Maine grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

The PF Fund for the Baldwin Area supports nonprofit organizations and projects aimed at benefiting the Baldwin, Maine community. Priority is given to initiatives that promote greater self-reliance, public awareness of forestry, and sustainable management of natural resources. Applicants are encouraged to read the Maine Community Foundation’s grant eligibility requirements to ensure compliance. The fund supports new, expanding, and ongoing project efforts, with a focus on leveraging additional financial resources and fostering social capital. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: November 15th to February 1st

The Leonard and Renee Minsky Fund for Arts Education aims to enhance arts education by enabling professional artists to collaborate with teachers in developing arts programs for grades 3-5 in public schools within Penobscot and Washington counties. This grant supports projects that integrate visual and/or performing arts into the curriculum, aligning with Maine Learning Results standards. Eligible applicants include schools meeting these criteria, with a focus on collaborative proposals involving arts teachers. Applications are accepted via email and must adhere to specific budgetary requirements, primarily allocating funds to professional artists' fees. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: September 15th to December 16th

This funding opportunity supports arts and cultural projects that engage and benefit Maine communities, promoting accessibility, diversity, and the unique identities of local residents.

The Hospice Fund is dedicated to supporting hospice services, particularly focusing on programs that enhance volunteer and bereavement services in Cumberland and York counties. The fund, established from the assets of Hospice of Maine, targets capacity-building and specific project support within the hospice and bereavement sector. It does not provide support for general operational costs. Key eligibility requirements include alignment with the Maine Community Foundation's grant criteria, with priority given to projects that raise awareness of hospice services, improve the quality and utilization of end-of-life services, and support volunteer recruitment and training. Awards announced by May 15th Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: November 15th to February 15th

Fishers Ecological Knowledge (FEK) provides a rich and untapped source of information that can be used to inform BOEMs decisions regarding offshore wind; however, FEK has been vastly underutilized. The objective of this study is to collect FEK to improve BOEMs understanding of the use of the Gulf of Maine for fishing and the importance of fishing to the regional economy. BOEM will partner with the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance, and potentially with other interested organizations, to conduct this study.This study will identify local fishing communities willing to provide FEK and conduct interviews and workshops to collect the information. Importantly, the study will establish and execute clear methods for documenting, validating, and analyzing FEK. Collected data will be synthesized in an acceptable format (i.e., GIS and report documentation) to ensure the information can be incorporated into planning and resource management decisions.Additional planned tasks to be completed as part of the study include participatory mapping of fishing grounds, providing user guidance on spatial data tools like Marine Cadastre and the regional ocean portals, and providing regular updates to fishers regarding the spatial planning process and data needs in the Gulf of Maine. This effort must consider data confidentiality to ensure that fishing community information collected for this study are not misused. Such measures will be very important to instill confidence among fishers to accurately collect FEK.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources to encourage collaboration with partners in conducting outreach and providing strategic conservation delivery assistance that enhances the ability of the agency to support conservation. The overall intent of this solicitation is to solicit partnerships to help enhance the implementation of key conservation objectives and priorities outlined in this announcement. Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities for outreach and technical assistance in Maine. NRCS anticipates the total amount awarded under this announcement in Federal fiscal year 2024 will be approximately $500,000. Proposals are requested from eligible entities for competitive consideration of agreement awards and projects between For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on April 19, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by May 10, 2024 and expects to execute awards by September 6, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program funds projects that develop the knowledge, awareness, skills and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers about sustainable agriculture practices to teach, advise or assist farmers. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: An agricultural service provider is a professional who assists farmers. Projects that develop the ability of other service providers (for example, real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys) to work with farmers are also eligible. These service providers then use what they’ve learned through participation in project activities in their work with farmers. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000. Project Duration Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligibility Criteria  Professional Development Grants are open to anyone who works with service providers and farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, and for-profit business entities (such as farms, private consultants, veterinary practices and other businesses that serve the farming community). Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

The Connection, Health, & Equity through Food (CHEF) Grant Program is a collaborative network of organizations and volunteer initiatives across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Eastern Massachusetts, and Upstate New York that are focused on increasing older adults’ equitable access to healthy food and social connection. Donor Name: Maine Council on Aging State: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Connection, Health, & Equity through Food (CHEF) grant program will provide funding to increase older adults’ equitable access to food and social connections in their communities. Grants will allow awardees to make investments in programmatic infrastructure, sustainably expand current programming and/or launch innovative, new programming that supports the food and social connection needs of older people. Priority will be given to projects and programs that serve diverse older people, veterans, and older people living with disabilities. Funds can also be used to help find solutions to the root causes of food insecurity and social isolation, including but not limited to poverty, transportation, rurality, and language barriers. The CHEF program is administered by the Maine Council on Aging. Purpose The focus of this grant program is to increase older adults’ equitable access to healthy food and social connection, with a particular focus on rural communities and underserved and marginalized older people including: BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) LGBTQ+- (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer or Questioning) Women Veterans People Living with Disabilities People Living in Rural Communities. Funding Information The minimum amount that can be requested is $500. Although no maximum has been set, they would anticipate that most grants would be in the $2,000 – $10,000 range. Eligibility Criteria  The grant-funded activity must primarily serve older people. Thus, if your program serves people of all ages, you should provide data on the number of older people served, and this number must be 50.1% of the overall population served, or the grant-funded activity should focus primarily on the older adults currently being served. Grants will only be made to applicants serving older people in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Eastern Massachusetts, and Upstate New York. Applicants must serve people who may access a Hannaford Supermarket to purchase food. The organization itself does not have to be located in a community with a Hannaford store. As an example, any statewide organization in one of these states would qualify. Regional organizations that serve at least one community with a Hannaford Supermarket qualify, even if the other communities do not. They recognize that people in some rural areas may drive a substantial distance for groceries, so they will be liberal in interpreting this restriction. Eligible Organizations: Public and non-profit organizations Municipalities Faith Groups Tribal Governments Educational Institutions Note: If you do not have an IRS nonprofit or 501(c)3 designation, please find a fiscal sponsor for your program/idea. For more information, visit Maine Council on Aging.

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

This program provides funding to universities in eligible states to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering that support the needs of the Department of Defense.

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

The Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Fund aims to promote equity for Native American, Latino, African, Arab, and Asian communities in Maine through leadership investment, policy change, and alleviating race-based disparities. The fund focuses on organizations with BIPOC leadership and involvement, prioritizing racial equity, health, leadership development, and economic opportunities. It offers two-year general support grants of up to $10,000 per year, with the first grants awarded in 2024. Organizations must be based in Maine and meet specific community service criteria to qualify. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: November 15th to February 15th

This funding opportunity provides financial support for programs that train and certify workers in Maine's residential energy efficiency sector, promoting job placement and business development in clean energy careers.

This program provides funding to early-career researchers in New England to support innovative studies that improve child health outcomes.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Maine that implement evidence-based cancer prevention programs targeting underserved communities and addressing key health risk factors.

This grant provides financial support to dairy farmers and related organizations in the Northeast to improve farm operations, enhance milk quality, and address climate challenges.

This program provides funding and training to community organizations in historically underserved areas of New England and New York City to support local composting initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and community resilience.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Maine to implement evidence-based cancer prevention initiatives that target high-risk populations and promote health equity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on improving their services for low- to moderate-income and historically underserved communities through strategic investments in planning, staff development, and technology.