Maine Capacity Building Grants

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and public entities in Southern Maine that are working on initiatives to improve education, financial stability, and health outcomes for local residents.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that enhance community improvement, education, environmental stewardship, and human services for residents in Baldwin, Maine.

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.

The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation is now accepting applications for the Rapid Response Fund. Donor Name: Elmina B. Sewall  Foundation State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Rapid Response Fund is a grant opportunity that supports emergency and/or time-sensitive needs of organizations and communities whose work aligns with the Sewall Foundation’s mission: to support work in Maine to improve the well-being of people, animals and the environment while  fostering relationships that strive for social equity and community resilience. Emergency refers to an unexpected and unplanned event or situation that requires an immediate and time-limited response. Time-sensitive refers to opportunities that are short-term in duration (usually within the next few months) and purpose. Priorities In keeping with Sewall’s values and commitment to fostering equity and centering community voice, Rapid Response Fund grants are generally limited to: Community-based organizations with operating budgets under $250,000 Organizations led by and serving people in under-resourced populations and geographies, including: African Americans, Indigenous, and people of color; immigrants and refugees; LGBTQ; people with low incomes; differently-abled populations; incarcerated populations; people in recovery; and populations who are homeless or at risk of homelessness Additional priorities include: Organizations, networks, or grassroots efforts working to coordinate or mobilize response/action for their field or sector, a geographic region, or a specific community or population Collaborative and cross-sector efforts Efforts that are explicit in their commitment to social and environmental justice Efforts that integrate the well-being of people, animals and the environment. Funding Information Available Funding for 2024: $300,000. Grant Size: Most Rapid Response Fund grants will be no greater than $10,000. Grant Period All Rapid Response Fund grants are limited to a 12 month term. Uses of funds  Some examples of Rapid Response Fund grant uses: Increasing capacity of a small nonprofit to respond to emergency needs (food, fuel, housing) in their community Supporting an animal shelter to address an unforeseen crisis Supporting unexpected legal costs to remove barriers to equity. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be eligible to receive tax-deductible donations as outlined in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes: 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations; public schools; public agencies working for the State of Maine; Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior Applicants may also apply through a fiscal sponsor The work of the applicant must be aligned with the mission and values of the Sewall Foundation Eligible organizations may apply regardless of their funding history with the Sewall Foundation Sewall Foundation does not fund: direct or grassroots lobbying or political campaign activities. For more information, visit EBSF.

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.

The Maine Charity Foundation Fund aims to support charitable and educational purposes across Maine, with an emphasis on transportation services for individuals with limited access. The grant prioritizes projects that use volunteers, engage community partners, address service gaps, and focus on equity and diversity. Criteria for eligibility are set by the Maine Community Foundation and reviewed annually. The foundation offers general support grants for ongoing needs and project grants for new programs. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: July 1st to September 16th

This grant supports projects and organizations aimed at strengthening Maine communities by investing in people's skills, knowledge, and well-being, and enhancing community resources. It's MaineCF’s largest program, offering both project and general support grants statewide. Eligible projects may include new initiatives or ongoing programs across various sectors such as arts, education, and human services. The application period opens on November 15, and the deadline for submission is February 15 at 11:59 p.m., with notifications by June 1. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: November 15th to February 15th.

The Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Fund aims to promote equity for Native American, Latino, African, Arab, and Asian communities in Maine through leadership investment, policy change, and alleviating race-based disparities. The fund focuses on organizations with BIPOC leadership and involvement, prioritizing racial equity, health, leadership development, and economic opportunities. It offers two-year general support grants of up to $10,000 per year, with the first grants awarded in 2024. Organizations must be based in Maine and meet specific community service criteria to qualify. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: November 15th to February 15th

The PF Fund for the Baldwin Area supports nonprofit organizations and projects aimed at benefiting the Baldwin, Maine community. Priority is given to initiatives that promote greater self-reliance, public awareness of forestry, and sustainable management of natural resources. Applicants are encouraged to read the Maine Community Foundation’s grant eligibility requirements to ensure compliance. The fund supports new, expanding, and ongoing project efforts, with a focus on leveraging additional financial resources and fostering social capital. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: November 15th to February 1st

The Animal Welfare Fund supports organizations dedicated to advancing animal welfare in Maine. Donor Name: Maine Community Foundation State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Types of Funding Three-year general support grants to animal shelters focused on cats and dogs that do all of the following: Help low-income people and their pets stay together to prevent surrender/abandonment, especially at times of hardship, e.g., domestic abuse, homelessness, serious illness, etc. Support population control activities for cats and dogs Educate pet owners and community members about the care and humane treatment of animals. Please note: Maximum award amount for all organizations regardless of size is $15,000 per year. One-year project grants to animal welfare organizations for one or more of the following: Programs that help low-income people and their pets stay together to prevent surrender/abandonment, especially at times of hardship Population control activities for cats and dogs Education of pet owners and/or community members about the care and humane treatment of animals Statewide coordination among shelters Coordination with human services agencies to make interventions that support animals in crisis situations. 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. For more information, visit MCF.

Applications are now being accepted for the Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program – Facility Acquisitions. 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: If you are buying the furniture and fixtures plus the enrollment of an existing child care business and you can demonstrate at least a 25% increase in enrollment within four months of the transaction, you may be eligible for a Child Care Infrastructure Grant for up to 50% of your costs, for a total award of up to $25,000. 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 furniture, fixtures, educational materials and other assets from an existing child care provider. Selected examples include books, musical instruments, developmentally appropriate toys, tables & chairs, cribs, sleeping mats and more Fees to use existing business practices, policies and menus Inheriting current enrollment and expanding enrollment by 25% within 4 months Light renovations to the space to enhance the quality or to increase capacity. Buying additional indoor activities or enhancing the outdoor space to accept more children. Procuring health and safety supplies and other materials required to increase your enrollment. 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 adjust to new subsidy and USDA food program levels. For more information, visit CEI.

Maine: Investing in Leaders of Color Grant Program offers a maximum award of $6,950 to support nonprofit leaders of color and their organizations. The program provides one-on-one coaching, a stipend for professional development and operating costs, and networking opportunities. It is designed for people of color in leadership positions in nonprofit organizations that serve communities of color and promote racial equity in Maine. Priority is given to leaders from organizations led by people of color. The grant consists of capacity-building funding, including one-on-one coaching, professional development, and operating costs. The program aims to promote and increase racial equity in Maine through supporting leaders and organizations serving communities of color.

This program provides financial support for the assessment and restoration of church steeples in Maine, targeting religious institutions, nonprofits, and municipalities in smaller communities with significant historic and cultural value.