Maine Grants

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

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 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

Project Grants from the Rines Thompson Fund are aimed at supporting new or expanding projects that focus on key issue areas such as environment and conservation, early childhood and youth programming, and arts and culture. These grants are designed to foster innovation and growth in projects that enhance the community's vibrancy in Greater Portland. Projects must be located in specified areas and address the fund’s core issues to be eligible. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: July 1st to September 16th

General Support Grants from the Rines Thompson Fund are designed to assist ongoing programs and operational needs of organizations that primarily work in environment and conservation, early childhood and youth programming, and arts and culture. These grants support organizations based in specified areas to ensure the stability and continuity of existing programs that contribute to the community’s well-being. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: July 1st to September 16th

Maine Expansion Arts supports arts organizations and programs that serve rural communities and/or Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) in Maine, focusing on regions with limited arts access. The grant offers two tracks: one for organizations serving rural communities and another for organizations led by or serving BIPOC communities. General support grants are available to sustain ongoing programming and operational needs, while project grants aim to fund new or expanding arts-based projects or programs. Eligibility is mainly for arts organizations with annual operating budgets under $250,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: July 1st 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 Equity Fund aims to strengthen LGBTQ+ organizations in Maine and support community-based initiatives focused on improving health and reducing disparities based on race and violence. It prioritizes projects involving LGBTQ+ individuals in leadership or major participant roles. Available funding types include General Support, Project, and Event Support, targeting operational needs, new projects, and specific events with clear objectives and timelines. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: June 15th to September 16th

The 2024 Edward H. Daveis Benevolent Fund is a yearly grant that supports early childhood education and youth engagement programs in Greater Portland, offering financial aid for operational needs and new projects, with applications open from July 24th to October 15th.

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 Maine Theater Fund is dedicated to bolstering and sustaining theater performance across Maine. It invites funding applications from nonprofit theaters or theater groups at local, regional, and statewide levels, focusing on live theater production. Eligible projects can receive support for various needs, including programming, capacity-building, operational costs, and capital investments. Applicants are encouraged to submit a list of productions from the current or previous season, along with audience numbers and limited project information. The fund emphasizes strengthening the state's cultural landscape through theatrical arts. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: July 1st to September 16th

The Leonard and Renee Minsky Fund for Arts Education aims to enhance arts education by enabling professional artists to collaborate with teachers in developing arts programs for grades 3-5 in public schools within Penobscot and Washington counties. This grant supports projects that integrate visual and/or performing arts into the curriculum, aligning with Maine Learning Results standards. Eligible applicants include schools meeting these criteria, with a focus on collaborative proposals involving arts teachers. Applications are accepted via email and must adhere to specific budgetary requirements, primarily allocating funds to professional artists' fees. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: September 15th to December 16th

The Welch Charitable Fund, administered by the Maine Community Foundation, is dedicated to supporting organizations that assist people in need within the Greater Portland (Cumberland County) area, with a focus on youth, education, health care, recovery from substance use disorders, and arts and culture. The fund prioritizes capital investments, including select capital campaigns, and aims to increase or improve the scope, efficiency, or effectiveness of services provided by organizations. Funding for new staff positions is considered a low priority, and applications from organizations that received a grant the previous year are discouraged. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: May 1st to August 1st