Maine Environment Grants

The Facility Start-Up/New License Grant, offered by Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) in Maine, aims to support entrepreneurs in establishing new child care facilities or expanding existing ones. This grant provides funding to help new child care businesses cover up to 50% of their start-up costs, with a total award ceiling of $80,000, and a general grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. CEI's mission, though not explicitly detailed in the provided text, can be inferred as supporting economic development and community well-being through strategic investments, particularly in vital services like child care. The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals and organizations (sole proprietors, partnerships, cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and employers) interested in starting or expanding child care facilities outside of a home environment. The impact goals are to increase access to quality child care, particularly in specific counties of Maine, and to foster business growth in this essential sector. By providing start-up capital, the program seeks to alleviate financial barriers for new and expanding child care providers, thereby strengthening the child care infrastructure. Priority is given to applications from Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties in Maine, indicating a strategic focus on underserved or high-need areas within the state. Additionally, bonus points are awarded to applicants who commit to providing care for infants and toddlers, serving income-eligible families (those receiving subsidies), and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. These priorities align with broader goals of supporting vulnerable populations and improving the nutritional well-being of children. The grant funds can be used for a wide range of purposes, including purchasing, renting, or renovating buildings for child care, constructing new facilities, acquiring educational materials, indoor furniture, outdoor learning environments, playground equipment, and health and safety supplies. Importantly, funds can also cover working capital for the first month, including pre-opening payroll and initial food costs. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of high-quality child care slots, particularly for infants, toddlers, and income-eligible families, in the designated priority counties. This initiative directly supports community development by addressing critical social and economic needs related to child care accessibility and quality.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public and nonprofit organizations in Lewiston to deliver essential services that improve the quality of life for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations focused on wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and outdoor recreation projects in Northern New England, particularly in the Northern Forest and Gulf of Maine regions.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative projects and initiatives that promote healthy, resilient rural communities in Maine, focusing on areas like affordable housing, economic development, and climate change planning.

This award recognizes and rewards private landowners in New England who implement exceptional conservation practices that improve soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on their farms, ranches, or forestlands.

This funding opportunity supports rural communities in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont by providing financial assistance for projects that stimulate economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance local services in areas with fewer than 5,000 residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, Tribal governments, and infrastructure districts in Maine to improve and adapt critical public infrastructure against climate change impacts like flooding and severe weather.

This grant provides financial support to wildlife rehabilitation organizations in the U.S. to enhance care for injured animals, improve facilities, and promote community education about wildlife and energy.

This funding opportunity supports regional organizations in Maine to help communities assess climate vulnerabilities and develop actionable resilience projects for energy transition and climate adaptation.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Maine that provide equitable access to nature-based education, particularly those led by historically underrepresented groups, to foster community well-being and environmental stewardship.

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 program provides funding for applied research and demonstration projects that utilize advanced wood materials in transportation infrastructure, prioritizing initiatives that enhance resilience to extreme weather and support economically distressed communities.

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 grant provides financial support to Maine municipalities, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for tourism marketing initiatives aimed at increasing visitor traffic to their destinations.

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 to grassroots organizations in Maine that focus on environmental and racial justice through community-led initiatives, advocacy, and capacity-building efforts.

This grant provides financial support to small community-based organizations in Maine that address urgent needs and promote social equity, particularly for under-resourced populations and environmental well-being.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipal and Tribal governments in Maine for projects that reduce energy costs, promote clean energy, and enhance community resilience against climate change impacts.