Search Through Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.

The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund, supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance the capabilities of preservation organizations through mentoring and organizational development. Grants cover travel and mentor honoraria, fostering collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, prioritizing those who previously applied but did not receive funding. Eligible applicants include Forum members and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on innovative ideas for mentorship opportunities.

The Point32Health Foundation Grant focuses on advancing equity in aging by providing multi-year, general operating grants to nonprofits in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with community organizations to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for older adults. Grant applications are accepted at various times, with specific deadlines for advocacy and social justice projects. The foundation seeks to honor the voices of those most affected by inequities.

The Rauch Foundation Grant focuses on promoting systemic change through innovative approaches in global food systems and financial literacy for students. By partnering with various organizations, including nonprofits and educational institutions, the foundation aims to create significant impacts on community health and economic preparedness. Their work emphasizes evidence-based research and collaboration, particularly in addressing environmental concerns and enhancing financial education among the youth.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Skees Family Foundation offers mission-aligned Seed Grants to nonprofits focused on job creation and readiness, primarily outside the U.S. These grants, beginning at $2,500 and increasing over three years, aim to support organizations with annual budgets of $250,000 or less. By prioritizing international efforts, the foundation seeks to maximize the impact of its limited resources, fostering growth in community-based organizations dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting economic development globally.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Arts Education and Public Engagement Grants by The Onion Foundation support organizations in Maine with budgets up to $50,000. These grants focus on enhancing arts education and public engagement, prioritizing programs that serve rural communities and address systemic inequities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units. Funding is available for general operating support and project grants, aimed at fostering creativity and community connection through arts initiatives.

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.

The MCF: Equity Fund Grant, established by the Maine Community Foundation, aims to strengthen LGBTQ+ organizations in Maine through general and project grants. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and public agencies that engage LGBTQ+ individuals in their leadership and services. This grant prioritizes initiatives that enhance healthcare access, reduce disparities, and promote respect. The fund, which became permanent in 2000, continues to support community-based efforts that align with its mission.

The MCF: Maine Theater Grant supports nonprofit professional and community theaters in Maine, fostering vibrant communities through live performances. Established by an anonymous couple in 2005, this grant program prioritizes adult theater and dramas, offering funding between $2,500 and $5,000 to eligible organizations including 501(c)(3) nonprofits and municipalities. Applicants should focus on enhancing their operational capacity or project-specific needs, while adhering to guidelines that exclude certain expenses and types of projects.

The Maine Rural State AmeriCorps Grant, managed by Volunteer Maine, aims to enhance community service and volunteerism across Maine. Established in 1994, this initiative supports local organizations in implementing national service programs by providing training, funding opportunities, and fostering volunteer management practices. Through its strategic plan, Volunteer Maine addresses critical community needs while promoting civic engagement. The federal AmeriCorps agency, rebranded in 2020, collaborates with state partners to strengthen communities and improve lives through effective volunteer solutions.

The Moe Family Fund for Statewide and Local Partners Grant Program, administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, offers grants of up to $10,000 to dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network. This program focuses on strengthening preservation organizations and addressing key issues, including advocacy, capacity building, and climate change initiatives. Eligible projects should demonstrate innovation, potential impact, and a clear budget, while adhering to preservation standards and timelines.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Environment Grant Program by The Onion Foundation aims to enhance equitable outdoor access for all Maine residents, particularly in rural areas. This initiative focuses on fostering knowledge and skills to protect the environment rather than funding land acquisitions. Key priorities include supporting land trusts in creating inclusive programs, removing barriers for underserved groups, and building statewide networks to improve outdoor access. The program emphasizes community engagement and environmental stewardship.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The MCF: Hospice Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, aims to enhance hospice services in Cumberland and York counties. It provides grants to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and public agencies that support volunteer and bereavement programs. The fund prioritizes projects that raise awareness of hospice services and improve end-of-life care quality. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and other specified entities. Funding cannot be used for capital projects or activities outside the specified counties.

The Food Systems Grant Program, funded by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, aims to support initiatives in Maine that promote food justice, sovereignty, and nutrition equity. With available funding of $1,870,000, the program prioritizes grassroots efforts led by marginalized communities. Grants range from $10,000 to $200,000, depending on the scope and collaboration of the projects. The foundation encourages applications from organizations that address systemic inequities within the food system.

The Keystone Grant Program, funded by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, aims to empower grassroots and community-led initiatives focused on environmental and racial justice in Maine. With available funding of up to $1.5 million, the program supports organizations demonstrating a commitment to advocacy and civic engagement. Applicants must be eligible to receive tax-deductible donations and can include diverse groups, particularly those led by marginalized communities, to foster a sustainable and equitable future.

The Lewiston-Auburn Program Grant, supported by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation and other funders, aims to enhance community collaboration in Lewiston and Auburn. It focuses on four priority areas: equitable municipal systems, workforce access, community health, and affordable housing. With an available funding of $1,710,000, grants will primarily support multi-year projects, encouraging partnerships that uplift youth and marginalized communities. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and engaged in collaborative efforts.

The Annual Grant supports organizations enhancing the Peaks Island community by reducing economic barriers, improving medical and social services, and providing educational access. Eligible projects include capacity-building, general support, and specific project grants. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 pm on March 1st, or the next business day if that date falls on a weekend or holiday. Clear financial documentation is required to ensure transparency and accountability in funding.

The Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Housing Assistance Council, invites rural communities to apply for design support. CIRD aims to enhance rural life and economic viability through planning and creative placemaking, empowering local citizens to address unique community challenges. Opportunities include Local Design Workshops and a Design Learning Cohort, providing resources, training, and support to foster community-driven solutions.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.