Maine for Nonprofits Grants

This grant provides funding to Maine municipalities, tribal governments, and non-profits for tourism-focused marketing projects and events that promote community engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to public water systems in Maine to develop essential plans and documents that enhance their technical, financial, or managerial capabilities.

The Welch Charitable Fund supports organizations in the Greater Portland area with preference given to nonprofits working with youth, education, health care, alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation, and/or arts and culture. Donor Name: Maine Community Foundation State: Maine County: Cumberland County (ME) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Education Health Care Youth Development Types of Funding This program provides: Grants that will increase the scope (number of people or services provided), and/or grants that will improve efficiency or effectiveness of organizations. Grants for new or expanded projects. Funding Information $10,000 Eligibility Criteria To receive a grant, a project must: Serve individuals in the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area Focus on youth, education, health care, recovery from substance use disorder and/or arts and culture. Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and also classified as an organization described in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) Municipalities Public schools Public agencies working for the State of Maine Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior Groups without any tax status may apply with a fiscal sponsor that is an eligible organization as described above. For more information, visit Maine Community Foundation.

The Libra Foundation is currently seeking applications to improve Maine residents’ quality of life by leveraging its financial assets to spur economic development, further entrepreneurial activity and create jobs in the State of Maine. Donor Name: Libra Foundation State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The organization has worked to realize its goals primarily by making grants to organizations that it expects to develop innovative and sustainable Maine-based business initiatives and programs that provide for the welfare and betterment of children. Libra Foundation focuses its support primarily upon efforts that offer potential economic benefits to the State of Maine and its residents, and the support of children, the Foundation also funds organizations and efforts that work to realize social progress.  Areas of giving include Arts, Culture & Humanities, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, Justice, Public/Society Benefit and Religion. Funding Information Grants will not exceed $25,000.00 Eligibility Criteria  No application will be considered from an organization unless it has been determined to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a) of the Code. The Foundation will need evidence of this determination for its files at the time of application for a grant. For more information, visit Libra Foundation.

This grant provides funding to organizations and individuals in Maine to foster community connections through arts, culture, and environmental initiatives that promote equitable access and celebrate diverse local histories.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Maine, particularly in Brunswick, Southport, and Boothbay Harbor, focusing on projects that aid those in need, promote animal welfare, provide healthcare for underserved populations, and support public broadcasting.

The Welch Charitable Fund supports organizations that serve people in need in the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area. Donor Name: Maine Community Foundation State: Maine County: Cumberland County (ME) Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Types of Funding This program provides: Grants that will increase the scope (number of people or services provided), and/or grants that will improve efficiency or effectiveness of organizations. Grants for new or expanded projects. Priorities  To receive a grant, a project must: Serve individuals in the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area. Focus on youth, education, health care, recovery from substance use disorder and/or arts and culture. The fund has particular interest in capital investments, including select capital campaigns. Funding Information Median Award: $10,000. Who is eligible to apply? Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and also classified as an organization described in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) Municipalities Public schools Public agencies working for the State of Maine Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior Groups without any tax status may apply with a fiscal sponsor that is an eligible organization as described above.  Any eligible organization may submit one application per grant program, regardless of previous application history or current award progress. For more information, visit MCF.

Nonprofit organizations that benefit individuals living in southern Maine may request support by applying for a responsive grant. Donor Name: Sam L. Cohen Foundation State: Maine County: Cumberland County (ME), York County (ME) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Foundation will support new programs, on-going programs, and capital improvements. The Foundation will support general operations to organizations whose overall mission aligns with the Foundation’s values. The Sam L. Cohen Foundation will consider responsive grant requests for amounts up to $50,000; however, the average grants size awarded is less than $15,000. Focus Areas Arts and Culture Foundation invests in organizations and programs that stimulate imagination, provide access to the arts and arts education, and foster community through the arts. They are especially interested in educational programming for low-income and underserved youth audiences that celebrates creativity and provides meaningful experiences with the arts. They support organizations that create and present performances and programs in southern Maine. Civic and Community  Foundation is committed to supporting and improving the quality of life in southern Maine by ensuring individuals have access to opportunities to engage in civic life. To promote economic security and well-being, the Foundation invests in organizations that are working toward systemic change through public policy for social benefit. They are currently involved in and support the Immigrant and Refugee Funders Collaborative. Education Foundation believes that access to educational opportunities is the key to a successful life. The grantmaking spans the entire continuum of pre-K through college and adulthood, as they focus on providing opportunities for underserved populations in the areas of youth development, leadership, and enrichment. They collaborate with other funders, advocates, and experts in efforts that address school readiness and attendance, grade-level proficiency, high school graduation rates, and post-secondary enrollment and completion. They participate in or support several collaborative initiatives including: Portland ConnectED, The Campaign for Grade Level Reading, Count ME In, Maine Early Childhood Funders Group, Summer Learning Initiative, Right from the Start, and the Maine Resilience Building Network. Health and Human Services  Foundation believes in providing support to historically and systemically disadvantaged individuals and communities is a compelling focus. Today’s social, economic, and political challenges require it. The goal is to assist in increasing the number of people who are self-sufficient and lead healthy, productive lives. The giving consistently targets access to healthcare, including prevention services, health support services, and ensuring food security. They currently are involved in and support the Maine Oral Health Funders Group. Jewish Culture and Tradition Foundation participates in the Jewish community in southern Maine through support of institutions and programs that provide and preserve Jewish education, tradition, and culture. They partner with organizations that celebrate and promote Jewish art and creativity as well as agencies and synagogues who serve the vulnerable members of the Jewish community. Eligibility Criteria  must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; using a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a church, synagogue, temple or mosque; or a political subdivision of the State of Maine that is exempt from federal tax must be located in and/or provide programs or services with direct impact on people in Cumberland and/or York counties, Maine must have submitted the final grant report if you received a grant previously from the Foundation must NOT have received a grant from the Foundation in the previous calendar year The foundation values organizations that work to: support underserved and underprivileged populations. reduce barriers to just and fair access to resources and opportunities for all. respond to community need by building on collective strengths drawn from diverse perspectives and ideas. promote human rights and understanding among peoples, address discrimination and hatred, and foster inclusion. demonstrate community support and engagement. utilize collaboration and partnership as a means to strengthen networks, increase impact, and leverage resources. For more information, visit SLCF.

The RTP is a federal assistance program that provides funds to states for the development and maintenance of recreational trails and related facilities for both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail uses. Funded through the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act for Federal fiscal years 2016 through 2020, the program supports a broad spectrum of trail activities such as maintenance, restoration, construction, and acquisition of land for recreational trails. The State of Maine participates in the RTP and has designated the Bureau of Parks and Lands to administer the program, focusing on projects that enhance public access, connectivity, and utilization of trails.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Maine that work to improve the welfare of small companion animals, particularly cats and dogs, by providing resources for pet retention, population control, and education on humane treatment.

The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation is now accepting applications for the Rapid Response Fund. Donor Name: Elmina B. Sewall  Foundation State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Rapid Response Fund is a grant opportunity that supports emergency and/or time-sensitive needs of organizations and communities whose work aligns with the Sewall Foundation’s mission: to support work in Maine to improve the well-being of people, animals and the environment while  fostering relationships that strive for social equity and community resilience. Emergency refers to an unexpected and unplanned event or situation that requires an immediate and time-limited response. Time-sensitive refers to opportunities that are short-term in duration (usually within the next few months) and purpose. Priorities In keeping with Sewall’s values and commitment to fostering equity and centering community voice, Rapid Response Fund grants are generally limited to: Community-based organizations with operating budgets under $250,000 Organizations led by and serving people in under-resourced populations and geographies, including: African Americans, Indigenous, and people of color; immigrants and refugees; LGBTQ; people with low incomes; differently-abled populations; incarcerated populations; people in recovery; and populations who are homeless or at risk of homelessness Additional priorities include: Organizations, networks, or grassroots efforts working to coordinate or mobilize response/action for their field or sector, a geographic region, or a specific community or population Collaborative and cross-sector efforts Efforts that are explicit in their commitment to social and environmental justice Efforts that integrate the well-being of people, animals and the environment. Funding Information Available Funding for 2024: $300,000. Grant Size: Most Rapid Response Fund grants will be no greater than $10,000. Grant Period All Rapid Response Fund grants are limited to a 12 month term. Uses of funds  Some examples of Rapid Response Fund grant uses: Increasing capacity of a small nonprofit to respond to emergency needs (food, fuel, housing) in their community Supporting an animal shelter to address an unforeseen crisis Supporting unexpected legal costs to remove barriers to equity. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be eligible to receive tax-deductible donations as outlined in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes: 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations; public schools; public agencies working for the State of Maine; Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior Applicants may also apply through a fiscal sponsor The work of the applicant must be aligned with the mission and values of the Sewall Foundation Eligible organizations may apply regardless of their funding history with the Sewall Foundation Sewall Foundation does not fund: direct or grassroots lobbying or political campaign activities. For more information, visit EBSF.

The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation is seeking applications for the 2024 Legacy Grant. Donor Name: Elmina B. Sewall  Foundation State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Foundation honors Mrs. Sewall’s interests and lifetime of philanthropy by supporting a limited number of organizations with whom she had personal relationships and affinity and who continue to do the work that she funded in her lifetime. Grant Period Grants may span 12, 24, or 36 months. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be eligible to accept tax-deductible donations as outlined in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations, public schools, public agencies working for the State of Maine, or Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior. For more information, visit EBSF.

The Maine Land Protection grant program supports land acquisition or conservation easement projects that foster strong connections between Maine/Wabanaki territory and its land and water. These projects should create or increase permanent access to these natural resources, particularly for marginalized and historically excluded populations. The program encourages applications from Wabanaki tribal governments and similar entities. Projects should involve community support and include future use plans with engagement strategies for maintaining the land. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: June 21st to September 16th

The Conservation for All grant program is designed to strengthen the bond between the people in Maine and its natural landscapes, focusing on land and water. It aims to ensure equitable access to Maine's outdoors for all, particularly marginalized and historically excluded populations, by addressing physical, economic, and awareness barriers and fostering inclusive participation in program design and implementation. The grant supports projects that facilitate access to outdoor spaces, involve beneficiaries in decision-making, and address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: June 21st to September 16th

The Frances Hollis Brain Foundation Fund supports nonprofit organizations and projects aimed at serving disadvantaged, underserved, and/or vulnerable communities in specified areas in Maine. Priority is given to initiatives related to education, health care, and housing. Eligibility is based on geographic location and impact, focusing on areas like Auburn, Bath, Biddeford, and more. The fund is managed by the Maine Community Foundation and emphasizes projects that demonstrate community support and effectiveness. For 2024, particular attention is paid to early childhood education projects. General and project-specific grants are offered but not consecutively to the same organization across years. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: January 5th to April 1st

Project Grants from the Rines Thompson Fund are aimed at supporting new or expanding projects that focus on key issue areas such as environment and conservation, early childhood and youth programming, and arts and culture. These grants are designed to foster innovation and growth in projects that enhance the community's vibrancy in Greater Portland. Projects must be located in specified areas and address the fund’s core issues to be eligible. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: July 1st to September 16th

General Support Grants from the Rines Thompson Fund are designed to assist ongoing programs and operational needs of organizations that primarily work in environment and conservation, early childhood and youth programming, and arts and culture. These grants support organizations based in specified areas to ensure the stability and continuity of existing programs that contribute to the community’s well-being. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: July 1st to September 16th

Maine Expansion Arts supports arts organizations and programs that serve rural communities and/or Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) in Maine, focusing on regions with limited arts access. The grant offers two tracks: one for organizations serving rural communities and another for organizations led by or serving BIPOC communities. General support grants are available to sustain ongoing programming and operational needs, while project grants aim to fund new or expanding arts-based projects or programs. Eligibility is mainly for arts organizations with annual operating budgets under $250,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: July 1st to September 16th

The Maine Charity Foundation Fund aims to support charitable and educational purposes across Maine, with an emphasis on transportation services for individuals with limited access. The grant prioritizes projects that use volunteers, engage community partners, address service gaps, and focus on equity and diversity. Criteria for eligibility are set by the Maine Community Foundation and reviewed annually. The foundation offers general support grants for ongoing needs and project grants for new programs. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: July 1st to September 16th

The Equity Fund aims to strengthen LGBTQ+ organizations in Maine and support community-based initiatives focused on improving health and reducing disparities based on race and violence. It prioritizes projects involving LGBTQ+ individuals in leadership or major participant roles. Available funding types include General Support, Project, and Event Support, targeting operational needs, new projects, and specific events with clear objectives and timelines. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: June 15th to September 16th