The Wabanaki Grants program, offered by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, supports Wabanaki Tribes, Wabanaki-led organizations, and Wabanaki-serving community initiatives in Maine. The foundation aims to be a trusted partner, providing grants, capacity-building support, technical assistance, convening opportunities, shared learning, and impact investments to advance Wabanaki community priorities.
The grant program prioritizes work that promotes sovereignty, self-governance, and self-determination, strengthens collective well-being, supports community culture and building, and enhances Indigenous leadership and resourcing across communities. Eligible applicants must be majority Wabanaki- or Indigenous-led organizations or initiatives serving Wabanaki people, communities, and interests. All work funded must take place within Maine.
For 2025, the Sewall Foundation has allocated $1,800,000 for this grant program. Funding levels include:
Individual organizations or efforts: $10,000 to $50,000 per year
Collaborative efforts (multiple organizations/groups): Up to $200,000 per year
Transformational opportunities: Variable funding levels, typically for one to two years, designed to support critical community priorities and systemic change.
Applications are due by February 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM, with funding decisions announced by the end of April 2025. First-time applicants are encouraged to review the Sewall Grant Application Guide and follow the Creating an Account Guide for step-by-step instructions. Applications must be submitted online, and returning applicants can resume in-progress applications through the Sewall Foundation Grant Portal.
