Maine Grants

The State of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry announces the 2024 ATV Trail Maintenance Grant Program, designed to support ATV clubs in maintaining and improving ATV trails across the state. The grant offers a tiered funding system based on trail mileage, ranging from $7,000 for trails up to 10 miles, to $12,000 for trails over 70 miles. Eligible expenses include construction, maintenance, labor (up to $15 an hour if paid), and landowner relations efforts, with an additional $500 available for qualified landowner relations expenses. Clubs must be registered non-profit corporations in good standing and meet several requirements, including obtaining necessary permits and providing proof of landowner permission. Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2024, with grants payable on a reimbursement basis. Grant renewed every year.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

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

This funding initiative supports organizations in Maine that improve the health and well-being of underserved children from birth to 18 years old.

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 support@grants.gov. 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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to universities in specific states and territories to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering, aligning with the needs of the Department of Defense.

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.

To help marine businesses recover from the devastating impacts of January 2024’s coastal storms, Island Institute is expanding our Business Resilience Grant program. Grant awards of up to $5,000 are available for working waterfront businesses that directly support fishing and aquaculture on islands, and in fishing-dependent communities that were impacted by the storms on January 10 and 13, 2024. Maine’s fishing industry accounts for nearly $1 billion in annual revenue and it is under a multitude of pressures. Taking up a mere 20 miles of the more than 5,000 miles of Maine’s coastline, the working waterfront infrastructure along our shorelines is in grave danger of being lost forever. The more rural the community, the more reliant communities are on the marine economy. Without safe and reliable wharves, docks, and access ramps, Maine’s fishing communities grind to a halt. This infrastructure is the backbone of the coastal economy and importantly supports the families and communities that rely upon what they catch or grow. It is for this reason we are choosing to urgently support the resilient rebuilding of our working waterfront infrastructure. We will review grant applications weekly and have streamlined our application process to ensure these limited funds will quickly arrive in communities. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses with shoreside infrastructure that supports multiple individuals or that plays a critical role in communities with demonstrable impact from these storms. Due to limited available funds, priority is given to businesses that support many independent harvesters. For more information please contact Jeff Frank at brgrants@islandinstitute.org Examples of acceptable uses of funds include: • Wharf infrastructure repair • Equipment repair and replacement • Other: contact us if you're unsure. Before you get started, here is a bit more about the application and process: Individuals and affiliated companies are eligible for one Island Institute grant per fiscal year (this does not include scholarships). Awards from previous fiscal years will not disqualify applications. There is a limited amount of funds available for the Business Resilience Storm Recovery Grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 10, 2024 (as long as funds are available), and reviewed weekly to ensure these funds will quickly arrive in communities.

The Maine Department of Education invites applications to fund climate education professional development for local education providers, with priority for historically underserved communities. The program increases student access to current environmental and climate education by supporting schools that have lacked instruction, partnerships, or field opportunities. Allowable costs include hiring or contracting program staff, stipends or incentives for teachers and staff beyond compensated time, curriculum and instructional material development, supplies, space rental, and administrative expenses. The department plans multiple awards with typical award size around 750,000 dollars, subject to final budgeting. Projects should demonstrate expanded access and clear benefits for priority student populations. Eligible applicants are local education providers, including school administrative units, schools in unorganized territories, career and technical education regions and programs, and schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. Applications should document community need, partnership approaches, and strategies to reach underserved students. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the Maine Department of Education.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits dedicated to helping at-risk youth thrive through essential programs like mentoring, after-school activities, and mental health services.

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.

The Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program – Facility Acquisitions, offered by Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI), aims to support the expansion and improvement of child care services in Maine. This program specifically targets businesses acquiring an existing child care operation, with a focus on increasing enrollment and enhancing facility quality. While a specific foundation mission or theory of change is not explicitly detailed, CEI's overall mission, as implied by the nature of this grant, likely revolves around fostering community development, supporting local businesses, and ensuring access to essential services like child care, particularly in underserved regions. The alignment suggests a strategic effort to strengthen the child care infrastructure, which is crucial for economic stability and family well-being. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are existing child care businesses in Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties in Maine, that are undergoing an acquisition. The impact goals are clearly defined: to facilitate a minimum 25% increase in enrollment within four months of the transaction and to enable improvements in facility quality and capacity. By supporting these acquisitions, the program intends to stabilize and grow the supply of child care, thereby serving more families and children in the targeted counties. Priority areas for this grant include applications from the aforementioned specific counties in Maine. Additionally, bonus points are awarded to applicants who commit to providing care for infants and toddlers, serving families eligible for subsidy, and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. These priorities highlight a strategic focus on addressing critical gaps in child care services, particularly for vulnerable populations and age groups, and ensuring nutritional support for children. The grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, can cover up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum award of $25,000 for acquiring furniture, fixtures, and enrollment of an existing business. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in child care slots, improved quality of facilities through light renovations, and enhanced operational capabilities. Funds can be used for purchasing educational materials, fees for existing business practices, expanding enrollment, light renovations, acquiring additional indoor activities, enhancing outdoor spaces, procuring health and safety supplies, and ensuring sufficient working capital for the first month. These measurable results contribute directly to the program’s goal of expanding access to quality child care. While the explicit "Foundation's strategic priorities" are not detailed, the grant's design implicitly reflects a strategy to leverage private sector activity (business acquisitions) to achieve public good outcomes (expanded child care access and quality). This approach suggests a theory of change where targeted financial support and incentives for business growth lead to improved social infrastructure. The program's emphasis on specific counties and services (infant/toddler care, subsidized families, USDA program participation) indicates a strategic allocation of resources to areas and populations with the greatest need, aiming for a ripple effect of positive community and economic development.

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.

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 supports tax-exempt nonprofits, public schools, and municipalities in southern York County, Maine, and Strafford & Rockingham Counties in New Hampshire, focusing on innovative and sustainable programs in health, community advancement, arts, education, and environmental welfare.

The Community Development Grant by Machias Savings Bank aims to improve community wellness, youth and education, and economic development in Machias Savings Bank’s primary lending area, focusing on low-to-moderate income individuals and/or families. The grant supports projects creating or retaining jobs, revitalizing communities, providing affordable housing, or other programs designed to assist low-to-moderate income individuals and/or families. The total grant amount is $100,000, with a maximum award of $10,000 per project. Eligible projects include business incubator programs, housing programs, technology assistance to entrepreneurs, mentorship for workforce development, youth-based entrepreneurship programs, financial wellness education, and nutritional support initiatives. The application opens on April 12th, with a deadline of May 17th, and recipients will be selected by June 14th.

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 fund provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in York County, Maine, to enhance the quality of life for older adults through programs focused on nutrition, wellness, dementia care, and access to the arts.

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 opportunity provides financial support for community and statewide meetings aimed at addressing health and healthcare challenges faced by Maine's most vulnerable populations.