Maine Education Grants

This grant provides matching funds to nonprofit organizations in Maine for various historic preservation projects, such as restoring building exteriors and upgrading safety systems.

This grant provides funding to Maine-based agricultural producers, processors, and organizations to enhance the capacity and resilience of the food supply chain through the purchase of essential equipment.

The City of Bangor Commission on Cultural Development in Maine is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to individual artists and non-profit arts and cultural organizations, requiring a 1:1 match, to support projects that enhance the city's cultural vitality and directly serve the Bangor community.

The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL), referred to in the following as the Department, is  grounded in the belief that a career is a major building block of prosperity and is vital to helping Mainers chart their economic future. Donor Name: Maine Department of Labor State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: MDOL is seeking applications for pilot projects or approaches that support tribal communities in connecting to employment, training opportunities, and/or to support workers to retain jobs. The Department is releasing this Request for Applications (RFA) to support tribal communities to address basic needs, connect with individuals disengaged from the workforce, and support employment or training opportunities. The MDOL Bureau of Employment Services seeks to partner with tribal communities and partners that support tribal communities to:  Address basic needs not effectively met by existing Division of Indian and Native American Programs (DINAP), Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult, Dislocated, Youth, National Emergency Grant (NEG) or related programs to support job placement and job retention. This could include, but is not limited to, help with car repairs, childcare, resolution of a housing-related problem, uniforms, broadband access, or other items necessary to assist an individual in obtaining or retaining employment. Connect with individuals disengaged from the workforce not currently supported by existing DINAP, WIOA or Department of Labor (DOL) programs. Funding Information The total grant funding available for this initiative is $500,000. The Department anticipates making two (2) to four (4) awards. The maximum award amount $250,000, and the minimum is $75,000. The anticipated period of performance is September 2024 – September 2026. Eligibility Criteria Eligible organizations include Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) or Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) or non-profits with demonstrated experience and success in serving tribal communities. Applications that demonstrate partnership with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation are preferred. For more information, visit MDOL.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community and non-profit public water systems in Maine for projects that protect and enhance the quality of drinking water sources.

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.

The Onion Foundation seeks to connect Maine residents to arts experiences as audience members and as makers in order to offer opportunities for expression, learning, and inspiration. Donor Name: Onion Foundation State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Onion Foundation recognizes the arts’ important roles in creativity and sharing of culture and different perspectives. The arts are essential for the development of our intellect, our capacity for joy and compassion, and our feelings of connection to one another.  Types of Grants  Applicants may request either general operating or project grants:  General operating grants offer unrestricted funds for your organization. If all of your organization’s activities align with one or both of these strategies, you may request general operating support. General operating proposals may request multi-year grants of up to three years. They will consider awarding: up to $20,000 per year (up to $60,000 total over three years) for organizations with annual budgets over $50,000.  up to $7,500 per year (up to $22,500 total over three years) for organizations with annual budgets under $50,000. Project support grants offer funding for specific activities or programs, such as an ongoing concert series or an arts education department that’s part of a larger organization. If your organization’s work extends beyond our grantmaking strategies, you should request project support. All fiscally sponsored grants are project grants. Project proposals may request multi-year grants of up to three years. They will consider awarding:  up to $20,000 per year (up to $60,000 total over three years) for projects with budgets over $50,000.  up to $7,500 per year (up to $22,500 total over three years) for projects with budgets up to $50,000. Strategies Three strategies guide arts program: Strategy I: Increase Access to Arts Education in Maine Strategy II: Support Public Engagement in Maine Arts Programs Strategy III: Build The Capacity of Maine’s Arts Sector Eligibility Criteria  To apply for and receive a grant, your organization must be a 501(c)3 public charity as designated by the IRS, operate under a fiscal sponsor that is a qualified 501(c)3 public charity, be a public education institution, or be a Maine governmental unit. They strongly encourage fiscally sponsored applicants to discuss their proposal ideas with a program officer before writing their application. The proposed work must be based in Maine and focused on benefitting Maine’s people. The Arts Program generally does not support: Capital projects (including capital campaigns, capital improvements, land purchases, or endowments) Scholarship funds  Public and private schools or school districts Permanent public art Film/media production Publications/book projects Exhibitions without significant public programming Religious Programs For more information, visit Onion Foundation.

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 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) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: 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. 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 Median Award- $10,000 Eligibility Criteria 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.

Arts and Humanities Grants supports organizations in Maine that present stories and cultural expressions of the state, its communities, and its people. Donor Name: Maine Humanities Council State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/14/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: A partnership between the Maine Humanities Council and the Maine Arts Commission, these grants support innovative community projects that have both arts and humanities components. Organizations serving and/or led by members of communities traditionally under-resourced in the arts and humanities are encouraged to apply. They evaluate proposals on their strength and clarity in the following areas: arts and humanities content, project goals and impact, project design, outreach and engagement, and budget. Funding Information Up to $1,000. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations with 501c3 status, government organizations (such as a federally recognized Indian tribal governments or organizations or state/local/city governments), churches, or education organizations (such as schools or school districts, or public or private institutions of higher education) are eligible to apply without fiscal sponsorship. For more information, visit MHC.

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

This grant supports projects and organizations aimed at strengthening Maine communities by investing in people's skills, knowledge, and well-being, and enhancing community resources. It's MaineCF’s largest program, offering both project and general support grants statewide. Eligible projects may include new initiatives or ongoing programs across various sectors such as arts, education, and human services. The application period opens on November 15, and the deadline for submission is February 15 at 11:59 p.m., with notifications by June 1. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: November 15th to February 15th.

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

The Welch Charitable Fund, administered by the Maine Community Foundation, is dedicated to supporting organizations that assist people in need within the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area, with a focus on youth, education, health care, recovery from substance use disorders, and arts and culture. The fund prioritizes capital investments, including select capital campaigns, and aims to increase or improve the scope, efficiency, or effectiveness of services provided by organizations. Funding for new staff positions is considered a low priority, and applications from organizations that received a grant the previous year are discouraged. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: May 1st to August 1st

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 Maine Tourism Development & Management Grant is designed to foster tourism development, education, and management projects in Maine that aim to enhance collaboration among key destination organizations, create sustainable growth within the tourism sector, and provide qualified technical and consulting assistance. The grant supports projects that align with the Maine Office of Tourism's Destination Management Plan and prioritize sustainable and inclusive tourism. Applications are accepted annually, with grants ranging from $15,000 to $40,000. Eligible projects include tourism product development, stewardship planning, visitor education programs, strategic planning related to tourism, and the creation of educational or interpretive signage to improve the visitor experience. A 25% cash match is required to ensure regional and community support for the projects. Ineligible uses of funding include marketing campaigns, special events, for-profit organizations, administrative costs, and construction projects. The grant emphasizes the importance of advancing off-season tourism, promoting the value of tourism, and developing inclusive travel opportunities. Deadline – Letter of Intent – 2pm, April 19, 2024 Application Deadline: 2pm, May 24th, 2024