Best Maine Grants for Nonprofits

The ARRL Foundation offers grants for amateur radio projects, focusing on education, licensing, and community support in the U.S. Organizations can apply three times a year for funding, with a preference for youth initiatives and sustainable projects. Notably, grants are awarded exclusively to organizations, not individuals, and emergency communication equipment requests are ineligible. This funding aims to enhance amateur radio's public service and technological advocacy.

Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet)

The Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet) is a consortium of academic medical centers partnering with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and Conquer MG as well as collaborators in other research groups and industry. We are working together to enhance therapeutic development for this rare disease.

Diseases Studied

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and its subtypes:

• Early-onset acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody (Ab) positive MG, which primarily affects women
• Late-onset AChR Ab positive MG with a disease bias towards men
• Paraneoplastic thymoma-associated MG
• Muscle specific kinase (MuSK) Ab positive
• AChR/MuSK antibody negative MG

Goals, Mission, & Vision

The goal of MGNet is to advance therapeutic development. To do so we have four specific aims:

• Improve the tools scientists and doctors have for performing clinical trials through rigorous monitoring of patients over time and evaluate better measures of how patients are doing.
• Identify objective measures (biomarkers) to show how the disease is responding to treatment and better predict treatment response or side effects, to improve the design of clinical trials and care of patients in clinical practice.
• Enhance the education of young investigators focusing their careers on rare diseases and specifically MG.
• Improve the awareness of scientists, physicians, and the public regarding the unique needs of patients with MG through training of clinician scientists and engagement of the patient and scientific communities in clinical research and therapeutic development.

Scholar Awards

Objectives

There is a critical need for investigators prepared to conduct clinical and translational research in myasthenia gravis (MG). The MGNet Scholar Program provides individualized training and mentorship in one of two tracks, Clinical Research or Biomarker Development Research.

Award Description

The MGNet Scholar Program provides mentored research training to prepare Scholars for an independent research career in the field of MG. The MGNet Scholar Program is 1 year in duration and selected Scholars receive up to $100,000 to support salary, research costs and didactics with potential for renewal. The program will provide an additional $3,000 to travel to MGNet sites to learn specific skills and/or to scientific meeting(s) to present the results of their research. If available for renewal, the program requires approval after interim report and is contingent on demonstration of adequate progress on the research and career development plan. Indirect costs are not allowed. Scholars are encouraged to transition to NIH (e.g., K award), departmental, or private foundation support for their research and further career development.Research must constitute at least 50% of each Scholar’s professional effort. Each Scholar must form a 2-3-member advisory committee to include a primary mentor, an additional clinician investigator or collaborator, and a MGNet faculty sponsor. The advisory committee will meet with the Scholar at least quarterly to review progress and each Scholar will develop an individual academic career development plan and renew it with the committee at least every 6 months.

The Michael Aurbach Fellowship for Excellence in Visual Art, awarded by the College Art Association, supports artist members with an MFA or equivalent who teach studio classes. This fellowship provides a $7,500 award and conference registration to a qualifying artist, focusing on their artistic work rather than a proposal. It aims to recognize and empower visual arts professionals in academia.

Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet)

The Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet) is a consortium of academic medical centers partnering with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and Conquer MG as well as collaborators in other research groups and industry. We are working together to enhance therapeutic development for this rare disease.

Diseases Studied

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and its subtypes:

• Early-onset acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody (Ab) positive MG, which primarily affects women
• Late-onset AChR Ab positive MG with a disease bias towards men
• Paraneoplastic thymoma-associated MG
• Muscle specific kinase (MuSK) Ab positive
• AChR/MuSK antibody negative MG

Goals, Mission, & Vision

The goal of MGNet is to advance therapeutic development. To do so we have four specific aims:

• Improve the tools scientists and doctors have for performing clinical trials through rigorous monitoring of patients over time and evaluate better measures of how patients are doing.
• Identify objective measures (biomarkers) to show how the disease is responding to treatment and better predict treatment response or side effects, to improve the design of clinical trials and care of patients in clinical practice.
• Enhance the education of young investigators focusing their careers on rare diseases and specifically MG.
• Improve the awareness of scientists, physicians, and the public regarding the unique needs of patients with MG through training of clinician scientists and engagement of the patient and scientific communities in clinical research and therapeutic development.

Pilot and Feasibility Grants

Objectives

MGNet, a NIH-funded Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortium (RDCRC) in partnership with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and Conquer MG, is seeking proposals for highly innovative investigations in early stages of development.

The priorities of the Pilot Grant Program are:

• Identification treatment responsive biomarkers
• Assess clinical measures and improve that enhance clinical trial readiness
• Evaluation of therapeutic interventions for one or more of the five distinct sub-types of MG

Pilot studies must be designed to access the resources of MGNet and focused on clinical and translational research, including fulfilling the definition of clinical and translational research and exclusion of animal studies.

Funding

The MGNet expects to fund up to two grants, each at a level of $75,000 (IDCs will be limited to 10% and included in the $75,000). Projects will be funded for 12 months. Selection among the applications received will be based on the recommendations of a review committee. A grant may be renewed for an additional one year with approval of interim report by the same review process and availability of funds. Demonstration of fulfillment of initial aims and justification for additional funding will be required. The request will be required a minimum of three months prior to the initial funding period completion.

The NewSchools: Teaching Reimagined Grant offers a unique funding opportunity of $150,000 to $250,000 for innovative ideas aimed at reimagining the role of educators and enhancing student outcomes. With a focus on leveraging generative AI, the grant supports early-stage organizations and initiatives that prioritize diverse teaching strategies and community involvement. The application deadline is January 8, 2026, with a priority deadline of December 1, 2025, for updates on eligibility.

The NIDCD Early Career Research (ECR) Award (R21) supports early-stage scientists in establishing independent research careers in areas such as hearing, balance, and language. This grant facilitates small, innovative research projects and aims to generate preliminary data for future R01 applications. It is not intended for thesis work and is designed to enhance research methodologies and technologies in biomedical and behavioral sciences. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The Technologies for Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities (R41/R42) program invites small business concerns to develop innovative technologies aimed at enhancing minority health and addressing health disparities. This initiative emphasizes the creation of effective, affordable, and culturally acceptable solutions for NIH-defined populations. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to December 2026, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to submission.

The Innovations for Healthy Living program invites eligible U.S. small businesses to apply for SBIR grants aimed at improving minority health and eliminating health disparities. The initiative encourages innovative proposals for effective, affordable, and culturally acceptable solutions. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to December 2026, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior to submission. This funding opportunity supports projects that address health challenges faced by underserved populations.

The ACLS Leading Edge Fellowships provide recent humanities PhDs with the opportunity to work with nonprofit organizations focused on social justice. Over 24 months, fellows receive a stipend of $70,000 in the first year and $72,000 in the second, along with relocation funds and health insurance. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all eligible scholars to enhance their professional skills in meaningful roles.

The Sharing Language Diversity Fellowship supports Ph.D. students engaged in Indigenous language documentation and data archiving. Funded by the Endangered Language Fund, it encourages sustainable public sharing of linguistic materials, aiming for equitable access to research. With grants up to $30,000, recipients must publicly archive documentation materials within three years, ensuring compliance with community wishes and best practices. This initiative fosters a culture of Open Access in linguistics, benefiting both scholars and Indigenous communities.

The National Film Preservation Foundation offers Basic Preservation Grants to nonprofit and public institutions for preserving culturally significant American films. Since 1998, they have provided resources to 337 organizations across the U.S. Grants range from $1,000 to $20,000, facilitating the creation of new film preservation elements and public access copies. With an annual award of 30 to 40 grants, this initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring the survival of films that are at risk of being lost.

The National Film Preservation Foundation (NFPF) offers Matching Grants to support the preservation of significant American films. Nonprofit and public institutions can apply for projects involving complex preservation efforts, with cash stipends ranging from $20,001 to $75,000. Grants require a matching contribution of one-fifth of the project costs. Since its inception, the NFPF has aided numerous organizations in preserving culturally important films, ensuring their accessibility for future generations.

The Deaconess Foundation offers Nursing Scholarship Grants aimed at supporting local students pursuing nursing degrees with demonstrated financial need. This program reflects the foundation's mission to enhance community health in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. Grants are administered in partnership with the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and the St. Louis American Foundation. Eligible students must be working towards an accredited nursing degree and demonstrate significant financial need, among other criteria.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the development of a diverse workforce skilled in translational research related to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It supports institutional training programs at both predoctoral and postdoctoral levels, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches integrating data science and clinical research. By fostering knowledge in essential areas such as disease biology and drug discovery, this initiative aims to equip researchers with the skills necessary for impactful contributions in the field.

The NIH invites applications to study environmental factors affecting animal research rigor and reproducibility. This initiative encourages core facilities and investigators to enhance scientific understanding through modern equipment that measures various biological and behavioral variables. Proposed research must align with NIH's mission, addressing critical processes impacting multiple organ systems. The goal is to improve the reliability of animal studies by systematically evaluating extrinsic influences in biological contexts.

The Early Career Postdoctoral-Faculty Bridge Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, supports postdoctoral fellows or new faculty members in their first 9 months as they establish independent research careers in green and sustainable chemistry. This grant provides funding for up to two years, covering salary, benefits, and travel expenses for a postdoctoral associate. The program aims to foster mentorship and training, ensuring a strong foundation for future academic success.

The Senior Chemists Mini Grant for Local Sections, offered by the American Chemical Society, is designed to support local events that engage senior members in innovative activities. Grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and funding can be used for various events including recognition luncheons, mentoring for undergraduates, collaborative activities with younger chemists, and community support events such as science fairs.

The Luce/ACLS Collaborative Grant in China Studies offers up to $150,000 for innovative pilot activities aimed at addressing pressing challenges in China Studies over 12 to 18 months. The grant encourages collaborative proposals that enhance teaching resources, develop open-access materials, and promote professional development. Successful projects may lead to new networks, sustainability plans, or white papers. This initiative aims to foster transformative change within the academic community focused on China.

The Maine Cancer Foundation is seeking proposals for cancer screening initiatives aimed at early detection and prevention. This RFP focuses on screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and skin cancers. Proposals should align with evidence-based practices endorsed by the CDC and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult with MCF prior to submission to discuss project concepts and receive feedback on draft applications.

The PhRMA Foundation's Translational Medicine Predoctoral Fellowship supports promising students engaged in advanced stages of thesis research in translational medicine. The program focuses on innovative research that translates laboratory discoveries into practical applications that enhance patient care. It provides $30,000 in stipend support per year, conditional upon the awardee's ongoing university enrollment. This fellowship seeks to foster a new generation of researchers dedicated to improving health outcomes through rigorous scientific inquiry.

The TESOL Leadership Mentoring Program connects TESOL members with experienced leaders for mentorship and professional development. Participants receive free registration to the annual convention, up to $1,000 for lodging, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships within the TESOL community. This program is designed for members in good standing, with a preference for individuals from underrepresented groups, fostering inclusivity and active participation in the association's initiatives.

The TESOL Teacher of the Year Award, presented by National Geographic Learning, honors exceptional English language teachers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication in the classroom for at least three consecutive years. The winner receives $1,000, a one-year TESOL membership, and free registration for the TESOL International Convention, including travel accommodations. This recognition not only highlights the importance of teaching excellence but also fosters a community of learning and collaboration among educators around the world.

The TESOL Award for Excellence in Research honors outstanding empirical research in language teaching and learning, promoting advancements in English language education. Sponsored by Dr. Deborah Short, this award includes a $1,500 grant, an additional $1,500 for conference expenses, a featured session at the TESOL convention, keynote speaking opportunity at the Graduate Student Forum, a one-year subscription to TESOL Quarterly, and a featured article in TESOL Connections.

The Ron Chang Lee for Excellence in Classroom Technology award recognizes three TESOL members for their innovative use of technology in English Language Teaching. Established in 2018, the award offers prizes of $1000 for first place, $750 for second, and $500 for third. Eligible candidates must be TESOL members with at least two years of classroom experience and have designed the materials used for this award. Applications from certain countries may be ineligible due to international regulations.

The Two-Year College Biology Teaching Award, sponsored by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), recognizes outstanding biology educators in two-year colleges who implement innovative teaching techniques. This award highlights the importance of culturally responsive pedagogies that foster equity and inclusion in various learning environments. Recipients receive a $500 travel honorarium, a recognition plaque, and one year of complimentary NABT membership, supporting their professional development and commitment to enhancing biology education.

The Vernier Science Education Inspiration Grants support innovative K-12 and college educators in the U.S. who creatively use Vernier technology to engage students in hands-on STEM education. Each grant includes $1,000 in Vernier technology, a one-year license for the Vernier Graphical Analysis™ Pro app, and three hours of virtual professional development. This initiative aims to inspire scientific curiosity and enhance STEM literacy among students.

The James L. Bass Legal Scholarship, established by the Foundation for Rural Service, honors the legacy of James Bass, who significantly impacted rural telecommunications. This scholarship supports students entering their first year of law school with a focus on rural communities. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens. Through this initiative, the scholarship aims to foster new legal talent committed to enhancing the quality of life in rural America, continuing Mr. Bass's dedication to community service.