Rapid Response Fund Grants

The Rapid Response Fund, administered by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, is a funding initiative designed to provide immediate support for emergency or time-sensitive needs of organizations and communities across Maine. The Sewall Foundation is committed to promoting a culture of equity and interconnected well-being for people, animals, and the environment. This fund aligns with the foundation's core mission and values, which emphasize responsiveness, equity, and community-led solutions in the state of Maine. The fund defines emergencies as unexpected and unplanned events or situations requiring immediate and time-limited responses. Time-sensitive needs are interpreted as short-term opportunities, typically unfolding within a few months, that require rapid mobilization or resources. Examples include crisis response activities, support for urgent legal or administrative actions, or addressing sudden gaps in services or funding. Importantly, these grants are not designed to replace existing sources of funding or to support ongoing operations, promotional events, or programs requiring expenditure responsibility. However, in 2025, exceptions may be made for organizations facing sudden losses of funding or adjusting to policy changes, if the stabilization efforts are urgent and clearly justified. For 2025, the total funding available through the Rapid Response Fund is $400,000, with up to $100,000 earmarked specifically for land back and land access projects. These targeted initiatives may involve costs such as down payments, legal services, appraisals, and other acquisition-related expenses. The majority of awards will not exceed $10,000 and will be limited to a maximum duration of 12 months. Eligible applicants must be operating in Maine and meet IRS requirements for receiving tax-deductible contributions, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, agencies of the State of Maine, and federally recognized tribal governments. Fiscal sponsorship is also permitted. Priority will be given to community-based organizations with annual operating budgets under $250,000, those led by or serving Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), rural Mainers, and women, as well as organizations coordinating mobilization or response efforts for communities or regions. The fund further favors efforts with a clear commitment to racial and environmental justice and holistic approaches that integrate the well-being of people, animals, and the environment. The 2025 application cycle begins on January 6, 2025, and will close on September 2, 2025. The process involves two steps: an initial email inquiry and a potential invitation to submit a brief online application. In the inquiry email, applicants should include a one- to two-paragraph summary of the emergency or time-sensitive need, the requested amount, and one to two sentences explaining alignment with fund priorities. Inquiries should be sent to rapidresponse@sewallfoundation.org. Staff will review each inquiry for alignment and respond within two weeks. If the project meets criteria and fund priorities, applicants will receive a link to complete a short online application. Final funding decisions will also be communicated within two weeks of application receipt. Applicants can find additional details and instructions on the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation’s website. The foundation is headquartered at 15 Main Street, Suite 230, Freeport, Maine 04032. Email communication should be directed to info@sewallfoundation.org for general inquiries and to rapidresponse@sewallfoundation.org for Rapid Response Fund matters.