Financial Assistance
FAME Foreign Credentialing grant program - Up to $1,000 to help pay for costs associated with the process of becoming work-ready while awaiting issuance of a work permit. Examples of eligible costs include translation and evaluation of education documents, and fees related to obtaining a Maine driver's license (see our website for an expanded list of eligible expenses).
Scholarships for Maine Immigrants – SMI (Formerly “Portland ESL Scholarship Fund” )
The mission of Scholarships for Maine Immigrants (SMI), formerly Portland ESL Scholarship Fund, is to help local immigrants and refugees gain the English language and career skills necessary to achieve their educational and professional goals. Since 2000, SMI has awarded over 400 scholarships and $200,000 to fulfill this mission.
Maine Community Foundation – Many scholarships are limited to residents of specific counties or graduates of specific high schools.
Prosperity Maine – Federal programs to support immigrants who want to go to college but they don’t apply to asylum seekers.
Financial Authority of Maine (FAME) – Search for Maine scholarships.
Scholarships of Immigrants and Refugees – A bunch of random ones.
Parents As Scholars – If they receive TANF there is a program through FEDCAP.
USM Promise Scholarship – For anyone, regardless of circumstance.
Maine Community Foundation – List of available scholarships.
Going Merry – Find Scholarships and Financial Aid. Lets you set up a profile and automatically filters potential matches.
Going Merry – Invest in ME. Thorough filters so you don’t have to spend hours looking.
Maine Youth Action Network – Equity and Justice Scholarship (up to $2000 one time scholarship from MYAN for any higher education ventures).
Maine Youth Action Network – Micro Grants (up to $500 per “project”).