Best Maine Grants for Nonprofits

The Maine Sea Grant, in collaboration with NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center, offers undergraduate internships focused on sea-run fish research. This program provides students with hands-on experience in fisheries science. Eligible participants must be enrolled in an accredited degree or certificate program in Maine and maintain at least half-time enrollment (6 credits) for the Fall 2024 semester. Interested students are encouraged to apply for this valuable opportunity.

The Maine Communities Grant supports community-driven tourism marketing projects with grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. Administered by the Maine Office of Tourism, the program aims to enhance the state's travel sector by promoting local initiatives. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal governments, and Maine-based nonprofits, while a combination of cash and in-kind matches is encouraged for effective project implementation. The grant fosters collaboration between the private sector and tourism regions for impactful marketing efforts.

The Special Event Grant, provided by the Maine Office of Tourism, aims to enhance the state's tourism economy by funding established events that attract new audiences and increase overnight stays. Grants range from $30,000 to $60,000, with two awards issued each fiscal year. Eligible applicants include Maine municipalities and 501C3 or C6 organizations, focusing on tourism projects that draw visitors from at least fifty miles away, promoting Maine's brand during the shoulder season.

The Maine Education Association (MEA) offers the Instruction and Professional Development Grant to support educators in enhancing the quality of education, equalizing opportunities, and promoting professional development. This grant empowers members to provide leadership in their schools by funding activities like workshops and resources. Applications should align with MEA policies and their mission to ensure every Maine student receives an outstanding education. Grants are available for speakers, materials, and equipment, fostering better educational practices.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program by the Arbor Day Foundation promotes the importance of trees on college campuses, enhancing the environment and student experience. This program encourages institutions to establish community forests, achieve national recognition, and engage students in eco-friendly initiatives. By committing to tree planting and maintenance, colleges can reduce energy consumption, combat climate change, and improve mental health. Participation fosters pride and community involvement, making campuses healthier and more beautiful places to learn.

The Leroy Lambert Political Action Grants, offered by the Maine Education Association, empower Local Association members to create and execute political action programs in their communities. These grants support initiatives that align with MEA policies, such as aiding the election of pro-education candidates and enhancing member participation in political processes. Through these efforts, the MEA aims to advocate for educators and ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students in Maine.

The Maine Education Association's Partnership for Caring program provides crucial support for local affiliates facing unexpected expenses. By matching contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,500, MEA empowers educators and their families during challenging times. This initiative underscores MEA's commitment to enhancing the welfare of its members and ensuring equitable education for all students in Maine. The program aims to alleviate financial burdens, promoting a supportive environment for educators and their communities.

The Maine Education Association is committed to advocating for quality education and supporting professional educators. As part of its mission, MEA is offering Read Across America Incentive Grants, providing $50 each to local associations for reading events. This initiative aims to promote literacy and community engagement, ensuring that every student has access to enriching educational activities. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with applications submitted by local association Presidents.

The Immigrant-Led Organizations (ILO) Fund offers support to immigrant-led organizations in Maine, promoting the flourishing of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. With grants of $45,000 over three years, recipients will engage in peer learning and capacity-building activities from August 2025 to August 2028. This initiative encourages diverse immigrant leaders and organizations to collaborate in answering essential questions about welcoming new Mainers and fostering their success in the community.

The Fisher Charitable Foundation Grant supports innovative solutions to community challenges in Maine. Established in 1997 by Dean L. Fisher, the foundation prioritizes funding for tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) that are not classified as private foundations. The grant aims to enhance the quality of life for community members through charitable projects and activities, while strictly prohibiting funds for political purposes.

About 

The National Sea Grant College Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1966 and works to create and maintain a healthy coastal environment and economy. The Sea Grant network consists of a federal/university partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and 34 programs in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium is a regional collaboration that includes 8 Sea Grant programs in 7 Northeast states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium collaborates on regional initiatives in research, education, extension, and communications—leveraging local expertise to create regional benefits and accomplishments.

American Lobster Initiative (ALI) Collaborative Research

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative is pleased to announce funding to support new collaborative research projects that closely align with emerging lobster industry and management needs. This request for proposals (RFP) adds to the substantial breadth of previous ALI-funded research by prioritizing projects that create “actionable science” (outputs and findings of the scientific process are useful to and usable by end-user communities) through the co-creation of information and/or products. 

To reach this goal, the ALI seeks to support collaborative research practices, the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources/capacities amongst the many people who comprise the American lobster industry. Projects must be developed and led by collaborative research teams that include at least one fishing industry representative, such as a commercial fisherman or a representative from a commercial fishing business, including cooperatives, dealers and processors. This call emphasizes research conducted with and for the industry, offering an exciting opportunity to support and elevate industry-research-management partnerships to address current ecological, regulatory, and socio-economic challenges faced by the American lobster fishery.

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative invites proposals for collaborative research projects to be funded from December 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028. Projects can be up to two years in duration, with a recommended duration of no less than 18 months. 

This opportunity is designed to support collaborative research conducted by those affiliated with the American lobster industry (including shoreside supply chain businesses), and any public or private higher education institution, municipal, state, federal, or tribal entity, research laboratory, or other community or non-profit institution. This opportunity is not open to single investigator proposals.

A total of $400,000 is available to support up to 8 two-year project awards. Project budgets cannot exceed $100,000 (including all direct and indirect costs), and must include non-federal cost share is required for this competition. See full RFP for guidance.

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 Wolf Kahn Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on visual arts, enhancing education and artist careers through exhibitions and residencies. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, prioritizing projects that promote social justice and environmental awareness. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific regions, while school-based programs and certain other entities are excluded. This initiative honors Wolf Kahn's legacy by fostering artistic collaboration and public engagement.

The David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund (Watertown) provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in New York and New England. Established in 1974 by Marian Woodward Ottley, the fund aims to fulfill her vision of improving the world for future generations. The fund prioritizes arts, education, health, and human services, with a historical preference for Connecticut organizations. It also considers the religious affiliations of applicants, reflecting Mrs. Ottley's charitable legacy.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Downeast Feline Fund, established in 1995 by the Maine Community Foundation, supports Maine high school graduates pursuing veterinary medicine. With no separate application process, eligible students are considered through the Maine Veterinary Medical Association scholarships. Preference is given to those in their third or fourth year of study. This fund highlights the foundation's commitment to education and community support, contributing to the development of future veterinary professionals in Maine.

The Daniel Cardillo Charitable Fund, established in 1999 by the Maine Community Foundation, honors the spirit and passion of Dan Cardillo, a compassionate young man. This fund provides scholarships to Maine youth pursuing artistic, academic, athletic, and vocational passions outside traditional education. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, commitment to their goals, and compassion for others. The Maine Community Foundation has been a pillar of support since 1983, awarding over $3 million annually to foster education and community engagement.

About Us

In 1971 the Legislature established the Maine Historic Preservation Commission to implement State policy to "preserve the architectural, historic and environmental heritage of the people of the State, and to develop and promote the cultural, educational and economic benefits of these resources." The Commission is an independent agency within the Executive branch of state government that functions as the State Historic Preservation Office.

Its Director serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) upon appointment by the Governor. The office administers the programs of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 in Maine, which includes the identification, evaluation, and protection of the state’s significant cultural resources.

Historic Preservation Grants

The Commission anticipates awarding approximately $90,000 in matching grants for Historic Preservation projects sponsored by Certified Local Governments. Eligible projects include architectural or archaeological survey, public education, preservation planning, National Register nominations or development or pre-development projects. The minimum grant award is normally $10,000 and all grant funds require a minimum 25% non-federal match.

Eligible historic buildings and sites for development and pre-development projects are those that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places either individually or as contributing resources in a National Register-listed historic district. Projects must be directed by persons with professional credentials as defined by the Department of the Interior.

Funding priorities for this round of grants include establishing trades training programs; providing planning assistance to CLG communities; diversifying identification and registration efforts to include everyone’s history; identifying and providing protection for particularly vulnerable resources; supporting pre-development, development and archaeology projects; and increasing awareness of historic preservation activities through education, outreach, publications and events. A complete list of funding priorities is available in the manual.

Historic Preservation Grants are 75:25 % matching grants for architectural or archaeological survey or development or pre-development projects. Grants range between $10,000 and $30,000. Eligible properties must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places and eligible applicants are limited to state agencies, county governments, municipal governments, educational institutions, and private non-profit institutions as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. The source of the funds is the Federal HPF and applications are generally available in the late winter. 

The Chet Jordan Leadership Award, established in 1995 by the Maine Community Foundation, honors Joseph 'Chet' Jordan's legacy of leadership and community engagement. This scholarship is aimed at graduating seniors from Maine high schools pursuing post-secondary education. It seeks applicants who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, independent thinking, and the ability to inspire others. The award emphasizes that true leadership transcends typical roles, focusing instead on extraordinary contributions to the community.

The Libra Foundation Grant, established by Elizabeth Noyce in 1989, focuses on supporting charitable organizations in Maine. As of June 20, 2025, the foundation will pause new applications for one year while reassessing its funding priorities. It aims to provide small grants to diverse causes in areas such as arts, education, health, and more, thus empowering communities and enhancing the quality of life for all Maine citizens.

The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation supports vital projects in education, healthcare, the arts, and environmental stewardship, primarily in Maine and Massachusetts. Established in memory of philanthropist Mattina R. Proctor, the foundation aims to fund initiatives that demonstrate a specific need, particularly in music, trades education, public health, and land conservation. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and preference is given to projects that directly impact underserved communities.

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Grant, offered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 for individual craft artists in the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment. This program aims to enhance the creative support system, enabling artists to produce object-based work and meet safety standards. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their craft and have presented public artistic work within the last three years.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

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.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations in Maine can seek funding to run comprehensive before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs for Pre-K through grade 12 students. Focused on academic enrichment, tutoring, and student well-being, the Maine Department of Education supports high-quality community learning centers serving high-need, economically disadvantaged communities and working families.