Maine Housing Grants

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Maine that promote the well-being of cats and dogs by providing shelter, veterinary care, and resources to help keep pets with their owners, particularly in under-resourced communities.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Lewiston and Auburn, Maine, that focus on collaborative initiatives to promote equity, youth leadership, and sustainable solutions in areas like economic development, health, and housing.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public and nonprofit organizations in Lewiston to deliver essential services that improve the quality of life for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

This funding opportunity supports various organizations in Maine to develop and implement projects that expand affordable housing options and workforce housing through community planning and collaboration.

This grant provides funding to Maine organizations for community projects that creatively combine arts and humanities to engage people in meaningful discussions about their culture and experiences.

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.

The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL), referred to in the following as the Department, is  grounded in the belief that a career is a major building block of prosperity and is vital to helping Mainers chart their economic future. Donor Name: Maine Department of Labor State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: MDOL is seeking applications for pilot projects or approaches that support tribal communities in connecting to employment, training opportunities, and/or to support workers to retain jobs. The Department is releasing this Request for Applications (RFA) to support tribal communities to address basic needs, connect with individuals disengaged from the workforce, and support employment or training opportunities. The MDOL Bureau of Employment Services seeks to partner with tribal communities and partners that support tribal communities to:  Address basic needs not effectively met by existing Division of Indian and Native American Programs (DINAP), Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult, Dislocated, Youth, National Emergency Grant (NEG) or related programs to support job placement and job retention. This could include, but is not limited to, help with car repairs, childcare, resolution of a housing-related problem, uniforms, broadband access, or other items necessary to assist an individual in obtaining or retaining employment. Connect with individuals disengaged from the workforce not currently supported by existing DINAP, WIOA or Department of Labor (DOL) programs. Funding Information The total grant funding available for this initiative is $500,000. The Department anticipates making two (2) to four (4) awards. The maximum award amount $250,000, and the minimum is $75,000. The anticipated period of performance is September 2024 – September 2026. Eligibility Criteria Eligible organizations include Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) or Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) or non-profits with demonstrated experience and success in serving tribal communities. Applications that demonstrate partnership with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation are preferred. For more information, visit MDOL.

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 Frances Hollis Brain Foundation Fund supports nonprofit organizations and projects aimed at serving disadvantaged, underserved, and/or vulnerable communities in specified areas in Maine. Priority is given to initiatives related to education, health care, and housing. Eligibility is based on geographic location and impact, focusing on areas like Auburn, Bath, Biddeford, and more. The fund is managed by the Maine Community Foundation and emphasizes projects that demonstrate community support and effectiveness. For 2024, particular attention is paid to early childhood education projects. General and project-specific grants are offered but not consecutively to the same organization across years. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: January 5th to April 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.

The MainStreet Foundation annually donates $25,000 through its "25K For Kids" grant to a local non-profit organization in Maine. This initiative aims to benefit at-risk youth by focusing on providing life essentials such as food, shelter, and security. The grant application process starts on May 1st, with a final submission deadline of July 31st. Applications are reviewed in August, and three finalists are selected to present in person at the October Board meeting. The winner, along with runners-up, is announced in November. Organizations applying must demonstrate a clear positive impact on at-risk youth, aligning with the Foundation's priority for local organizations with sustainable budgets. Projects eligible for funding include after-school programs, mentoring, leadership development, literacy promotion, assistance with homelessness and family dynamics, mental health support, life-management skills, and more. The Foundation does not support general operating expenses, endowments, conferences, training, or facilities renovation. Multi-year requests or capital campaigns are also not supported. Grant recipients are requested not to apply for additional funding for at least 12 months from the conclusion of any previously funded projects.

Grant Opportunity: City of Lewiston Community Development Block Grant (Maine) The City of Lewiston is offering the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to assist in developing viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities for low-moderate income individuals. The grant funds are specifically designated for activities associated with preparing for, responding to, or recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible activities include public services, public facilities and infrastructure improvements such as building rehabilitation, acquisition, construction, reconstruction, installation of public works and facilities. Additionally, eligible expenses covered by the CDBG-CV funds include labor, supplies, materials and operation/maintenance of the facility where a public service is located. Applicants are required to provide detailed documentation including activity descriptions, client demographics and project budgets. For more information on eligibility and application process, visit City of Lewiston's website.