Maine grants for Native American tribal organizations

This program provides over $1.5 million in unrestricted funding to nonprofit organizations in Maine that are led by and serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, focusing on dismantling racial injustice and promoting racial justice initiatives.

This funding program provides financial support to states, territories, and Tribes for monitoring beach water quality and ensuring public safety from harmful pathogens during recreational activities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Maine, particularly in Brunswick, Southport, and Boothbay Harbor, focusing on basic needs like food and housing, animal welfare, healthcare for underserved populations, and public broadcasting initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small community organizations and Tribal entities in New England to tackle environmental and public health issues in disadvantaged communities.

The Outdoor Equity Fund aims to enhance safe, equitable access to outdoor spaces and nature-based learning for Wabanaki, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in Maine, unceded land of the Wabanaki. The fund addresses systemic barriers that BIPOC communities face in accessing outdoor spaces by supporting organizations working on land-based cultural preservation, land-back projects, leadership development, farming and gardening programs, outdoor accessibility, expeditions, learning, and therapeutic programs. It operates with a Community Advisory Committee guiding its efforts and employs a participatory grantmaking process. Selected organizations for the 2023 cohort will receive $30,000 over three years for general operating support, alongside opportunities for peer learning and capacity-building activities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits for projects aimed at managing and controlling invasive and noxious plant species on public lands across the U.S.

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

Aimed at supporting the acquisition, development, and maintenance of carry-in boat launches, this grant opportunity is offered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands. It seeks to enhance public access to Maine's waterways for carry-in recreational boating. A key requirement for project eligibility is a pre-approval site inspection by state staff. The funding cap for eligible carry-in project costs is $25,000.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to federally recognized Native American tribes and tribal organizations to develop and implement community health aide programs tailored to their specific healthcare needs.

The Welch Charitable Fund, administered by the Maine Community Foundation, supports organizations within the Greater Portland area, specifically Cumberland County, Maine. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being by prioritizing nonprofits dedicated to youth, education, healthcare, alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation, and arts and culture. The fund aims to provide grants that either increase the scope (number of people or services) or improve the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations, as well as support new or expanded projects that address community needs in these focus areas. The target beneficiaries of the Welch Charitable Fund are individuals residing in the Greater Portland area, with a particular focus on youth. The fund seeks to impact these beneficiaries by supporting projects that promote their development, health, and access to educational and cultural opportunities. Through strategic funding, the foundation aims to contribute to a healthier, more educated, and culturally enriched community, ultimately addressing critical social issues such as substance abuse. The priorities and focuses of the Welch Charitable Fund are clearly defined: education, health care, youth development, recovery from substance use disorder, and arts and culture. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to funding initiatives that directly address these areas, recognizing their interconnectedness in fostering a vibrant and resilient community. The theory of change behind this grant program is that by investing in these key sectors, the foundation can empower local organizations to deliver vital services and programs, leading to positive and lasting changes for individuals and the community as a whole. The expected outcomes of the grants include an expanded reach of services, improved organizational efficiency, and the successful implementation of new projects. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope and effectiveness improvements, the focus on increased numbers of people served and enhanced organizational performance suggests a commitment to tangible impact. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, public schools, public agencies, and Indian tribal governments, with a grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, underscoring the foundation's dedication to supporting a diverse array of community-serving entities.

This grant provides funding to Maine-based organizations and communities for projects that celebrate and educate about the state's historical contributions in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, governments, and educational institutions in the Northeast to restore and sustain healthy rivers, forests, and grasslands that benefit diverse fish and wildlife populations.

The Discretionary Grants Program aims to support small-scale, project-based initiatives that explore new or different approaches within an organization's current work, aligning closely with the mission of the Maine Health Access Foundation (MeHAF). The program offers grants up to $5,000 for local or regional projects and up to $10,000 for statewide activities that significantly align with MeHAF’s objectives. Applicants must propose specific projects that either expand upon existing work or explore a particular aspect of an organization's efforts, with tangible outcomes expected within one year. These projects should contribute to expanding health access and improving health but cannot fund general operations or new/current projects without a specific focus. The application process begins with a Letter of Interest (LOI) submitted through MeHAF’s grants management system, followed by a structured conversation with program leads and a final application if advanced. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual opening/ closing deadline: program opens annual in December and stays up for 11 months until the following November.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to Maine-based law enforcement, courts, and nonprofit organizations to improve services and strategies for addressing violent crimes against women, including domestic violence and sexual assault.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state, Tribal, territorial, and local governments, as well as eligible agencies, to develop and improve wetland management programs in New England.

This grant focuses on renovating existing trailered boat launches to improve public recreational boating access. Administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands, the grant aims to support the development and maintenance of facilities that provide primary recreational boating access to the general public. Projects must undergo a pre-approval site inspection to confirm eligibility. Available funding for trailered launch renovation projects is up to $75,000.

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

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