeted composting, organics recovery, recycling or other waste management programs or initiatives, or
• Initiatives or programs designed to educate certain categories of individuals or the general public about composting, organics recovery or recycling or to otherwise improve individual or community waste management practices.

Applications should include information demonstrating how programs will:

• Take advantage of regional economies of scale,
• Increase organics management and recycling infrastructure in underserved areas of the state,
• Promote waste reduction through reuse, repair, and sharing economy initiatives,
• Reduce wasted food through donation or other sharing initiatives,
• Enhance the delivery of educational initiatives to promote organics management or recycling efforts,
• Address a statewide need,
• Reduce “carbon footprint” of existing or proposed waste management programs, and/or
• Expand the types of materials managed through composting and recycling.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Artist Resource Trust (A.R.T.) Fund for Organizations Grant supports mid-career visual artists (aged 35+) in New England and parts of New York. Established in 1996, it provides annual funding to nonprofit organizations for commissions, purchases, or engagements with these artists. Eligible organizations must match funds 1:1 in cash and have specific geographic ties. The grant emphasizes quality and commitment in artistic work, aiding in the growth and visibility of mature artists.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

Full-time undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students connected to Maine through Region I can apply for scholarship funding from ASHRAE, with awards up to US $3,000 for one year. Eligible students must meet GPA and accreditation criteria and be preparing for HVAC&R-related careers at qualifying institutions.

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 Elsie & William Viles Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations, prioritizing those in Maine's Capital Region. Established in 1990, the foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of William and Elsie Viles. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 and focus on preserving open spaces, protecting animals, supporting children's education, and promoting Maine's history and culture. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.

The USTA New England Game Changer Grant offers up to $20,000 to support innovative projects that promote tennis and healthy communities across New England. This funding opportunity is aimed at high-impact initiatives that align with USTA New England's mission. Please note that ongoing program expenses like court time and coach salaries are not eligible for funding. Providers can seek assistance through the USTA Tennis Venue Services application process.

The Elsie & William Viles Foundation, established in 1990, continues the philanthropic legacy of William and Elsie Viles in Augusta, Maine. It supports charitable organizations, primarily in the Capital Region, focusing on preserving open spaces, caring for animals, supporting education, and promoting Maine's history and culture. Organizations seeking funding must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and based in Maine, with donations capped at $5,000 to ensure broad community support.

The Northeast Delta Dental Foundation grants aim to enhance oral health care access and education in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on improving awareness of good oral health, preventive care, and accessibility of dental services. Grants typically cover one year and prioritize projects that serve disadvantaged populations. The Foundation encourages applications from 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations that align with its oral health mission.

The Patricia D. Klingenstein Grants Program, established by the Sadie & Harry Davis Foundation, offers funding between $5,000 and $25,000 to support organizations addressing the health needs of Maine’s children, particularly those from low-income and under-resourced communities. Projects should enhance physical, mental, and social well-being, with a 12-month project period. The program emphasizes support for organizations with annual budgets under $5 million, fostering equity for diverse populations.

The Ashley Bryan Fellowships, offered by the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, provide crucial support to emerging Maine writers facing barriers in professional literary spaces. Named in honor of the acclaimed artist Ashley Bryan, these fellowships foster creativity and community among writers from marginalized backgrounds, including Black writers and members of Native communities. Participants receive free membership, workshops, and resources to enhance their literary skills, promoting equity and inclusion in the literary world.

The NESOT Paper of the Year Award, presented by the Northeast Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding publications in toxicology by graduate students or postdoctoral fellows. Eligible applicants must be NESOT members affiliated with institutions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Papers must be published or in press in peer-reviewed journals between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025. The award includes a certificate and a $1,000 honorarium.

The Maine Expansion Arts - BIPOC program, initiated by the Maine Community Foundation, aims to enhance access to arts for Black, Indigenous, and people of color in rural Maine. This initiative supports organizations that empower BIPOC communities through arts-based programs, ensuring representation and inclusivity. Grants are available for both general support and specific projects that promote BIPOC artists, addressing barriers to participation in the arts and fostering cultural enrichment across the state.

The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation Grant focuses on healthcare initiatives in Maine and Massachusetts, supporting projects that address public health and medical research. With grants typically ranging from $2,500 to $50,000, the foundation seeks to impact underserved populations through diabetes research, dental care, and preventative healthcare measures. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations demonstrating a specific need, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to meaningful, community-focused giving.

The Maine Women's Fund (MWF) Grant, administered by the Maine Community Foundation, supports organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in Maine. With funding of up to $15,000 per year, grants are available for general support of programs that promote financial literacy, health education, leadership development, and policy advocacy. Organizations must be located in Maine and engage women and girls as primary beneficiaries. Applications will be accepted in 2025 and 2027.

The One Hive Foundation Grant focuses on promoting pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture through funding research and nonprofit initiatives. Launched in 2022, the grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing environmental data, public education, and scientific collaboration. Targeting verified 501c3 organizations, the foundation emphasizes ecological practices and community engagement in Vermont and beyond, with grants of up to $75,000 available to eligible applicants.

The Focused In-Stream Habitat (FISH) project aims to enhance in-stream habitats in Maine through a collaborative effort by the Department of Marine Resources and NRCS. This initiative seeks to improve habitat diversity and connectivity for various fish species, particularly Atlantic salmon and brook trout. With funding from the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, the project will implement restoration practices including streambank stabilization and habitat complexity restoration, ultimately benefiting local ecosystems and fisheries.