Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

Nonprofit and community-based organizations improving education, health, conservation, and community well-being in Maine can access funding through Betterment Fund, with awards of US $10,000 - US $35,000. Grants prioritize systemic, community-driven initiatives, especially in Western Maine’s rural and mountain regions, and may support cross-sector efforts like economic development, early childhood, creative economy, and broadband.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) nonprofits can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 in unrestricted or project-based support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs from McGraw Foundation. While grants generally prioritize the greater Chicago area, Maine organizations with relevant, high-impact initiatives may be eligible to apply when invited.

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 organizations, public agencies, schools, and municipalities working on community development, basic needs, education, and environmental projects in Maine and nearby regions can seek US $20,000 - US $300,000 in large grants. New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund supports systems-change efforts and key services benefiting Coös County, NH and bordering communities, including parts of Maine.

Focused on community projects, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation invites Maine nonprofits to apply for the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund Local Grants Program. Eligible organizations in Oxford County can request up to US $20,000 for initiatives such as education, basic needs, rural development, outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, housing, youth development, and related community infrastructure projects.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental research, American Water Works Association invites applicants whose work may ultimately benefit communities, including those served by Maine nonprofits and public agencies.

Environmental and climate-focused nonprofits in Maine can seek Island Foundation funding for marine and coastal conservation, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and community-based fisheries. The foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations with general operating or project grants, including efforts that build local conservation capacity, advance environmental justice, and connect community health and quality of life to environmental protection.

Agricultural and forestry producers in Maine can receive financial and technical support to enhance conservation practices and improve working lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine supports environmental stewardship by funding activities like improved grazing, cover crops, and wildlife habitat through five-year Conservation Stewardship Program contracts, with awards of more than US $4,000.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Maine working on community development, education, workforce preparation, or financial literacy can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support their programs. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen affordable housing, small business growth, academic success, and job readiness in communities where the bank has retail operations.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and municipalities in Maine communities where Weyerhaeuser operates can seek flexible funding for local priorities such as affordable housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, and human services. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund awards more than US $1,000 to programs serving its designated communities, with applications accepted year-round and a 2025 deadline of September 30.

Nonprofit organizations working on humanitarian aid, child welfare, health care, disaster relief, education, or economic self-sufficiency projects in Maine can seek funding to support women and children. The Father's Table Foundation provides up to US $750,000 for programs that build self-sufficiency, resilience, and sustainable solutions, including emergency response when paired with long-term support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine can seek Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants of US $1,000 - US $7,500 for health and welfare, dental care, camperships, homeless shelters, and food pantries. Grants from Agnes M. Lindsay Trust help Maine nonprofits cover capital and operating needs, which may include flexible support within these program areas.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Maine conducting biomedical research can receive up to US $375,000 to support small-scale research projects and expand student research opportunities. The National Institutes of Health funds institutions that award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH support; Maine nonprofits operating qualifying colleges or universities may benefit.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, or affordable housing can access funding through the Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations receive a two-year leadership development experience plus a capacity-building grant, if they are based in an eligible Maine market and meet revenue, governance, and multi-year planning requirements.

Early-career clinical and public health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting human health studies can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for mentored research and protected time. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Maine-based partners collaborating with LMIC investigators support global health research and training projects.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries proposing health-related research and career development activities can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 in support. Maine-based nonprofits partnering with eligible LMIC institutions or mentors may benefit when supporting these investigators’ projects and training plans.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for education-focused programs, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000, from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Focus areas include academic assistance, literacy, journalism, youth initiatives, arts education, and community programs, which may benefit Maine nonprofits offering similar services.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, environment, health, arts, civic improvement, or human services can apply for Ensign-Bickford Industries’ Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant, with awards up to US $5,000 for program-specific support. Organizations in Cumberland County may be especially relevant given the foundation’s focus on communities where the company operates and employees reside.

Nonprofits, public agencies, and other organizations in Maine can seek funding for wildlife conservation, habitat protection, outdoor recreation, and related natural resource projects through the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund. Grants from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife support projects submitted via authorized Natural Resource Agency Representatives and favor strong public/private partnerships and matching contributions.

Maine 501(c)(3) public charities, fiscally sponsored projects, and governmental units can seek up to US $60,000 for arts education or public arts engagement, including general operating or project support. The Onion Foundation prioritizes programs that expand equitable access to arts experiences for Maine residents, especially under-resourced and marginalized communities, with options for multiyear funding.

Maine organizations and institutions planning health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek corporate sponsorships that provide tangible benefits like recognition or marketing opportunities. Biogen Foundation offers funding across areas such as neurology, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and related conditions, with decisions based on topic alignment, event details, and geographic location.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, established in 1988, focuses on enhancing community connections through arts, culture, and environmental initiatives in Maine. The Trust supports projects that foster creative expression, promote historic preservation, and encourage environmental stewardship. Grant applicants can seek up to $20,000 for operating support or specific projects that align with these priorities. The Foundation emphasizes equitable access and community representation in its funding decisions.

The Andrew Mitchell Memorial Scholarship supports Maine residents pursuing vocational or technical education, including community college programs. This scholarship is aimed at nontraditional students who face unique challenges in continuing their education. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, such as being over 25 or financially independent. The fund encourages applicants to utilize college preparation resources and demonstrates a commitment to remain in Maine after their studies. This scholarship honors Andrew Mitchell, a dedicated technician and outdoorsman.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

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.