Maine Youth Grants

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that serve individuals in southern Maine, helping to enrich community lives through various projects and programs.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Lewiston and Auburn, Maine, that focus on collaborative initiatives to promote equity, youth leadership, and sustainable solutions in areas like economic development, health, and housing.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative initiatives by nonprofit organizations, schools, and municipalities in specific Maine counties to create sustainable programs that improve the lives of children and youth facing various challenges.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Maine that address important community needs and demonstrate measurable goals.

This funding opportunity provides support for professional artists to collaborate with teachers in public schools of Penobscot and Washington counties, Maine, to integrate arts education into classrooms for grades 3-5.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

The 2024 Edward H. Daveis Benevolent Fund is a yearly grant that supports early childhood education and youth engagement programs in Greater Portland, offering financial aid for operational needs and new projects, with applications open from July 24th to October 15th.

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

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 Sadie and Harry Davis Foundation is accepting applications for its annual Patricia D. Klingenstein grant program, dedicated to advancing the health of children in Maine. The program welcomes proposals for a wide range of grant types, including general operating support, program grants, capacity building grants, challenge grants, and matching grants, but typically does not fund capital grants or grants to individuals. Eligible projects and programs must focus on improving children’s health within Maine, prioritizing the state’s most underserved populations, such as those in low-income or rural areas. The foundation particularly seeks proposals from organizations with annual budgets under $5 million and with strong track records of creative and well-grounded approaches. The foundation excludes oral health proposals but encourages connections with the Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine for organizations addressing broader children's health needs. Organizations that have previously received funding must wait two years before reapplying. Grants range from $3,000 to $15,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual opeing/closing deadlines: April 15th to May 31th

The MainStreet Foundation annually donates $25,000 through its "25K For Kids" grant to a local non-profit organization in Maine. This initiative aims to benefit at-risk youth by focusing on providing life essentials such as food, shelter, and security. The grant application process starts on May 1st, with a final submission deadline of July 31st. Applications are reviewed in August, and three finalists are selected to present in person at the October Board meeting. The winner, along with runners-up, is announced in November. Organizations applying must demonstrate a clear positive impact on at-risk youth, aligning with the Foundation's priority for local organizations with sustainable budgets. Projects eligible for funding include after-school programs, mentoring, leadership development, literacy promotion, assistance with homelessness and family dynamics, mental health support, life-management skills, and more. The Foundation does not support general operating expenses, endowments, conferences, training, or facilities renovation. Multi-year requests or capital campaigns are also not supported. Grant recipients are requested not to apply for additional funding for at least 12 months from the conclusion of any previously funded projects.