Community Greenhouse Grant

The Community Greenhouse Grant is administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) under its Agricultural Resource Development Division. This funding opportunity aims to support durable greenhouse infrastructure that strengthens community food systems, promotes educational engagement, and contributes to Maine’s climate and food security goals. As part of the FY 2026–2027 New Initiatives Budget enacted by Maine Chapter 388 Public Law, DACF anticipates distributing up to $500,000 in state funds to eligible public institutions throughout Maine. The grant targets projects that will deliver measurable benefits through the installation and operation of durable, four-season greenhouses used for shared community and educational purposes. Applicants may request between $25,000 and $250,000, with eligible expenses including greenhouse purchase, siting, installation, and associated operational supplies, provided that the supplies line does not exceed 25% of the total funding request. This funding may be used only for durable greenhouse structures that comply with the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) and relevant municipal standards. Eligible structures include those made of polycarbonate, glass, or similar robust materials designed to withstand Maine’s seasonal conditions. Unallowable costs include salaries, indirect costs, cannabis-related expenses, low-durability structures, and any expenditure outside the contract period. The program is open to schools, universities, community centers, and public entities such as municipalities and counties located in Maine. To be eligible, organizations must confirm through qualified code officials that the proposed greenhouse structure will meet all relevant code requirements. Each applicant is limited to a single application. The program prioritizes proposals that emphasize shared community use, align with Maine’s climate action plan to increase local food consumption to 30% by 2030, and include educational components aimed at improving nutrition knowledge or agricultural training. The grant also encourages projects that establish strong community partnerships and offer long-term sustainability beyond the initial funding. Applications opened on March 18, 2026. A virtual information session will be held on April 1, 2026, and the deadline for written questions is April 10, 2026. Applications must be submitted by April 28, 2026, at 12:00 noon EST. Proposals will be reviewed based on criteria including clarity of problem and resolution, organizational capacity, shared community benefit, and alignment with program goals. Only proposals that meet all documentation requirements—including current vendor quotes and budget justifications—will advance to the scoring stage. Conditional awards are expected to be announced in late May 2026. Selected projects will be contracted for a performance period beginning August 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. Recipients must adhere to a reimbursement-based payment model, although advances may be issued for certain installation-related costs. All awarded entities must submit required reporting during and after the funding period. The final contract will incorporate the awarded application and be subject to the Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), making it a public record post-award. The grant opportunity is non-recurring and will not repeat annually.

Prepare application early, follow all formatting instructions strictly, review Q&A summaries, and confirm code compliance early.