Maine Grants

This grant provides financial support to Maine municipalities, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for tourism marketing initiatives aimed at increasing visitor traffic to their destinations.

This grant provides funding to Maine municipalities, tribal governments, and non-profits for tourism-focused marketing projects and events that promote community engagement.

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 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.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community and non-profit public water systems in Maine for implementing security measures to protect essential water infrastructure.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community and non-profit public water systems in Maine for projects that protect and enhance the quality of drinking water sources.

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 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.

The Maine Arts Fellowship recognizes artistic excellence in the overall career of a Maine artist. Donor Name: Maine Arts Commission State: Maine County: All Counties Type of Grant: Fellowship Deadline: 07/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Fellowships are not grants for artist projects; they are a merit-based awards that evaluated by a review panel on the level of artistic creativity and vision shown in the artist’s support materials.  One artist will be selected for each discipline, creating a cohort of 7 Maine Artist Fellows. Maine Artist Fellowships are available in each of the following artistic disciplines: Belvedere Handcraft (Available only to residents of Hancock or Washington County) Fine Craft Literary Arts Media Arts Performing Arts Traditional Arts Visual Arts Funding Information Award: $5,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. What an artist can expect as a Maine arts fellow? Unrestricted award to help advance artists career as they see fit Artist Bios hosted on Maine Arts Commission website and included in all digital publications Year Long promotion/communications of fellow’s activities. Fellowship Reception with Maine Arts Staff and Commissioners at the Blaine House in early 2025. Networking and other collaborative opportunities throughout the year. Note: Opportunities for fellows can change year to year and this list is subject to change throughout the year.(Award amount is not subject to change in this FY2025 cycle). Specific Fellowship Requirements Belvedere Handcraft – Available to craft artists of Hancock or Washington County only. Artists working in clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, paper, stone, wood or other studio craft mediums are eligible to apply. Craft artists in counties other than Hancock or Washington should apply for the Fine Craft Artist Fellowship. Fine Craft – Available for craft artists engaged in contemporary studio practice and/ or traditional materials such as clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, paper, stone, wood, or other mediums. Craft artists residing in Washington or Hancock counties should apply for the Belvedere Handcraft Fellowship. Literary Arts- Available to contemporary literary artists in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, and other writing genera.  Literary artists who work in the medium of scriptwriting for the stage or screen should apply in the performing arts fellowship category. Multimedia/Film- Available to media artists and filmmakers working in the disciplines of film, video, animation, podcasts, web series, and other performative works that are presented through a mediating technology (not meant to be experienced live). Photography artists should apply to the Visual Arts Fellowship. Performing Arts- Available to artists working in disciplines including theatre, dance, music, scenic design, opera, script writing and other genera intended to be presented as a live performance. Traditional Arts -Available to a person for the experience and commitment to the traditional art form they practice.  The program honors Maine traditional artists who have devoted their lives to keeping a particular traditional art form alive. These arts call for a deep connection to place and local practices and play an essential role in shaping a traditional artist’s work and repertoire. This could include maintaining cultural traditions in building, writing, music, dance, textile arts, carving, weaving, boatbuilding, and other heritage expressions practiced by established populations or new immigrant artists. Visual Arts – Available to artists working in disciplines including painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, photography, installation, and other visual arts genres. Digital art can fit within this category, but artists working with the moving image may wish to apply to the Media Fellowship. Eligibility Requirements Is an individual Maine artist or part of an artist collective (collectives may only apply once per award cycle, with one member as the primary contact and who submits the application). If applicable, has completed Final Reports required by the Maine Arts Commission for previous awards. Is a current Maine resident who has resided full-time in Maine for at least one year just prior to the application deadline. Will be a Maine resident throughout the project period. Is at least 25 years of age or older by the application deadline. Is not an enrolled student at the start of the award cycle (July 1) (Please contact the agency if you have questions). Has not been previously awarded a Maine Artist Fellowship. For more information, visit Maine Arts Commission.

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 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 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.