Maine Arts Grants

This funding opportunity supports Maine-based organizations in creating innovative community projects that blend arts and humanities, particularly those serving under-resourced communities.

This grant provides funding to Maine-based agricultural producers, processors, and organizations to enhance the capacity and resilience of the food supply chain through the purchase of essential equipment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to arts organizations in Maine to help cover essential operational costs and strengthen their infrastructure and creative workforce.

The City of Bangor Commission on Cultural Development in Maine is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to individual artists and non-profit arts and cultural organizations, requiring a 1:1 match, to support projects that enhance the city's cultural vitality and directly serve the Bangor community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipal and Tribal governments in Maine for projects that reduce energy costs, promote clean energy, and enhance community resilience against climate change impacts.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to public water systems in Maine to develop essential plans and documents that enhance their technical, financial, or managerial capabilities.

The Welch Charitable Fund supports organizations in the Greater Portland area with preference given to nonprofits working with youth, education, health care, alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation, and/or arts and culture. Donor Name: Maine Community Foundation State: Maine County: Cumberland County (ME) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Education Health Care Youth Development Types of Funding This program provides: Grants that will increase the scope (number of people or services provided), and/or grants that will improve efficiency or effectiveness of organizations. Grants for new or expanded projects. Funding Information $10,000 Eligibility Criteria To receive a grant, a project must: Serve individuals in the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area Focus on youth, education, health care, recovery from substance use disorder and/or arts and culture. Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and also classified as an organization described in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) Municipalities Public schools Public agencies working for the State of Maine Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior Groups without any tax status may apply with a fiscal sponsor that is an eligible organization as described above. For more information, visit Maine Community Foundation.

The Libra Foundation is currently seeking applications to improve Maine residents’ quality of life by leveraging its financial assets to spur economic development, further entrepreneurial activity and create jobs in the State of Maine. Donor Name: Libra Foundation State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The organization has worked to realize its goals primarily by making grants to organizations that it expects to develop innovative and sustainable Maine-based business initiatives and programs that provide for the welfare and betterment of children. Libra Foundation focuses its support primarily upon efforts that offer potential economic benefits to the State of Maine and its residents, and the support of children, the Foundation also funds organizations and efforts that work to realize social progress.  Areas of giving include Arts, Culture & Humanities, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, Justice, Public/Society Benefit and Religion. Funding Information Grants will not exceed $25,000.00 Eligibility Criteria  No application will be considered from an organization unless it has been determined to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a) of the Code. The Foundation will need evidence of this determination for its files at the time of application for a grant. For more information, visit Libra Foundation.

This grant provides funding to organizations and individuals in Maine to foster community connections through arts, culture, and environmental initiatives that promote equitable access and celebrate diverse local histories.

The Onion Foundation seeks to connect Maine residents to arts experiences as audience members and as makers in order to offer opportunities for expression, learning, and inspiration. Donor Name: Onion Foundation State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Onion Foundation recognizes the arts’ important roles in creativity and sharing of culture and different perspectives. The arts are essential for the development of our intellect, our capacity for joy and compassion, and our feelings of connection to one another.  Types of Grants  Applicants may request either general operating or project grants:  General operating grants offer unrestricted funds for your organization. If all of your organization’s activities align with one or both of these strategies, you may request general operating support. General operating proposals may request multi-year grants of up to three years. They will consider awarding: up to $20,000 per year (up to $60,000 total over three years) for organizations with annual budgets over $50,000.  up to $7,500 per year (up to $22,500 total over three years) for organizations with annual budgets under $50,000. Project support grants offer funding for specific activities or programs, such as an ongoing concert series or an arts education department that’s part of a larger organization. If your organization’s work extends beyond our grantmaking strategies, you should request project support. All fiscally sponsored grants are project grants. Project proposals may request multi-year grants of up to three years. They will consider awarding:  up to $20,000 per year (up to $60,000 total over three years) for projects with budgets over $50,000.  up to $7,500 per year (up to $22,500 total over three years) for projects with budgets up to $50,000. Strategies Three strategies guide arts program: Strategy I: Increase Access to Arts Education in Maine Strategy II: Support Public Engagement in Maine Arts Programs Strategy III: Build The Capacity of Maine’s Arts Sector Eligibility Criteria  To apply for and receive a grant, your organization must be a 501(c)3 public charity as designated by the IRS, operate under a fiscal sponsor that is a qualified 501(c)3 public charity, be a public education institution, or be a Maine governmental unit. They strongly encourage fiscally sponsored applicants to discuss their proposal ideas with a program officer before writing their application. The proposed work must be based in Maine and focused on benefitting Maine’s people. The Arts Program generally does not support: Capital projects (including capital campaigns, capital improvements, land purchases, or endowments) Scholarship funds  Public and private schools or school districts Permanent public art Film/media production Publications/book projects Exhibitions without significant public programming Religious Programs For more information, visit Onion Foundation.

This competitive fellowship provides $5,000 to Maine-based artists across various disciplines to support their professional development and recognize their artistic excellence.

The Welch Charitable Fund supports organizations that serve people in need in the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area. Donor Name: Maine Community Foundation State: Maine County: Cumberland County (ME) Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Types of Funding This program provides: Grants that will increase the scope (number of people or services provided), and/or grants that will improve efficiency or effectiveness of organizations. Grants for new or expanded projects. Priorities  To receive a grant, a project must: Serve individuals in the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area. Focus on youth, education, health care, recovery from substance use disorder and/or arts and culture. The fund has particular interest in capital investments, including select capital campaigns. Funding Information Median Award: $10,000. Who is eligible to apply? Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and also classified as an organization described in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) Municipalities Public schools Public agencies working for the State of Maine Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior Groups without any tax status may apply with a fiscal sponsor that is an eligible organization as described above.  Any eligible organization may submit one application per grant program, regardless of previous application history or current award progress. For more information, visit MCF.

Nonprofit organizations that benefit individuals living in southern Maine may request support by applying for a responsive grant. Donor Name: Sam L. Cohen Foundation State: Maine County: Cumberland County (ME), York County (ME) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Foundation will support new programs, on-going programs, and capital improvements. The Foundation will support general operations to organizations whose overall mission aligns with the Foundation’s values. The Sam L. Cohen Foundation will consider responsive grant requests for amounts up to $50,000; however, the average grants size awarded is less than $15,000. Focus Areas Arts and Culture Foundation invests in organizations and programs that stimulate imagination, provide access to the arts and arts education, and foster community through the arts. They are especially interested in educational programming for low-income and underserved youth audiences that celebrates creativity and provides meaningful experiences with the arts. They support organizations that create and present performances and programs in southern Maine. Civic and Community  Foundation is committed to supporting and improving the quality of life in southern Maine by ensuring individuals have access to opportunities to engage in civic life. To promote economic security and well-being, the Foundation invests in organizations that are working toward systemic change through public policy for social benefit. They are currently involved in and support the Immigrant and Refugee Funders Collaborative. Education Foundation believes that access to educational opportunities is the key to a successful life. The grantmaking spans the entire continuum of pre-K through college and adulthood, as they focus on providing opportunities for underserved populations in the areas of youth development, leadership, and enrichment. They collaborate with other funders, advocates, and experts in efforts that address school readiness and attendance, grade-level proficiency, high school graduation rates, and post-secondary enrollment and completion. They participate in or support several collaborative initiatives including: Portland ConnectED, The Campaign for Grade Level Reading, Count ME In, Maine Early Childhood Funders Group, Summer Learning Initiative, Right from the Start, and the Maine Resilience Building Network. Health and Human Services  Foundation believes in providing support to historically and systemically disadvantaged individuals and communities is a compelling focus. Today’s social, economic, and political challenges require it. The goal is to assist in increasing the number of people who are self-sufficient and lead healthy, productive lives. The giving consistently targets access to healthcare, including prevention services, health support services, and ensuring food security. They currently are involved in and support the Maine Oral Health Funders Group. Jewish Culture and Tradition Foundation participates in the Jewish community in southern Maine through support of institutions and programs that provide and preserve Jewish education, tradition, and culture. They partner with organizations that celebrate and promote Jewish art and creativity as well as agencies and synagogues who serve the vulnerable members of the Jewish community. Eligibility Criteria  must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; using a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a church, synagogue, temple or mosque; or a political subdivision of the State of Maine that is exempt from federal tax must be located in and/or provide programs or services with direct impact on people in Cumberland and/or York counties, Maine must have submitted the final grant report if you received a grant previously from the Foundation must NOT have received a grant from the Foundation in the previous calendar year The foundation values organizations that work to: support underserved and underprivileged populations. reduce barriers to just and fair access to resources and opportunities for all. respond to community need by building on collective strengths drawn from diverse perspectives and ideas. promote human rights and understanding among peoples, address discrimination and hatred, and foster inclusion. demonstrate community support and engagement. utilize collaboration and partnership as a means to strengthen networks, increase impact, and leverage resources. For more information, visit SLCF.

The Welch Charitable Fund supports organizations that serve people in need in the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area. Donor Name: Maine Community Foundation State: Maine County: Cumberland County (ME) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priorities To receive a grant, a project must: Serve individuals in the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area Focus on youth, education, health care, recovery from substance use disorder and/or arts and culture. The fund has particular interest in capital investments, including select capital campaigns. Types of Funding This program provides: Grants that will increase the scope (number of people or services provided), and/or grants that will improve efficiency or effectiveness of organizations. Grants for new or expanded projects. Funding Information Median Award- $10,000 Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and also classified as an organization described in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) Municipalities Public schools Public agencies working for the State of Maine Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior Groups without any tax status may apply with a fiscal sponsor that is an eligible organization as described above. For more information, visit Maine Community Foundation.

Arts and Humanities Grants supports organizations in Maine that present stories and cultural expressions of the state, its communities, and its people. Donor Name: Maine Humanities Council State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/14/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: A partnership between the Maine Humanities Council and the Maine Arts Commission, these grants support innovative community projects that have both arts and humanities components. Organizations serving and/or led by members of communities traditionally under-resourced in the arts and humanities are encouraged to apply. They evaluate proposals on their strength and clarity in the following areas: arts and humanities content, project goals and impact, project design, outreach and engagement, and budget. Funding Information Up to $1,000. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations with 501c3 status, government organizations (such as a federally recognized Indian tribal governments or organizations or state/local/city governments), churches, or education organizations (such as schools or school districts, or public or private institutions of higher education) are eligible to apply without fiscal sponsorship. For more information, visit MHC.

The Leonard and Renee Minsky Fund for Arts Education aims to enhance arts education by enabling professional artists to collaborate with teachers in developing arts programs for grades 3-5 in public schools within Penobscot and Washington counties. This grant supports projects that integrate visual and/or performing arts into the curriculum, aligning with Maine Learning Results standards. Eligible applicants include schools meeting these criteria, with a focus on collaborative proposals involving arts teachers. Applications are accepted via email and must adhere to specific budgetary requirements, primarily allocating funds to professional artists' fees. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: September 15th to December 16th

The MTMPP Special Event Marketing Grant is intended to support the marketing of well-established events in Maine that have the potential to attract new audiences, increase overnight visitation, and extend visitors' length of stay, particularly during the state's shoulder season. This grant aims to enhance Maine’s brand nationally and internationally, contributing significantly to the state's economy. Qualifying applicants include Maine non-profits, municipalities, and tribal governments. Two grants are available each fiscal year, with each cycle offering one grant ranging from $30,000 to $60,000. Projects must align with the Office of Tourism Destination Management Plan and Stewardship Principles, focusing on inclusive and accessible tourism promotion. Eligible expenses can include paid advertising, public and media relations, website upgrades, asset development, and fulfillment materials, with a clear emphasis on expanding marketing strategies to draw in new visitors. A 25% cash match is required for the grant, which aims to support sustainable growth within Maine’s tourism economy.

The Maine Communities Grant Program aims to bolster tourism-oriented community marketing projects and events across the state. For FY 2025 Cycle 1, up to four grants, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, will be awarded in each of the 8 designated Maine Tourism Regions. Eligible applicants include Maine municipalities, tribal governments, and Maine-based nonprofits. Projects should demonstrate a clear alignment with tourism that is inclusive and accessible. Eligible initiatives may involve paid advertising, public and media relations, website upgrades, asset development such as photography or video, and fulfillment of tourism materials. Ineligible projects include new website hosting, fundraising events, professional development, capital equipment, and promotional products. The program encourages a mix of cash and in-kind contributions for matching funds, with clear documentation required in the application. Creative requirements mandate the prominent use of the word "Maine" and the MOT logo in all grant-funded media, adhering to MOT design guidelines. Additionally, a link to the state’s tourism website should be displayed when appropriate, and events must be posted on visitmaine.com. Grant renewed every year.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits dedicated to helping at-risk youth thrive through essential programs like mentoring, after-school activities, and mental health services.

The Facility Start-Up/New License Grant will provide entrepreneurs interested in starting a new child care facility or opening a new, additional child care facility with funding to start a new business. Donor Name: Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) State: Maine County: Aroostook County (ME), Franklin County (ME), Penobscot County (ME), Piscataquis County (ME), Somerset County (ME), Washington County (ME) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Anyone interested in starting a child care facility (a child care business outside a home environment) is eligible to apply for a grant covering up to 50% of their start-up costs for a total award up to $80,000. The Facility Start-Up application is also for existing child care license holders adding an additional location. Priority Areas Priority will be given to applications from Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset and Washington Counties. In addition, applicants committing to the following will receive bonus points: Providing care for infants Providing care for toddlers Providing care for families income-eligible for subsidy Participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. Uses of Funds Grant awards received may be used for the following purposes: Purchasing or renting a building and renovating it to deliver high quality child care. Selected examples include adding a window to allow for egress and to add natural light, removing a wall to increase the size of a room, adding an accessible ground-floor bathroom and installing a fire alarm system. Constructing a new building that is designed to enhance a child’s development. Buying educational materials. Selected examples include books, musical instruments, developmentally appropriate toys and consumable supplies, such as paper, paint and chalk. Acquiring indoor furniture and fixtures. Selected examples include tables, chairs, cribs and sleeping mats. Creating an outdoor learning environment. Selected examples include building pathways, gardens or activity centers, such as a mud kitchen. Buying playground equipment. Selected examples include swings, sandboxes, shade areas, playsets and energy-absorbing material. Procuring health and safety supplies and other materials required to be licensed. Selected examples include first aid kits, electrical outlet covers and gates. Having sufficient working capital on hand for the first month. Selected examples include money to cover a week of pre-opening payroll and a month of children’s food while you register and onboard with the subsidy and USDA food programs. Eligibility Criteria Sole proprietors, partnerships, cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and employers are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit CEI.