Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Maine

Grants from the David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund help Maine environmental and conservation nonprofits and agencies support projects in areas like environment, animals, and public benefit. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies in Maine and other New England states may apply, with some preference historically given to Connecticut-based organizations.

501(c)(3) organizations in Maine serving children or advancing environmental stewardship can apply for Sprague’s charitable contributions program; awards range from US $250 - US $10,000. Eligible nonprofits working on local environmental projects may receive priority if they operate within Sprague’s service area and demonstrate strong impact with modest funding.

Maine 501(c)(3) organizations, as well as tax-exempt towns, fire or emergency departments, and school systems, can seek Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation support for one-time projects that build organizational capacity, including environmental initiatives. Grants prioritize communities with less access to resources and can also benefit programs in literacy, community development, arts, and related areas.

Students pursuing environmental and plant science fields in Maine can receive scholarship support to advance their studies. Grants from Garden Club Federation Of Maine/Old York Garden Club help Maine residents studying botany, ecology, conservation, forestry, horticulture, landscape design, environmental studies, or sustainable agriculture at Maine institutions or the University of New Hampshire, with awards of US $3,000.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental, community, medical, educational, or arts and culture programs can seek US $1,000 - US $15,000 to support their work. The Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust funds organizations located, operating, and serving within Maine, and includes environmental conservation among its key program areas.

Maine environmental and conservation organizations can access funding through the John Sage Foundation for projects that promote a harmonious relationship between people and the natural environment. Grants of US $500 - US $50,000 support efforts like land acquisition, water testing, environmental education, conservation easements, and related environmental projects in Maine.

Maine-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, public schools, public agencies, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups can apply for Maine Community Foundation’s Community Building Grant Program, with awards up to US $10,000 for community-strengthening projects or general support. Environmental initiatives that build skills, engage residents, and enhance natural or built resources in Maine may be eligible.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Woodard & Curran Scholarship, offers a $5,000 merit-based award annually to undergraduate or graduate students focused on water-related fields. This initiative aims to support historically marginalized communities, including women and BIPOC students, promoting equity in the water industry. With clean water being essential for community health, this scholarship reflects AWWA's commitment to nurturing the next generation of water professionals.

Nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit innovators with early-stage environmental, heritage conservation, or social justice projects in Maine can access funding through the J.M. Kaplan Fund. The J.M.K. Innovation Prize awards up to US $175,000 for transformative pilots or prototypes, plus multi-year guidance and peer-learning support to scale social and environmental impact nationwide.

Students pursuing environmental science, biology, engineering, or related physical sciences in Maine can receive US $1,500 in scholarship support for their studies through the RTK Scholars Program. RTK Environmental Group provides this annual award to U.S. citizens or legal residents enrolled in accredited schools who maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.

The Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship offers up to $9,500 annually for two years, alongside a paid summer internship at NOAA. This program enhances students' training in oceanic and atmospheric sciences, aiming to increase public understanding and support for environmental stewardship. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in relevant disciplines, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The experience fosters valuable skills and networks, with 100% of alumni recommending the scholarship.

Maine environmental and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, and public schools can access funding through Sorenson Legacy Foundation to support projects in education, health care, innovation, and community development. U.S.-based groups working on environmental conservation, parks and green spaces, or protecting and enhancing the environment may be especially competitive, with preference for efforts in Utah.

Environmental nonprofits in Maine can seek support for conservation and related projects that promote environmental progress in the U.S. Grants from the Donald & Ruby Branson Foundation also fund educational and social progress initiatives for 501(c)(3) organizations, offering flexible support for programs that keep communities and natural spaces healthy for future generations.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust Grant supports organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and focuses on charitable, educational, religious, and scientific purposes. With grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 and an annual budget of approximately $55,000, the trust primarily serves Alabama organizations. Applications are accepted year-round, but must meet specific deadlines for review. This grant offers opportunities across diverse areas such as arts, education, health, and human services.

The Sensata Foundation, established in 2017, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting community development and STEM education across the U.S. With a focus on improving access to STEM resources and empowering youth, the Foundation partners with nonprofits to address food insecurity, homelessness, and environmental sustainability. By fostering community partnerships and providing financial support, Sensata Foundation aims to inspire future leaders and enhance the quality of life for all, particularly in underserved areas.

Charitable organizations in Maine working on education, literacy, environmental sustainability, or humanitarian needs may be eligible for community investment support. Grants from Domtar help groups in communities where it has facilities and employees fund quality education programs, responsible forestry and wildlife initiatives, and efforts that address critical humanitarian needs through an online application reviewed throughout the year.

The TD Bank Community Sponsorships Program, supported by the TD Charitable Foundation, provides funding for events and activities that positively impact communities from Maine to Florida. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and foster partnerships among diverse groups, promoting economic development, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Organizations can apply for funding to support community-oriented programs, with applications reviewed quarterly. It's essential to submit applications at least 90 days before the event deadlines.

Our Mission

The Baughman Family Foundation aims to make an impact on our local communities by supporting organizations nominated by family members. The goal of the foundation is twofold: to make a meaningful impact on our selected charitable organizations and to encourage family members to become active in charitable giving.

Submission Guidelines

When submitting an application, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

The focus of the Baughman Family Foundation is on supporting local charities where the Foundation can make a direct, tangible impact on causes that matter to our family.

Maine environmental organizations and related nonprofits can access funding through the James C Stewart Charitable Foundation for projects in areas like environment, animals, health, education, and community benefit. 501(c)(3) organizations may be eligible for approximately US $10,000 to support charitable programs, with the foundation historically favoring Tucson, Arizona and Southern California.

U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and IRS-recognized tribes working in environmental science, education, or human services can seek project funding, including work that may benefit Maine communities. Grants from Change Happens Foundation help support environmental conservation, climate resilience, and STEM and early education, with a focus on equity and underserved populations.

The Roots & Shoots Project Grant, offered by the Jane Goodall Institute, empowers U.S.-based youth to initiate community-action projects that positively impact people, animals, and the environment. With a funding opportunity of $250, this grant encourages young leaders to take charge and make a difference in their communities. Eligible applicants include children, teens, educators, and community groups. Join the movement to foster change and celebrate local initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified government entities working on environmental, education, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment projects in Maine communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities may be eligible for funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports initiatives that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability within its manufacturing communities, including parts of Maine.

Environmental and conservation-focused charitable organizations, especially those in Michigan, can seek funding for projects, programs, or capital needs through the Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation. Focused on education, health, human services, environment, arts, and community initiatives, it offers more than US $250,000, which may benefit Maine-based groups working on broader environmental efforts with a Michigan connection.

Maine environmental nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations can access funding for general operations or special projects through the Goodnow Fund, which supports environmental initiatives alongside child welfare, Alzheimer’s research, and educational equity. Although based in Connecticut with a focus on Fairfield County, it funds organizations across the U.S. and invites project discussions via its Executive Director.

Municipal, religious, charitable, benevolent, and educational organizations in Maine can apply for the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust’s project-based grants to support work in areas such as environmental initiatives, education, health, and human services. Eligible entities planning community-focused environmental projects in Maine may be especially interested in this flexible community grant opportunity.

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change.

We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. We focus on places where we’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally.

We believe local battles to protect a specific stand of forest, a stretch of river, an indigenous wild species or a community from a polluting refinery build public support and confront larger, more complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental justice.

We encourage work that brings underrepresented communities to the forefront of the environmental movement and defends communities whose health and livelihoods are threatened by environmental exploitation.

We support multipronged campaigns that push for greater environmental protections and force the government to abide by its own laws.

We fund work that:

• builds an equitable, inclusive and diverse environmental movement
• confronts systemic bias, discrimination and injustice in environmental policy or outdoor spaces
• is action-oriented
• focuses on root causes
• has a clear strategy
• identifies specific goals and objectives that can be effectively measured to evaluate success
• builds public involvement and civic engagement

Patagonia believes that the most direct path to real change is through building grassroots momentum.

Our funding focuses on organisations that have or can create a strong base of support. Because we’re a privately held company, we have the freedom to fund risk-taking, off-the-beaten-track groups, and that’s where we believe our small grants are most effective.