Best Plant Grants in Maine

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling urgent social, environmental, or plant-related challenges in Maine and beyond can seek up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Funding supports scalable, systems-oriented solutions with measurable impact for underserved communities, plus intensive capacity-building and connection to a global peer community.

Maine conservation and environmental education nonprofits can access funding through the Roger and Katherine Flahive Foundation for programs in education, health, and conservation. 501(c)(3) organizations working on botanical conservation, natural resources, or related equity and health issues may be eligible for programmatic support, scholarships, or organizational funding that strengthens their long-term impact.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment programs in Maine and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions serving mostly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an LOI process.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Maine with audited expenses over $2 million that provide direct social services can seek large-scale support to combat chronic poverty and strengthen families. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides program, capital, and general operating support for efforts like affordable housing, food access, job training, legal aid, reentry, and youth development across the U.S.

Schools and educational nonprofits restoring monarch habitat in Maine and other eligible regions can receive free milkweed plugs to establish or expand large pollinator gardens. Monarch Watch prioritizes projects with clear educational goals, long-term maintenance plans, adequate sunlit space, diverse nectar sources, administrative backing, and a commitment to fall photo and garden evaluation surveys.

Schools and community centers in Maine that want to establish educational orchards or garden spaces can apply for support from United Charitable’s ReTreeUS program. United Charitable provides Maine plant-focused education initiatives with orchard planting, maintenance, and curriculum resources, which may benefit K–12 programs and community projects centered on horticulture, botany, and environmental stewardship.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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 Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Municipal governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations in Maine can seek funding to plant, protect, and manage community trees and urban forests, with awards from US $25,000 - US $200,000. The State of Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry’s Project Canopy program supports projects that expand urban tree canopy, enhance climate resilience, and improve community livability.

The Nourishment Focus Area Grant by the Quimby Family Foundation supports Maine-based nonprofits that promote human wholeness through community engagement and education in regional, plant-based food choices. Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000, with a focus on empowering people to choose healthier, sustainable food options. The foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating community-rooted values and aims to address disparities in access to nutritious foods.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits in Maine can receive up to US $15,000 to plant and maintain community trees and enhance urban forestry. With a mission to strengthen community forestry, Maine Forest Service supports projects like buffer plantings, business district tree enhancements, nurseries, and green infrastructure through this 50/50 cost-share program.

Local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations in Maine can receive up to US $20,000 for sustainable community forestry planning and education projects that highlight the benefits of trees and forests. Maine Forest Service’s Project Canopy supports initiatives that improve community livability through tree planting, maintenance, and long-term urban forestry programs.

Maine agricultural producers seeking support for sustainable farming, water management, or plant-focused conservation projects can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine. Grants offer up to US $50,000 and may cover irrigation improvements, tree planting for windbreaks or water quality, soil erosion control, integrated pest management, and transitions to organic production.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maine nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven programs. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, or community and cultural development may be eligible, with priority for communities near Ameriprise employee centers.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine offers vital financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. This program supports conservation practices to enhance soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats while combating drought and climate change. EQIP promotes sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring producers can integrate conservation into their operations effectively, ultimately fostering a healthier environment and agricultural resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Maine and other Appalachian states can seek funding for land acquisition and related costs through the Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program. With a mission to conserve lands and waters, The Nature Conservancy provides up to US $100,000 for fee or easement purchases, stewardship, and community engagement that protect resilient, connected habitats and benefit local communities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental, educational, humanitarian, animal welfare, arts, or child-focused programs, including those in Maine, can seek project support from the Hansen Family Foundation; awards range from US $1,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to uphold life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, it prioritizes smaller organizations under $1 million budgets.

Wildlife conservation and environmental nonprofits in Maine can seek storytelling support to showcase their impact through this grant, with awards of more than US $50,000. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations working in areas like conservation, historic preservation, education, and wellness across the U.S., which may include plant- and habitat-focused projects.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support in Maine communities. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports programs aiding underserved people, including hunger, homelessness, literacy, job readiness, health access, and related community services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs involving gardening, community beautification, or outdoor education may be especially relevant for plant- and nature-focused organizations.

Nonprofit and public entities in rural Maine can receive funding to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses through USDA Rural Development. Grants from USDA: Rural Development (RD) range from US $10,000 - US $500,000 and may benefit botanical conservation or plant-focused economic development projects that aid eligible enterprises.

Organizations in Maine working on in-stream habitat restoration can apply for Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s design-phase funding; awards up to US $450,000 for technical designs. Projects that enhance stream complexity and aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife may benefit plant and botanical conservation efforts in riparian ecosystems.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nova Vista Foundation

The Nova Vista Foundation is a family foundation formed in 2024. Our mission is to help ensure a livable planet with shared prosperity for present and future generations. This means we focus on the climate crisis. We fund systems-change interventions that can influence global emissions trajectories. We are hits-based and risk-neutral.

Our funding to date has focused on:

• Efforts to increase public support for innovation in hard-to-decarbonize sectors, particularly food (alternative proteins) and industry (steel and chemicals).
• Efforts to create the political conditions to ensure further policy progress and defend against derailment.

Nova Vista Foundation Grant

We are running an open RFP to provide up to $10 million to support policy advocacy, market-shaping work, and other high-leverage strategies to advance innovative proteins, by which we primarily mean plant-based meat, fermentation-derived protein, and cultivated meat. These have also flown under the banner of alternative, sustainable, or new proteins, clean meat, protein diversification, and novel foods. Work on dairy and eggs is also in scope. Advocates for protein innovation have made significant progress in recent years, yet the gap in government investment relative to the technology’s importance remains enormous.

The case for these technologies is not only a climate case — domestic food security and production capacity, supply chain resilience against geopolitical and other shocks, and job growth and economic competitiveness in an innovative, high-tech industry where other countries are investing heavily are key parts of the case for innovative proteins. We think that breadth is an advantage, and we would like to fund new, credible messengers for those arguments.