Find Nonprofit and Small Business Grants

Maine Community Foundation accepts applications from the following type of applicants:
-Nonprofit 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations, including most municipalities;
-Public schools;
-Public agencies working for the State of Maine;
-Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior;
-Non-exempt groups with a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) organization, public school, or public agency.

Many of the following expenses may not be funded, depending on the grant program. Be sure to consult the specific grant program to which you are applying:
-Operating support: ongoing administrative costs such as rent, utilities, office supplies, salaries (not tied to a specific project expense).
-Ongoing activities: continuing programs or projects that have no clear end date.
-Endowments or capital campaigns: activities leading up to a capital campaign such as feasibility studies as well as costs related to verbal or written requests for financial support such as fundraising events or appeal letters.
-Camp scholarships: funding for admission, enrollment, tuition, or other costs related to individual or group attendance at a short-term recreational or educational program.
-Capital expenses: purchases of property, equipment, or building materials related to the organization’s core operations.

The Foundation will not fund, without exception:
-Expenses already incurred
-Political campaigns
-Lobbying in the form of calls to action on a specific vote
-Religious activities including, but not limited to, religious services, promotion of religious beliefs, or activities that are restricted to church or religious group membership.

In addition, please note that: Grants cannot pay for program expenses that have already been incurred. Grants will not be made for capital projects or to individuals or endowments.

Online applications must be completed by February 15 at 11:59 PM, even on weekends and holidays.

Grant Cycle Timeline
- Application intake: Grants administrative staff cross-checks the legal name and address of each applicant and checks for required signatures and forms.
- Eligibility pre-screening: Program staff reviews each application to determine if it meets the required grant program criteria.
- Referral process: Staff reviews applications and forwards those that might be of interest to donors who may decide to fund a proposed project.
- Advisor review: Program staff assigns applications to advisors who make calls to applicants and write summary reviews.
- Grant decision meeting: Advisors present reviews, discuss proposals, and make final award decisions as a committee.

Requests should be for future expenses only. Because grant applications take 10-12 weeks to process, plan the project start date accordingly. Notification will take place in early June.

Grant Eligibility Requirements: http://www.mainecf.org/GrantsNonprofits/HelpforGrantApplicants/GrantGuidelines.aspx

Application Tips:
http://www.mainecf.org/GrantsNonprofits/HelpforGrantApplicants/TipsforStrongApplications.aspx

Fiscal Sponsorship Guidelines:
http://www.mainecf.org/GrantsNonprofits/HelpforGrantApplicants/GrantGuidelines/FiscalSponsorshipOverview.aspx

Grant Deadlines:
http://www.mainecf.org/GrantsNonprofits/AvailableGrantsDeadlines.aspx#274555-grant-deadlines