Best Grants for the Arts in Maine

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running arts and culture, education, health, human services, scientific, Jewish, or animal advocacy programs in Maine and beyond can apply for project or program-development funding from the Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation. Funding is primarily for specific projects, not general operations, and requires audited financials and board giving documentation.

Arts and culture nonprofits in Maine offering arts education, literacy, or trade-related programs may be eligible for non-traditional scholarship support that removes barriers to self-sufficiency. Justamere Foundation prioritizes underserved needs through education, coaching, and connections, partnering with community organizations in trade education, veterans resources, childhood literacy, and arts education.

Arts and education nonprofits in Maine seeking to remove barriers to self-sufficiency can apply for Justamere Foundation’s “Grants That Make a Real Impact” to support arts education, childhood literacy, trade education, and veterans programs. Grants from Justamere Foundation help organizations with practical needs, such as tools, equipment, or resources that enable impactful training and learning opportunities.

The KSB Grants & Sponsorships Program supports nonprofit organizations, public schools, and municipalities that benefit communities in southern York County, Maine, and Strafford & Rockingham Counties in New Hampshire. The program emphasizes funding for health, economic advancement, arts and culture, education, and environmental initiatives. It aims to address community needs, especially heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, by fostering partnerships and promoting wellness and innovation across diverse sectors.

Nonprofit arts, social justice, and journalism organizations, including fiscally sponsored projects, can seek support for original, high-impact work in Maine and worldwide. With a mission to back innovative change-makers, Reva and David Logan Foundation provides 501(c)(3)s and fiscally sponsored applicants with project funding, prioritizing feasibility, strong capacity, and sustained community engagement.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits running arts, youth arts, education, community empowerment, or global health programs, including those serving Maine, can seek invitation-only support from the Green Family Foundation Trust. Grants from this funder typically range from $1,500 - $30,000 and prioritize community-driven, equitable, and sustainable initiatives with measurable impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine can seek US $2,000 - US $25,000 for arts, culture, and community-focused programs, facilities, and equipment. With a mission to strengthen thriving, vibrant communities, Bangor Savings Bank Foundation supports initiatives in culture and arts alongside education, health, workforce, and community services across its Northern New England service region.

The Rosamond Thaxter Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Kittery, Maine, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and the Isles of Shoals. The Foundation prioritizes local non-profits focusing on history, healthcare, land conservation, education, museums and libraries, and the arts. Eligibility requires tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), while private foundations are ineligible. Through its grants, the Foundation aims to enhance community well-being and support diverse initiatives.

Maine arts and culture nonprofits can seek up to US $20,000 for operating support, programs, or capital projects that strengthen community arts, cultural facilities, and historic preservation. Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust also funds initiatives that celebrate diverse cultural heritage and connect people with Maine’s natural environment through education, stewardship, and conservation efforts.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

Maine arts and culture nonprofits providing children’s arts education can access funding through the Find Your Light Foundation for programs serving low-income communities. U.S.-based organizations may apply for US $5,000 - US $15,000 to support high-quality arts education initiatives, with awards typically made in summer and winter funding cycles.

Arts and cultural 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine can seek project-specific support for innovative, non-ongoing programs that expand year-round access or preserve important cultural and historic elements. Davis Family Foundation funds education, medical, and cultural/arts initiatives primarily benefiting Maine communities, including eligible organizations across New England whose projects significantly impact Maine learners or residents.

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers. 

Special Giving Program

Throughout her life, Ann B. Zekauskas supported numerous nonprofits and charitable endeavors. She especially had a fondness for organizations that worked to rescue and rehome abandoned animals — and her house was always home to a dog, a cat, and, for a very long time, a set of parakeets. 

In honoring Ann’s complete legacy, each year our trustees contribute to select causes which are of special personal importance to them and fall beyond our three main areas of giving. These include supporting educational institutions; local community groups and projects; athletics programs; animal rescues; and more.

Nonprofit organizations serving socioeconomically disadvantaged people through immigrant services, workforce development, or K–12 education can apply for multi-year operating support from the Clowes Fund, including in Maine. Focused on immigrant integration, job skills, and in-school education, this opportunity may benefit arts education programs embedded in school-day instruction. Awards are up to US $150,000.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations in Maine can seek funding for education, health, conservation, and community support initiatives, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $35,000. Betterment Fund supports systemic, community-driven projects, with a focus on Western Mountains and rural regions, and may fund arts-related education or creative economy efforts that strengthen local well-being.

Maine arts and culture nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and local or state agencies can access funding for public performances, readings, and screenings through the New England States Touring (NEST) program. Grants from New England Foundation for the Arts support touring projects across New England, covering a portion of artist fees for multi-site presentations and community engagement.

Trans-led groups focused on intersex and transgender rights, including those in Maine, can access funding for movement-building activities such as advocacy, education, arts-based projects, and leadership development. Grants from Astraea Foundation provide US $10,000 - US $50,000 in general or project support for small organizations with operating budgets under $100,000 that benefit trans communities.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, universities, and eligible public charities in Maine working on amateur radio, digital communications, or STEAM education can apply for grants supporting education, research, and technology projects. Amateur Radio Digital Communications funds initiatives that expand learning, experimentation, and open-source communication tools, which may benefit arts or cultural programs incorporating radio or digital media.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, faith institutions, and Maine public entities serving Cumberland or York Counties can apply for Sam L. Cohen Foundation grants up to US $50,000 to support arts, education, health, and community programs. Funding may cover new or ongoing arts initiatives, general operations, or capital needs benefiting Maine communities.

With a mission to support education, human services, health, conservation, and culture, McGraw Foundation provides Maine arts and culture nonprofits with US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operating support, projects, or occasional capital needs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) or 509(a) organizations, primarily serving the greater Chicago area but working across these focus areas.

Maine 501(c)(3) public charities can seek funding for programs in areas like arts, culture, education, environment, health, human services, justice, public benefit, and religion. With a mission to maintain balanced giving statewide, Libra Foundation typically offers many small grants up to US $25,000 to enrich communities and quality of life.

Maine arts and culture nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can apply for broad program support, alongside organizations in other New England states and New York. Grants from David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund help eligible groups working in areas like arts, education, environment, health, human services, public benefit, and religion; governmental agencies may also receive support.

Maine 501(c)(3) public charities, fiscally sponsored projects, and governmental units running arts education or public engagement programs can apply for Onion Foundation’s Arts Program grants, with awards up to US $60,000. Funding may support general operations or specific arts projects that expand equitable, low-barrier arts access for Maine residents, including multiyear initiatives.

Maine rural or tribal governments, nonprofits, and planning or university partners can seek support for community design and creative placemaking projects through the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design. Focused on rural development, this U.S. program offers design workshops, technical assistance, and a learning cohort that may benefit arts and culture initiatives in smaller Maine communities.

With a mission to support libraries, education, and health, the Gladys Brooks Foundation provides Maine 501(c)(3) institutions with US $50,000 - US $150,000 for endowments, capital projects, and equipment. Eligible applicants include nonprofit libraries, schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and clinics whose innovative projects may intersect with arts and cultural programming.

Arts and culture organizations in Maine can seek funding for arts access, education, and historic preservation projects that serve disadvantaged youth, elderly residents, immigrants, refugees, or Indigenous communities. Focused on environment, health and welfare, arts, education, and supportive churches, the Adelard and Valeda Roy Foundation offers US $2,500 - US $10,000 grants in Northern New England.

Nonprofits, public entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Greater Portland offering arts and culture, youth, or environmental programs can seek up to US $10,000 for projects or general operating support. With a mission to strengthen community vibrancy, Maine Community Foundation supports eligible organizations in Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Gorham, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, Yarmouth, and Westbrook.