Best Maine Grants for Nonprofits

The Wild Geese Foundation supports organizations focused on human rights, food justice, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. With a commitment to marginalized communities, they prioritize reproductive justice and sustainable agriculture in New England. Grants are available to 501(c)3 organizations, excluding those with budgets over $5 million or involved in international projects. Their mission emphasizes the importance of fostering environments where youth can thrive, ensuring a just and equitable society for all.

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship

The Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship will provide $8,000 ($2,000 per year for 4 years) to support tuition, books, fees, room & board, and degree-related expenses for a student graduating from a Duval County public or private school and attending an accredited post-secondary institution in the Northeastern United States. Northeastern states are identified as: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider academic achievements, leadership experience, desire for personal growth and financial need. 

The Anne Sheehan Political Action Award, offered by the Maine Education Association, recognizes members who have shown exceptional commitment to advocating for public education. This award highlights the importance of political engagement in education, honoring those who actively participate in elections, lobbying, and community initiatives. Through this grant, the MEA aims to support educators dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and ensuring equitable conditions for all students in Maine.

The Ashley Bryan Arts and Humanities Award, offered by the Maine Education Association, recognizes individuals committed to education and advocacy in the arts and humanities. It honors those who have made significant contributions promoting human and civil rights and social justice. This award supports educators dedicated to enhancing the learning experience and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students in Maine. By celebrating such achievements, MEA aims to inspire continued commitment to public education and the arts.

The Award for Teaching Excellence, presented by the Maine Education Association, recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate exceptional teaching skills, advocacy, and community engagement. Recipients receive a $1,000 award and the chance to represent Maine at a national gala. Five winners will receive $10,000 each, with one selected for the prestigious NEA Member Benefits Award, receiving $25,000. This award celebrates diverse educators committed to excellence and equity in education.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Corporate Award from the Maine Education Association honors companies that significantly contribute to public education in Maine. This award recognizes for-profit, non-profit, and not-for-profit organizations that demonstrate outstanding service, such as volunteering in schools, providing financial support for educational projects, or donating materials and equipment. MEA is committed to empowering educators and ensuring every student receives a quality education, advocating for equity and respect in the education system.

The Andrew Mitchell Memorial Scholarship supports Maine residents pursuing vocational or technical education, including community college programs. This scholarship is aimed at nontraditional students who face unique challenges in continuing their education. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, such as being over 25 or financially independent. The fund encourages applicants to utilize college preparation resources and demonstrates a commitment to remain in Maine after their studies. This scholarship honors Andrew Mitchell, a dedicated technician and outdoorsman.

The Marion F. & Peter Plouff Scholarship is designed to support Maine's nontraditional adult learners pursuing higher education. It alleviates financial burdens, allowing students to focus on their studies. Eligible applicants must be Maine residents and meet specific criteria to be considered nontraditional. The scholarship provides renewable funding for various educational pathways, including degree programs and certificates. Priority is given to those returning to education after a break, with the goal of fostering lifelong learning and personal growth.

The Maine Cancer Foundation is addressing critical barriers for cancer patients by providing transportation and lodging services. This initiative aims to reduce disparities in healthcare access for Maine residents undergoing treatment. By alleviating travel costs and facilitating accommodations, the foundation enhances the overall wellbeing of patients, ensuring they receive the necessary care without added financial burdens. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and committed to keeping the benefits in the public domain for the Maine community.

The Friend of Education Award honors individuals in elected or appointed positions who significantly contribute to public education in Maine. It is presented by the Maine Education Association, which advocates for educators' rights and aims to ensure equitable education for all students. Nominations are open to any Maine resident holding such a position, recognizing their advocacy at local, state, or national levels. This award highlights the importance of supporting educators and improving educational standards.

The Golden Apple Award, presented by the Maine Education Association, honors individuals or groups committed to enhancing local schools and supporting community children. Eligibility includes Maine residents or MEA members who demonstrate outstanding service, such as organizing community efforts for educational issues or volunteering in schools. This award highlights the dedication of educators in advocating for equity and quality education for all students across Maine.

The ME Boating Facilities Fund Grant, administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, aims to enhance recreational boating access throughout Maine. It supports towns and agencies in developing and rehabilitating public boat launching facilities. Eligible projects include both hand-carry and trailer boat launches on tidal and non-tidal waters, with a required match of at least 25%. The fund prioritizes facilities accessible to both motorized and non-motorized watercraft.

The Land for Maine's Future: Public Water Access to Maine Waters Fund Grant supports projects that enhance public access to Maine's lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. By acquiring small parcels of land, the fund aims to create access points for various water activities, including fishing and boating. Applications require sponsorship from a state agency and consent from landowners. This initiative fosters community engagement and promotes outdoor recreation, benefiting local economies and preserving natural resources.

The Land for Maine's Future: Working Farmland Access Protection Program aims to safeguard Maine's vital agricultural lands. By funding the protection of these areas, the program promotes sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health and support carbon sequestration. It prioritizes properties that bolster farming operations, particularly benefiting beginning farmers and underserved communities while also preserving wildlife habitats. Although currently not accepting applications, this initiative plays a crucial role in maintaining Maine's agricultural economy.

The Honor Medal Award, presented by the Maine Education Association, recognizes an MEA member who has exemplified courage in defending academic freedom and upholding the rights of educators. This award acknowledges those who risk their personal welfare for professional integrity, demonstrating a commitment to equity and educational excellence. The MEA, representing a diverse body of educators, aims to honor members who advocate for improved conditions and support for their colleagues and students across Maine.

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 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.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The VMIG Charitable Giving Fund aims to enhance community quality of life in regions served by Vermont Mutual Insurance Group. This fund supports non-profit organizations focusing on education, youth development, community building, and basic needs such as housing and hunger. Eligible organizations must operate within specific states and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status. The fund reflects a commitment to fostering healthy, vibrant communities through meaningful financial contributions.

The ME Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) supports the preservation of agricultural land by limiting nonagricultural uses and enhancing conservation values. It offers two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). ALE helps protect croplands and grasslands on working farms, while WRE focuses on restoring degraded wetlands. Additionally, the program includes the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) to improve wildlife habitat through collaborative efforts.

The NRA Foundation offers grants in Maine to support charitable purposes in line with IRS 501(c)(3) regulations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions with a valid EIN. The foundation prioritizes projects that promote firearms safety, education, and research in marksmanship. However, labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals are ineligible for funding. Grant requests must align with the foundation's mission and the application process requires specific documentation.

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 TD Charitable Foundation's Capacity Building Fund empowers nonprofit organizations by providing grants aimed at enhancing their operational capabilities. Established in 2002, this initiative focuses on funding projects that promote job training, arts, and housing assistance, particularly for historically underserved communities. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the foundation seeks to support organizations that align with its TD Ready Commitment drivers, ensuring impactful and sustainable community development.

John Estrella Foundation: Helping Hand GrantThe John Estrella Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in memory of John Estrella.

Our funding supports a clinical protocol to acquire tumor samples from kidney cancer patients who have a kidney removed. These important samples are being used to identify factors that help predict which patients are likely to require additional therapy for their disease. With our continued funding, this protocol has been expanded to other major hospitals in the area, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Purpose of the Grant: In addition to the ever-mounting cost of medicines and treatment, people with Kidney Cancer often need assistance with expenses like transportation, living expenses, home care, and childcare. The purpose of our grant is to provide support to individuals and their families experiencing financial burdens associated with a diagnosis of and treatment for Kidney Cancer.

The Ludcke Foundation

Guidelines

To identify and support charitable endeavors that provide needed resources and services to children and families, with an emphasis on emotional and physical health, education, and social development.

The Foundation devotes its grants to the fields of education, health, and human services. The trustees have a special interest in programs that focus across two or three of the foundation’s areas of interest and in partnering with other donors with similar objectives to enable more ambitious projects.

Current Grantmaking Preferences

Job training for systems involved young people, job training for adults facing significant barriers, and limited support for innovative approaches to helping children in underserved New England communities overcome significant and often overlapping barriers to educational success.

Access to health programs for all ages, and behavioral health services for children and teens in underserved communities or otherwise facing significant barriers.

Homelessness prevention, housing assistance, food security, legal assistance, holistic family support, support for young people at risk, and support for victims of domestic violence.

The Onion Foundation's Arts Education and Public Engagement Grants support organizations with budgets over $50,000 in Maine. The program prioritizes access to arts education, public engagement, and capacity building for arts organizations. Grants can be general operating or project-based, with amounts reaching up to $20,000 annually. Emphasizing equity and diversity, applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the foundation's strategic goals to foster creativity and cultural sharing within Maine's communities.