Maine Grants

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 funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Maine, particularly in Brunswick, Southport, and Boothbay Harbor, focusing on projects that aid those in need, promote animal welfare, provide healthcare for underserved populations, and support public broadcasting.

Fishers Ecological Knowledge (FEK) provides a rich and untapped source of information that can be used to inform BOEMs decisions regarding offshore wind; however, FEK has been vastly underutilized. The objective of this study is to collect FEK to improve BOEMs understanding of the use of the Gulf of Maine for fishing and the importance of fishing to the regional economy. BOEM will partner with the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance, and potentially with other interested organizations, to conduct this study.This study will identify local fishing communities willing to provide FEK and conduct interviews and workshops to collect the information. Importantly, the study will establish and execute clear methods for documenting, validating, and analyzing FEK. Collected data will be synthesized in an acceptable format (i.e., GIS and report documentation) to ensure the information can be incorporated into planning and resource management decisions.Additional planned tasks to be completed as part of the study include participatory mapping of fishing grounds, providing user guidance on spatial data tools like Marine Cadastre and the regional ocean portals, and providing regular updates to fishers regarding the spatial planning process and data needs in the Gulf of Maine. This effort must consider data confidentiality to ensure that fishing community information collected for this study are not misused. Such measures will be very important to instill confidence among fishers to accurately collect FEK.

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.

This program provides funding to communities facing urgent health and safety threats due to recent disasters, helping them address needs that cannot be met through other funding sources.

The RTP is a federal assistance program that provides funds to states for the development and maintenance of recreational trails and related facilities for both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail uses. Funded through the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act for Federal fiscal years 2016 through 2020, the program supports a broad spectrum of trail activities such as maintenance, restoration, construction, and acquisition of land for recreational trails. The State of Maine participates in the RTP and has designated the Bureau of Parks and Lands to administer the program, focusing on projects that enhance public access, connectivity, and utilization of trails.

This grant provides financial support to small community-based organizations in Maine that address urgent needs and promote social equity, particularly for under-resourced populations and environmental well-being.

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 Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (‘the Permanent Commission’ or ‘the Department’) is seeking applications to develop and implement a program or initiative that intentionally addresses at least one (1) SDOH and builds stronger community connections. Donor Name: Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Permanent Commission recognizes that addressing social drivers of health (SDOH)  is critical to improving public health outcomes and that historic disparities in SDOH have led to disproportionate chronic health and disease impacts for racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations, which were amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health researchers have put considerable energy into improving SDOH outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities, yet these disparities persist. The goals of this program are to: Deepen the Permanent Commission’s relationships with CBOs and community leaders whose goals and activities align with the Permanent Commission’s statutory mandate; Invest resources directly in the Maine communities most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; Support CBOs in creating new and innovative community-led approaches to addressing the SDOH for their communities; and Increase social capital in historically marginalized communities by supporting community building activities within Maine. Funding Information The total grant funding for this program is $300,000. Applicants may apply for a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $75,000 in funding to be used over their contract period. The Department anticipates issuing awards for a contract period beginning as early as June 2024 and ending by December 2025. Contracts may not exceed 18 months or extend beyond December 2025. Allowable Uses of funds  Allowable uses of funds may include but are not limited to: Staffing and/or consultant costs associated with the proposed project, including but not limited to: Staff/consultant time related to planning, execution, evaluation, and reporting on the proposed project, Professional development that is directly related to enhancing the project, Community outreach and engagement. External communications (storytelling, marketing/PR, website, social media, radio), Costs to reduce barriers for community member participation in the proposed project, including but not limited to: participation stipends, travel reimbursement, childcare at events, light snacks at events, interpretation services, and other services that address specific barriers preventing community members from participating in events and activities. Material costs associated with the proposed project, such as space rentals, speaker or facilitator costs, and activity costs. Indirect costs not to exceed 10% of the overall proposed project cost. Additional costs proposed by CBOs specifically approved by the Permanent Commission. Eligibility Criteria  Given the program goals described above, applicants must demonstrate the following to be eligible for award consideration: That the applicant organization meets the definition of a Community Based Organization (CBO) used in this RFA. A CBO is defined as “an organization driven by and accountable to the community and/or population that it serves…, has a physical presence in the community it serves and has clear processes to include community perspectives in determining the priority issues it addresses and the solutions pursued.” That the proposed project or initiative is designed to benefit communities located within Maine. For more information, visit PCSRITP.

The intent of the Special Event Grant is to provide marketing funds to existing, well established events for the expansion and progression of marketing strategies to attract new audiences, increase overnight visitation and length of stay. Donor Name: Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Maine Tourism Marketing Partnership Program (MTMPP) was created to assist with the implementation of marketing programs designed to stimulate and expand Maine’s travel and tourism economy by coordinating the promotional efforts of the private sector with those of the Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) and its corresponding Regional Destination Marketing Organization (RDMO). Qualifying organizations must be a Maine non-profit, municipality or tribal government. Special events strengthen Maine’s brand and image nationally and internationally, have a direct economic impact on the state economy and attract visitation to Maine’s shoulder season. Events must be aligned with and support the Office of Tourism Destination Management Plan and Stewardship Principles. Funding Information Special Event Grant requests must be for a minimum of $30,000 but not exceed $60,000. Eligible Projects The following items are eligible projects: Paid Advertising – Print, Broadcast, Digital, Out-of-Home, Paid Social Media Public & Media Relations – Familiarization Tours, Media Events, Online Press Room Existing Website Upgrades – Mobilization, Content, Search Engine Optimization Asset Development – Photography/Video Acquisition Fulfillment – Brochures, Guides, Maps & Distribution Event Management/Administration – No more than 20% of total MTMPP funds can be used for administrative expenses. Administrative expenses may not be built into any other section of the grant and must be clearly explained in event budget. Eligibility Criteria Organizations applying for funding must be a Maine municipality, tribal government, or Maine-based 501C3 or C6 or L3C. Organizations must create an online account 14 days prior to the grant deadline. If you have previously registered for an account, you must log-in to update your account 14-days prior. Organizations previously awarded MTMPP grant funding may not apply for a period of 12 months after the completion of their previous MTMPP Final Grant Report. Projects must be tourism focused by attracting individuals residing fifty miles or more from the destination. Eligible projects must clearly show alignment to tourism that is inclusive/accessible tourism promotion. Organizations applying via a fiscal agent must use tourism related non-profit partners. The grant project supports sustainable growth of Maine’s tourism economy as outlined in the MOT Destination Management Plan. Events applying for this grant may not occur within 90 days of the grant start date (July 1, 2024). Organizations must be in good standing as of application deadline with the Secretary of State (not applicable for municipalities). A previous unsatisfactory grant history, for any reason, could immediately disqualify a grant application. For more information, visit MOT.

The Maine Communities Grant Program provides support to tourism focused, community-oriented marketing projects and events. Donor Name: Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Grants will be awarded each cycle for amounts from $2,500 to $5,000. Eligible Projects The following items are eligible projects: Paid Advertising Public & Media Relations Existing Website Upgrades Asset Development – Photography/Video Acquisition Fulfillment (Brochures, Guides, Maps & Distribution) Eligibility Criteria Maine municipalities, tribal governments and Maine-based non-profits (501c3, c6, L3c) may apply. Other organizations may apply with a non-profit fiscal agent partner, by submitting a vendor authorization form. Organizations must create an online account 14 days prior to the grant deadline. If you have previously registered for an account, you must log-in to update your account 14-days prior. Organizations may not hold more than one grant from the Maine Office of Tourism (hereafter called MOT) contract per fiscal year. Organizations applying via a fiscal agent must use tourism related non-profit partners. Eligible projects must clearly show alignment to tourism that is inclusive/accessible. A previous unsatisfactory grant history, for any reason, could immediately disqualify a grant application. For more information, visit MOT.

The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation is seeking applications for the 2024 Legacy Grant. Donor Name: Elmina B. Sewall  Foundation State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Foundation honors Mrs. Sewall’s interests and lifetime of philanthropy by supporting a limited number of organizations with whom she had personal relationships and affinity and who continue to do the work that she funded in her lifetime. Grant Period Grants may span 12, 24, or 36 months. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be eligible to accept 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, or Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior. For more information, visit EBSF.

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 Maine Land Protection grant program supports land acquisition or conservation easement projects that foster strong connections between Maine/Wabanaki territory and its land and water. These projects should create or increase permanent access to these natural resources, particularly for marginalized and historically excluded populations. The program encourages applications from Wabanaki tribal governments and similar entities. Projects should involve community support and include future use plans with engagement strategies for maintaining the land. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: June 21st to September 16th

The Conservation for All grant program is designed to strengthen the bond between the people in Maine and its natural landscapes, focusing on land and water. It aims to ensure equitable access to Maine's outdoors for all, particularly marginalized and historically excluded populations, by addressing physical, economic, and awareness barriers and fostering inclusive participation in program design and implementation. The grant supports projects that facilitate access to outdoor spaces, involve beneficiaries in decision-making, and address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: June 21st to September 16th

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

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