Maine Private Grants

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

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Maine that address important community needs and demonstrate measurable goals.

This funding opportunity provides support for professional artists to collaborate with teachers in public schools of Penobscot and Washington counties, Maine, to integrate arts education into classrooms for grades 3-5.

This grant provides matching funds to nonprofit organizations in Maine for various historic preservation projects, such as restoring building exteriors and upgrading safety systems.

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 municipalities, tribal governments, and non-profits for tourism-focused marketing projects and events that promote community engagement.

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.

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.

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 funding opportunity supports organizations in Maine that work to improve the welfare of small companion animals, particularly cats and dogs, by providing resources for pet retention, population control, and education on humane treatment.

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 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 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 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 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