Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Maine

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 Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation, established in 2007, supports small, impactful organizations in the Northeast US. The foundation prioritizes projects that alleviate suffering for people or animals and considers applications from 501(c)(3) organizations outside its usual funding parameters. Key areas of support include education, after-school programs, rehabilitation, arts, nutrition, and emotional support initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering local community development through thoughtful funding.

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 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.

The Human, Civil Rights and Social Justice Grant, offered by the Maine Education Association, provides up to $1,000 to support local associations in fostering leadership in human, civil rights, and social justice. This initiative aims to empower educators and students, ensuring equity and enhancing educational opportunities. Eligible activities include funding for speakers, materials, and equipment, all aligned with MEA's goals to improve public education in Maine.

The Human and Civil Rights Award, presented by the Maine Education Association, honors individuals and groups dedicated to promoting human and civil rights within Maine. This prestigious award recognizes efforts to foster diversity, eliminate discrimination, and enhance educational programs that encourage tolerance. The MEA advocates for equitable opportunities for all students and educators, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. This award is a testament to the commitment towards a more inclusive and respectful educational environment.

The John H. Marvin Local Association Award, presented by the Maine Education Association, honors local associations that excel in advocating for member rights and effective bargaining practices. This award recognizes those who demonstrate leadership in organizing and protecting the interests of educators, ensuring they receive fair treatment and support. By highlighting the importance of strong advocacy, this award aims to inspire other associations to strive for excellence in representing their members and promoting equitable educational environments.

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 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 Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust supports nonprofit organizations in Maine through grants in five key areas: Community/Social Services, Medical, Educational, Arts/Culture, and Environment. Each area receives a designated percentage of funds, emphasizing the trust's commitment to addressing local needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and operate within Maine. Notably, the trust does not fund multi-year requests or grants to individuals or religious organizations.

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 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 Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

The Red Sox Foundation provides programmatic grants to support non-profits focused on health, education, and recreation in New England. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with larger requests by invitation only. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and can only apply once per year. The foundation emphasizes its commitment to making a positive impact in the community, although it cannot support every request due to the volume of applications.

Machias Savings Bank offers support through donations, pledges, sponsorships, and capital requests aimed at making a significant impact in Maine. They prioritize funding for projects that enhance financial wellness, workforce development, affordable housing, and youth education. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)3 status, including schools and municipalities, while sponsorships are open to both for-profit and non-profit entities. Requests should be made at least 30 days prior to the event.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The John T. Gorman Foundation focuses on enhancing the lives of Maine's vulnerable populations through targeted investments in education, health, and family support. Their initiatives, which are primarily invitation-only, aim to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences and improve overall well-being. The Foundation is dedicated to addressing systemic issues such as poverty and educational disparities, striving for substantial, measurable outcomes that foster resilience in children and families across the state.

About Us

At DECD, we are more than two dozen experts whose broad mission is to help communities and businesses prosper through a variety of programs providing everything from targeted tax relief to community block grants to tourism marketing. Whether your business wants to make a film here, bring a Maine-made product to market, expand an aquaculture project, or explore financing when moving a business to our state, our experienced staff can help.

CDBG Public Service Grant Program

The Public Service Grant (PSG) Program addresses community and business resource needs by providing funding for operating expenses, equipment, and program materials for activities which will benefit low/moderate income (LMI) persons.

Project Benefit: Eligible PSG projects must provide benefits to one of the groups of persons listed below and be in support of an identified business or non-profit entity:

Participants in a program where 51% or greater of the persons receiving benefit from PSG activities are determined to be LMI.

Persons who are members of the following groups that are currently presumed by HUD to meet benefit requirements. The presumption may be challenged if there is substantial evidence the group served by the project is most likely not comprised of principally LMI persons;

Abused Children (Does not include “at-risk” youth) • Battered Spouses (Does not include all victims of domestic violence) • Elderly Persons (62 years +, or 55 years + for housing) • Severely Disabled Adults • Homeless Persons • Illiterate Adults • Migrant Farm Workers • Persons Living with AIDS

All communities applying for PSG funds must certify that: The activity represents a new service to the community; or a quantifiable increase in the level of an existing service;

Maximum PSG Amount: $50,000

The Community Building Grant Program, managed by the Maine Community Foundation, aims to strengthen communities through diverse projects in arts, education, and human services. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and municipalities in Maine, focusing on enhancing skills and engaging community members. Grants can support new projects or operational needs, with maximum awards of $10,000. The program requires a commitment to community engagement and resource strengthening, ensuring that funding addresses local needs effectively.

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 School Garden & Greenhouse Grant, offered by Maine Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC), supports innovative educational projects that integrate agricultural concepts into Pre K-12 curricula. This initiative aims to enhance students' understanding of the food and fiber systems locally and nationally. Eligible nonprofit organizations in Maine can apply for funding, with a maximum grant duration of one year. Last year, over 77,000 students benefited from similar grants, promoting agricultural awareness and leadership.

The Agricultural Awareness Grant, offered by Maine Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC), provides up to $2,000 to nonprofit organizations in Maine. This initiative promotes agricultural education through innovative projects aimed at Pre K-12 curricula. Funding supports efforts that enhance understanding of the food and fiber systems, ensuring students gain awareness of agriculture's role in society. Established in 2007, MAITC has impacted over 77,000 students, fostering community support for local agricultural policies.

The Peckham Family Foundation offers Basic Support Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in local communities in New York and New England. The foundation supports various programs focusing on education, arts, and civic engagement. Organizations seeking funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to community improvement. The Grants Committee, composed of local non-management members, evaluates applications to ensure alignment with the foundation's mission and values.

Marr Anderson Family Foundation

Founded in 2016, The Marr-Anderson Family Foundation is inspired to serve and strengthen families and their communities. John and Rebecca Marr have Maine roots as part of their heritage and have been long time residents of Falmouth, Maine. They believe in the importance of compassion, determination and encouragement. Their family foundation is a continuation of their philanthropic path to serve in the areas of health, education and catastrophic events. The foundation is a family collaboration, which includes daughters, Stephanie, Andrea and Jennifer.

The Marr-Anderson Family Foundation’s mission is to promote education, health and offer compassionate support during times of crisis. In support of their mission, the Marr-Anderson Family Foundation provides philanthropic support to public charitable organizations for the purpose of encouraging education and health. In addition, the Marr-Anderson Family Foundation offers encouragement for individuals to fulfill their dreams and provides philanthropic aid during difficult times when one’s dreams may be put on hold.

Marr-Anderson Family Foundation Grant

The Marr-Anderson Family Foundation provides philanthropic support to public charitable organizations for the purpose of encouraging education and health. The Marr-Anderson Family Foundation provides grants only to public charitable organizations that fall within Section 501(a)(1) or 501(a)(9) and that further these purposes.

The Marr-Anderson Family Foundation supports non-profit organizations that align with our mission to promote education, health and offer compassionate support during times of crisis. The foundation’s objective is to support organizations that further these efforts.

The Agricultural Awareness Grant, administered by Maine Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC), offers up to $1,000 for projects that enhance understanding of the food and fiber system among Pre K-12 students. Established in 2007, MAITC promotes agricultural education through various programs, impacting over 77,000 students annually. Grants support initiatives that integrate agricultural concepts into curricula, fostering informed citizens who advocate for sustainable agricultural practices. Nonprofits in Maine are encouraged to apply.

The Davis Family Foundation Implementation Grants support innovative projects that enhance teaching and learning at accredited colleges in New England. Established in 1985, the foundation has awarded over $140 million to improve educational outcomes and reduce costs. Applicants are encouraged to consult with program staff prior to submission. Funded projects typically focus on curriculum improvement, faculty development, and collaborative cost-reduction efforts, all aimed at enriching the undergraduate experience.