Scholarships Available Statewide
Adult College Completion Fund
The Adult College Completion Fund was established in 2014 to provide tuition assistance to Maine adults pursuing a degree or certificate at an accredited post-secondary institution.
Application to the Adult College Completion Fund is handled through the Adult Learner Scholarship.
To apply: See Adult Learner Scholarship page
Agnes Freyer Gibbs Scholarship Fund
The Agnes Freyer Gibbs Scholarship Fund was established in 2018 to provide renewable support for students majoring in journalism or a field reasonably related, including all forms of print, broadcast or electronic media. Recipients must be graduating seniors at Maine high schools or home-schooled in a Maine community during their last year of secondary education, with a GPA of at least 3.0. Students will be chosen based on demonstrated interest in journalism, financial need and academic achievement. There is a preference for female applicants. Those interested in careers in Marketing, Public Relations and Advertising are not eligible for consideration.
Deadline: April 1
Apply Online
Altrusa Bangor Club Clara Swan Designated Scholarship Fund
The Altrusa Bangor Club Clara Swan Designated Scholarship provides scholarship assistance to a second-year student pursuing a degree in the Elementary Education program at Husson University.
Contact: Husson University financial aid office
Altrusa Bangor Club Ruth M. Milan Designated Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established in 1993 in memory of Ruth Milan to provide scholarship support to students who are pursuing a B.S. in nursing in the Husson/EMMC Nursing Program.
Contact: Husson University financial aid office
Amos Bridge Scholarship Fund
An immigrant to the United States in 1842 at the age of 3, Amos D. Bridge founded Bridgecorp in Connecticut in 1875. The company treated employees fairly in the Merit (open) Shop way – with pay rate based upon what they produced. The company first came to Maine in 1914, with the headquarters finally migrating to Maine during World War II. Bridgecorp was a leader in Maine road construction for 90 years, until sold to Pike Industries in 2004. The people and the equipment continue as part of the Pike Heavy and Highway Construction Division today after merging into the parent company. Pike continues the tradition of ABC membership and involvement. Both Mr. Bridge and Mr. Pike started their companies in the 1870s, and the two remarkable histories are now combined. The Amos D. Bridge Scholarship founder, Amos' great-grandson John Bridge, is a graduate of the University of Maine and was a national officer of Associated Builders and Contractors in the 1980s, when this scholarship was established. John offers the following advice to scholarship applicants: “Remember that entrepreneurship in construction is just as possible today as it was for Amos in 1875.” The Amos Bridge Scholarship Fund was established to support students enrolled in University of Maine’s Construction Engineering Technology program or USM's Certificate in Construction Management, or similar programs relating to management within the construction industry.
Contact: Associate Builders & Contractors of Maine
Deadline: May 1
To Apply: Download application
Bruce Scholarship Fund
The Bruce Scholarship Fund was established via bequest in 2010 to provide scholarship assistance to Maine residents at the discretion of MaineCF’s board of directors. Currently the fund is used to support adult learners in support of the Access to Education strategic goal.
Application to the Bruce Scholarship Fund is handled through the Adult Learner Scholarship.
Apply Online
Chet Jordan Leadership Award
This scholarship was established in 1995 in memory of Joseph “Chet” Jordan who grew up in Portland, Maine, and spent his leisure time in Patten and Aroostook County, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. His family and friends established this scholarship to celebrate the rich legacy of his leadership in business and civic affairs in his beloved state of Maine. Chet was a visionary thinker who was actively involved with his family, friends, employees and community. A native of Portland, Chet Jordan attended public schools in South Portland and graduated from South Portland High School in 1945. During his school years, starting at about age 12, Chet worked part time at the family business “Jordan’s Ready-To-Eat Meats.” After graduation from high school, Chet entered the service, just prior to the end of World War II. After the war ended, he entered the United States Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point, New York, and graduated in 1948 with a degree in marine engineering. Soon after, Chet went to sea, only to be called back to Portland to reenter the meat business. This time, to take over the company on the untimely death of his father in 1949. Chet was 21 at the time. In 1949, the business was a small meat processor, among many on Commercial Street in Portland. Over the years Chet led the company to become one of the largest independent meat processors and distributors in the country.
The Chet Jordan Leadership Award is presented to leaders. Being a great leader means having the ability to turn a vision into reality and to engage others in making a lasting impact on the community. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors at all Maine high schools who are pursuing post-secondary study in a certificate, two-year or four-year undergraduate program at the following schools:
- University of Maine system
- Maine Community College System
- Maine Maritime Academy
- All vocational/technical post-secondary schools in Maine
Recipients will demonstrate leadership, independent thinking, initiative, hard work, and the ability to rally others to the cause in their communities.
While being a sports team captain or a student government officer are commendable accomplishments, this alone is not the type of leadership the fund seeks to support. However, if you’ve done something truly extraordinary in your leadership role, we’d like to hear from you.
Application Deadline: April 15
Apply Online
Churchill Family Music Scholarship Fund
The Churchill Family Music Scholarship Fund was established by members of the Musica de Filia Girl choir and Jaye Churchill in honor of Luther and Priscilla Churchill with whom they generously shared their musical talents and friendship. This fund supports students enrolled at USM in pursuit of a college degree in vocal music education or performance.
Contact: Alan Kaschub, director, USM School of Music
Corporal Eugene Cole Scholarship Fund
The Corporal Eugene Cole Scholarship Fund was established in 2019 as a way for Eugene’s family, friends and law enforcement brothers and sisters to continue his passion for the field. This scholarship supports residents of Maine seeking post-graduate study to pursue a career in the field of law enforcement. Such careers may include, but are not limited to: police officer, accident/crime reconstruction, sketch artist, forensics, cybercrimes, computer analysis and criminal justice. Any career that involves law enforcement or public safety will be considered. Adults returning to school in the field of law enforcement are welcome to apply.
Contact: Sheryl Cole
Apply Online
Douglas C. LaBrecque Scholarship Fund
This scholarship provides renewable support to students who have been in the foster care system in the state of Maine, and who are pursuing an education at a Maine college, university, trade school or other post-secondary program.
Application Deadline: May 15
Apply Online
Drucy's Fund
Drucy's Fund was established to provide renewable scholarship support to a student attending Thomas College who claims either Quebecois or Acadian heritage.
Contact: Thomas College financial aid office
Ella R. Ifill Fund
Mrs. Ifill was a teacher for 33 years. Education was very important to her, and her dream was to establish a scholarship fund to benefit Rainbow Girls in Maine. Mrs. Ifill began her service in Rainbow as a Mother Advisor of South Portland and Hampden Rainbow Assemblies. She then served the Grand Assembly of Maine, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls as State Dean of the Grand Cross of Color for 19 years. At her retirement, she was given the title of State Dean Emeritus. The Ella R. Ifill Fund provides scholarship support to eligible members of the International Order of the Rainbow Girls in Maine to pursue post-secondary education.
Contact: International Order of Rainbow Girls in Maine
Francis X. Langlois Scholarship Fund
The Francis X. Langlois Scholarship Fund was established through a bequest to provide scholarship assistance to those studying in the healthcare field. There are two types of awards: to students from anywhere who are attending any college or university (including a technical college) located in the State of Maine and to students from the State of Maine who are attending any college or university (including a technical college), wherever located. All students pursuing a degree in health care, regardless of citizenship or immigration status are strongly encouraged to apply.
Deadline: June 1
Apply Online
Futurama Foundation Scholarship Fund
Maine Community Foundation partners with the BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation to make a number of scholarship opportunities available to female residents of Maine who are pursuing post-secondary education. Please contact BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation for information about these opportunities.
Contact: BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation
Gary Merrill Memorial Fund
The Gary Merrill Memorial Fund was established in 1990 by Gary’s family and friends to commemorate his life. Gary was a distinguished stage and screen actor who appeared in many roles in the 1950's and 1970’s. More important to Gary than his acting career was the pursuit of social justice to which he was passionately committed. Gary attended Bowdoin College and lived most of his life in Maine, loving the sea that gave him energy. This scholarship is intended for those who share Gary’s ideals and commitments. The fund supports Bowdoin undergraduates demonstrating financial need with preference given to Government majors who have distinguished themselves in their studies.
Contact: Department of Government and Legal Studies at Bowdoin College
GFWC - GFWC Maine Maude MacKenzie Scholarship Fund
The GFWC - GFWC Maine Maude MacKenzie Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarship support to Maine residents who are pursuing post-secondary degrees. This scholarship was made possible through a bequest made by Maude MacKenzie of Orono, past President of the GFWC of Maine. Mrs. MacKenzie was active in many local and state projects in her lifetime and had a special interest in the education of our youth.
Contact and to apply: General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Maine
Guy P. Gannett Scholarship Fund
The Guy P. Gannett Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 by the Guy P. Gannett Foundation to provide renewable support for students majoring in journalism or a field reasonably related, including all forms of print, broadcast or electronic media. Recipients must be graduates of Maine high schools or home-schooled in a Maine community during their last year of secondary education. Students will be chosen based on demonstrated interest in journalism, financial need and academic achievement. The Guy P. Gannett Scholarship recognizes students who will become journalists. Their dedication to this profession is evident in their choice of coursework and extracurricular activities. Recipients are encouraged to apply for renewal consideration throughout their post-secondary and graduate education. As recipients progress through school, the Selection Committee expects to see a significant increase in demonstrated intent to pursue a career in journalism. Read about four Gannett Scholars here.
Application Deadline: April 1
Apply Online
Jane Morrison Memorial Film Fund
Jane Morrison, an Augusta-area native, died suddenly while on location shooting a film in Africa. Her career in filmmaking began when she was an English teacher at Cony High School in Augusta and participated in its first Maine Arts Commission-supported Artist-in-Residence Film Program. She received special training in filmmaking, continued to develop the film program at Cony, and then went on to a full-time career in filmmaking. Among her titles are Sarah Orne Jewett's "The White Heron," "Master Smart Woman," and "The Two Worlds of Angelita." In Jane’s honor, MaineCF partners with Maine Media Workshops and College to offer financial aid to its filmmaking students, with preference given but not restricted to those residing in Maine.
Contact: Maine Media Workshops and College
Jerome Peters Family Fund
The Jerome Peters Family Fund provides a scholarship in the memory of Michael K. Peters to a Maine resident who is a second, third or fourth year student at Bentley College. Preference is given to residents of Aroostook County.
Contact: Bentley College office of financial aid
John Bisignano and Bettina Swirkal Memorial Scholarship Fund
John Bisignano and Bettina Swirkal had two great passions in life: art and each other. They grew up with limited resources, but knew art was their calling, and struggled to save enough money to take classes at the Art Students League in New York City. There they met and forged a life time of love and devotion. In 1988 they left the city and settled in midcoast Maine where they devoted themselves to each other, their craft and service to their community. In their last years they wrote this statement about their art: “To make art is our way of communicating the abundant beauty of nature. I hope that our art will bring pleasure and awaken keener observation of the simple things around us. It is gratifying that our work allows us to make philanthropic donations to causes that serve others.” They established their memorial fund to support talented young artists who may struggle financially. Maine Community Foundation partners with the Maine College of Art and Design to provide this scholarship to an eligible student enrolled in a degree program.
Contact: Maine College of Art and Design
Joseph W. Mayo ALS Scholarship Fund
In 2000, while serving as Clerk of the House, Mr. Mayo was stricken with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Friends of Joe Mayo have established this scholarship to recognize his contributions as a father, friend and public servant. This scholarship was established to assist men and women who are children, step-children, grandchildren, spouses, domestic partners or the primary care givers of ALS patients. The Joseph W. Mayo ALS Scholarship is awarded annually to a student (or students) who are attending a post-secondary educational institution, including both four-year colleges and two-year associate programs. The recipient must be a graduate of a Maine high school or GED program.
Contact: Rebecca Wyke
Application Deadline: May 1
To Apply: Download application
Keepers Preservation Education Fund
The Keepers Preservation Education Fund was established to support aspiring or established historic preservation professionals who wish to increase their professional knowledge or career potential. Scholarships may be used for tuition, professional meeting attendance, special book or other types of media purchases, domestic and foreign study travel, and other purposes as deemed appropriate. Eligibility is not limited to Maine residents. Applicants may be from anywhere in the United States. Awards are not retroactive.
Contact: Maine Community Foundation. More information on the Keepers Preservation Fund can be found here.
Application Deadline: Rolling
K. William Wiseman Engineering Scholarship
The K. William Wiseman Scholarship Fund is a newly established fund that will provide renewable support to graduating seniors of Maine high schools who are pursuing a degree in engineering at an accredited college or university. The college or university does not have to be in Maine.
Application Deadline: May 15
Apply Online
Leslie Scott Stewart Scholarship Fund
This fund partners with the University of Maine Foundation to provide scholarship assistance to undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a career in speech-language pathology
Contact: University of Maine Foundation
Lydia R. Laurendeau Scholarship Fund
Established in 2013, the Lydia R. Laurendeau Scholarship Fund provides renewable scholarship support to young women who are pursuing post-secondary education in either science or engineering at a four-year university. There is a preference for applicants demonstrating a connection to their Franco-American heritage. Eligible applicants will be female graduating seniors from a Maine high school who are pursuing a major in science or engineering at a four-year university. Preference will be shown to applicants who demonstrate an interest in their Franco-American heritage.
Application Deadline: June 1
Apply Online
Mainebiz Business Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Fund
Mainebiz Business Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Fund was established in 2009 to provide support to a student at the University of Maine at Orono or the University of Southern Maine who is a resident of Maine in their third or fourth year pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. There is a preference for students who have transferred from the Maine Community College System.
Contact: UM and USM financial aid offices
Maine Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund
The Maine Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund, founded in 1985, provides scholarship support to Maine veterans of the United States Armed Services who served in the Vietnam Theater and their descendants.
Application Deadline: May 1
Apply Online
Margaret's Fund
Margaret’s Fund was established at the University of Maine at Augusta to provide scholarship assistance to an adult learner.
Contact: University of Maine at Augusta
Michael C. Kucsma Jr. Fire Science Scholarship Fund
The friends and family of Michael established this fund in 2024 to support students participating in Southern Maine Community College’s Fire Science Program. There is a preference for those who are enrolled in the live-in program.
Contact: SMCC Fire Science Program or SMCC Financial Aid Office
MSODAR American History Teacher Education Scholarship Fund
Established by the Maine State Organization of Daughters of the American Revolution, this scholarship provides scholarship assistance to full-time junior and senior students at the University of Maine (Orono) who have declared a major in education, with a clear preference for those who also are minoring or concentrating in American History.
Contact: University of Maine, Orono
Patriot Education Scholarship Fund
In 2007, Patriot Mutual Holding Company merged into Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Company, with Frankenmuth being the surviving company and owner of Patriot’s two wholly owned subsidiaries, Patriot Insurance Company and Patriot Life Insurance Company, both Maine-domiciled companies. Frankenmuth, founded on the tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, is committed to supporting graduates of Maine high schools pursuing a degree in business at a college or university in Maine, and, to that end, has established the Patriot Education Scholarship Fund at the Maine Community Foundation.
Eligible students are graduating seniors of Maine high schools, or graduates within four years of the date of application, who are currently enrolled in a college or university in Maine pursuing a degree in business as a part time (minimum of 9 credit hours per semester) or full-time student. There is a preference for applicants who have a demonstrated interest in personal and commercial insurance professions.
Application Deadline: June 1
Apply Online
Percival P. Baxter Foundation Scholarship Funds
MaineCF partners with the Percival P. Baxter Foundation to offer the Bryan MacFarlane and Billy Brackett Memorial Scholarships for Deaf/deaf or hard of hearing Maine students pursuing continuing education. Continuing education includes universities, community colleges, and technology centers.
Contact: Percival P. Baxter Foundation
Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram Scholarship Fund
This fund provides renewable support to graduating high school seniors who are Maine residents enrolled full-time at the University of Southern Maine in a degree program that complements the business of MaineToday Media. This includes but is not limited to: accounting, finance, marketing, management, human resources, computer science, information and communication technology, and communications and media studies. Recipients will be underrepresented students either by being racially or ethnically diverse or a first-generation college student. There is no application for this scholarship. The recipient will be chosen annually from the pool of eligible freshmen entering USM.
Contact: University of Southern Maine financial aid office
Raymond P. Rhinehart Scholarship for Young Musicians
Rice Scholarship Fund
The Rice Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 to provide scholarship support for students who have resided a substantial part of their formative years (K-8) on an off-shore island of Maine in the area from Seguin to Eastport who are attending accredited, degree-granting colleges or vocational training schools. While there is a preference for residents of off-shore islands, eligible residents of bridged islands of Maine are also invited to submit an application. Recipients will be selected based on financial need and their ongoing, demonstrated commitment to community service. Applicants must have graduated from a non-sectarian high school.
Application Deadline: May 1
Apply Online
Ronald P. Guerrette FFA Scholarship Fund
The Ronald P. Guerrette FFA Scholarship Fund was created in the spring of 1998 by friends and family to honor the life and work of Ronald P. Guerrette of Caribou. The fund will provide one $1,000 scholarship per year. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors at Maine high schools who are FFA members and have a demonstrated interest and motivation to pursue a career in farming and agriculture/natural resources.
Application Deadline: March 15
To Apply: Download application
R.V. "Gadabout" Gaddis Charitable Fund
Established in 1995 in memory of “Gadabout” Gaddis, a writer from Maine, this fund supports fellowships at the Institutes for Journalism and Natural Resources with a preference for participants from Maine and Florida.
Contact: Institutes for Journalism & Natural Resources, Missoula, MT
Sawyer Scholarship Fund
The Sawyer Scholarship Fund provides scholarship support to the sons, daughters and spouses of employees of Casella - Maine (officers and directors are not eligible to participate). The fund, established in 1988, offers scholarships to qualifying students desiring to pursue vocational training or advanced educational studies beyond high school.
Contact: Wendy Plissey
To Apply: Download application
Waning Faust Forestry & Agriculture Scholarship Fund
MaineCF partners with the University of Maine and the University of New England to offer the Waning Faust Forestry and Agriculture Scholarship. Eligible students at UM are juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5, from Waldo or Kennebec counties, majoring in either forestry or agriculture. At the University of New England, eligible students are sophomores, juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who are involved in the American Chestnut Restoration Project at UNE, with a preference for those students who have graduated from a Maine high school.
Contact: American Chestnut Restoration Project at UNE and the University of Maine Foundation
