Best Grants for Capital Funding in Maine

Nonprofit organizations in Maine working to improve outcomes for vulnerable children, youth, parents, and low-income seniors can seek foundation-initiated support for multi-generational education, health, employment, and family services. With a mission to improve the lives of Maine’s most vulnerable people, John T Gorman Foundation primarily makes invitation-only grants for comprehensive, research-based, prevention-focused initiatives.

Maine research institutions and organizations that support the research enterprise can seek funding to strengthen administrative and support infrastructure for science and STEM training. National Science Foundation’s GRANTED program backs projects enhancing research practices, developing human capital, or scaling effective models nationally, which may include capacity-building efforts tied to facilities, systems, or infrastructure improvements.

With a mission to support impactful community projects, Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and eligible sponsors can request capital and program support from Machias Savings Bank. Funding emphasizes financial education, workforce development, affordable housing, economic development, and youth and education, with priority for projects benefiting low- and moderate-income residents and existing bank relationships.

Tax-exempt organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored grassroots groups in Maine border communities near Coös County can apply for the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund Dash Grants, awarding US $250 - US $2,000 for short-term community and economic development projects. Eligible uses include events, field trips, consultants, and small equipment or furniture purchases.

Maine educational organizations and other eligible 501(c)(3) charities, municipalities, Tribal and religious entities can seek support for programs that prepare underserved students to access and complete 2- or 4-year college, including small program-related capital costs. Maine college readiness, access, and success initiatives can access funding via Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation for program, general operating, research, or limited preK–12 reform work.

The Food Access Infrastructure Initiative Grant, offered by Farm Credit East, provides funding up to $50,000 to organizations aimed at enhancing food security in the Northeast. Eligible projects include improving produce handling, expanding storage capacity, and enhancing distribution capabilities. Non-profit organizations within Farm Credit East's territory are encouraged to apply for support in capital projects that improve food distribution infrastructure.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations improving education, health, conservation, and community well-being in Maine can apply for Betterment Fund grants of US $10,000 - US $35,000. The fund favors systemic, community-driven projects, with a historic focus on Western Mountains counties and rural regions, which may include capital components when aligned with its priorities.

Nonprofit organizations seeking capital funding for facilities, infrastructure, or construction projects in Maine can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 from Mascoma Bank Foundation. Grants from Mascoma Bank Foundation help Maine groups undertake capital campaigns and major improvements that strengthen long-term capacity and community impact within the bank’s Cumberland County service area.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, faith institutions, and Maine public entities can apply for Sam L. Cohen Foundation grants up to Up to US $50,000 to support new or ongoing programs, general operations, or capital improvements. Organizations in Cumberland or York Counties, or serving Maine broadly, may fund facilities or infrastructure tied to arts, education, health, civic, or Jewish cultural work.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

Nonprofits, municipalities, public schools, public agencies, and tribal governments in Maine seeking project support can apply for $1,000 - $20,000 to benefit the Baldwin area. Grants from Maine Community Foundation help organizations advance education, human services, and sustainable natural resource and forestry initiatives, with added priority for efforts that build self-reliance and leverage additional community support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Maine and other Appalachian states can seek up to US $100,000 for fee or easement land acquisition and related project costs. With a mission to conserve lands and waters, The Nature Conservancy supports capital projects that enhance resilience, connectivity, and community benefits.

Nonprofits, municipalities, public schools, tribal governments, and public agencies in Maine can seek funding for community-strengthening projects, including capital expenses. Focused on arts, education, environment, economic development, and human services, Maine Community Foundation offers project and general support grants up to US $10,000 for efforts that build skills, engage residents, and strengthen local resources.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic opportunity, education, health, or community well-being can receive two-year general support, including capital expenses, to advance racial equity in communities of color. With a mission to build a better Maine, Maine Community Foundation provides flexible funding for organizations engaging underserved residents in program design and leadership.

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.

Nonprofits, public agencies, schools, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups in Maine can seek funding for rural development and rural health care initiatives, including capital and infrastructure projects. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation supports collaborative, community-guided efforts in regions like Katahdin and Washington County, with awards from US $10,000 - US $200,000.

Maine 501(c)(3) charities, local governments, Tribal and religious organizations can seek capital or program funding for basic needs, animal welfare, health care, public media, or environmental projects. Grants from Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation prioritize organizations in Boothbay Harbor, Southport, and Brunswick, and may include small equipment or one-time capital needs within project budgets.

Maine rural or tribal communities of 50,000 people or fewer can access support for local design and revitalization challenges through the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design. Focused on rural development, this program offers up to US $6,000 stipends, technical assistance, and a design learning cohort to strengthen community planning and creative placemaking.

Ignite Philanthropy

Through intentional listening and co-creation, Ignite Philanthropy supports the philanthropic and non-profit sectors. Our mission is simple: Maximize the power of giving. Ignite Philanthropy connects people, ideas, and capital to fuel community solutions. 

Our four core values have been developed by our team with intentionality around equity and community and how these connect to each value and the work we do each day. We believe in the merit of diverse teams and perspectives, striving to empower every voice in the creation of solutions.

Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Grant

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation was created in 1997 by Cincinnati native and Boston resident, Nellie Leaman Taft, who died on December 17, 2012. Ms. Taft was an accomplished artist and committed patron of fine arts who is remembered as an independent, progressive-minded woman of great spirit and mirth, an avid gardener, and a worldwide traveler. She also was the descendant of two United States presidents, a loving friend and family member.

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation supports Arts Education and Environmental Education programs serving geographic areas important to Ms. Taft and to her family:

• Greater Cincinnati, OH
• Los Angeles County, CA
• Boston, MA (inside the Route 495 beltway)
• Mid-Coast Maine (defined as the towns of Bath, Belfast, Boothbay Harbor, Brunswick, Camden, Cushing, Damariscotta, Lincolnville, Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, Searsport, Thomaston, Topsham, and Union)

The Momentum Conservation Land Trust Grant Fund aims to enhance the effectiveness of land trusts in Maine by strengthening governance, leadership, and financial stability. It promotes equity and inclusion in organizational practices, encouraging diverse community engagement. This initiative also supports land trusts in building social capital and ensures that conserved lands are accessible to all communities, fostering meaningful experiences in conservation efforts.

Researchers with doctoral degrees leading independent teams at academic, nonprofit, or government institutions in Maine can pursue late-stage lupus translational projects through this program. Lupus Research Alliance offers up to US $450,000 over two years for milestone-driven work advancing lupus diagnostics, therapies, or clinical products toward commercialization or clinical evaluation.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and governmental units can seek funding to deliver environmental education and nature-learning programs for Maine youth, especially in rural areas. Grants from Onion Foundation help develop high-quality, science-based programs and support overnight, experiential outdoor learning trips that deepen young people’s connection to the state’s natural systems.

Maine 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for charitable, educational, conservation, or cultural projects can apply for capital and program funding up to US $5,000. Elsie & William Viles Foundation provides Maine nonprofits, primarily in the Capital Region, with Donations for open space preservation, animal care, children and education, and Maine history and culture initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine can seek capital or program funding for conservation, animal welfare, education, or cultural projects, with awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Elsie & William Viles Foundation help Maine groups, especially in the Capital Region, preserve open spaces, support children, and promote the state’s history and culture.

501(c)(3) libraries, educational institutions, hospitals, and clinics in Maine seeking capital projects, endowments, or equipment may be eligible for this funding. With a mission to support intellectual, moral, and physical welfare, the Gladys Brooks Foundation provides US $50,000 - US $150,000 for major, innovative capital and endowment initiatives where outside funding is limited.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Maine aim to support small rural businesses by providing technical assistance and training. Eligible areas include rural towns and communities outside urbanized regions. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes such as training, land development, and community economic development. While there is no maximum grant amount, smaller requests receive priority, with two types of projects available: Opportunity grants and Enterprise grants.

Nonprofits and churches in Maine and Northern New England can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 for projects such as land conservation, environmental education, food security, housing, arts access, and historic preservation. Focused on community well-being, Adelard and Valeda Roy Foundation invites capital and program requests serving immigrants, refugees, Indigenous communities, low-income youth, and the elderly.