Best Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Maine arts and culture nonprofits, public schools, and municipalities can access funding through Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation for projects that benefit communities in southern York County. Support is also available for health, education, community development, environment, and animal welfare initiatives in York County, Maine, and Rockingham and Strafford Counties in New Hampshire.

Tax-exempt organizations, schools, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored grassroots groups in Maine’s Oxford County can apply for the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund Dash Grants from New Hampshire Charitable Foundation; awards US $250 - US $2,000 for short-term projects. Funding can cover one-time needs like arts events, equipment, consultants, or field trips supporting local community vitality.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs that serve U.S. communities may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help organizations with broadly beneficial, well-managed services; Maine arts and culture nonprofits may qualify if their work advances general welfare within the U.S.

Maine nonprofits and organizations providing children’s arts education in low-income communities can access funding through the Find Your Light Foundation, with awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000. Programs must be arts education–based and located in the U.S., and grants are issued twice yearly to strengthen arts opportunities for young people.

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine can apply for the Ann B Zekauskas Family Foundation’s Special Giving Program to support work with domestic animals and pets. Grants may benefit arts nonprofits whose educational or community projects intersect with animal rescues, local community groups, or related charitable initiatives.

Nonprofit arts organizations and eligible multi-disciplinary entities in Maine can seek support for arts-and-humanities projects that present the state’s stories and cultural expressions. Focused on arts and culture, Maine Humanities Council co-administers this program to fund creation of new work or continuation of existing programs, with awards up to US $1,000.

Maine-based nonprofit and community organizations working on education, health, conservation, or community-wide support initiatives can seek project funding between US $10,000 - US $35,000. Betterment Fund prioritizes systemic, regional efforts in Western and rural Maine, including early childhood, creative economy, broadband, economic development, and community health and well-being initiatives.

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. New England Foundation for the Arts supports New England-based presenters bringing regional, national, or international artists to New England communities, including rural and BIPOC-focused organizations.

Nonprofits, public schools, municipalities, tribal governments, and public agencies in Maine can receive up to US $1,000 to bring professional artists into grade 3–5 classrooms in Penobscot and Washington counties. Grants from Maine Community Foundation help arts and culture organizations integrate arts education and elementary arts programming into local public schools.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving older adults in York County, Maine can apply for the Huntington Common Charitable Fund to support programs that improve seniors’ quality of life. Administered by Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation, this funding may benefit arts, nutrition, dementia care, therapeutic, and other enrichment programs for older residents.

Maine 501(c)(3) public charities, government agencies, schools, universities, and similar international nonprofits can seek funding for amateur radio, digital communications, and STEAM education projects. Amateur Radio Digital Communications provides grants for initiatives that expand amateur radio, support related education, and advance open, publicly accessible communication technology, which may benefit arts or cultural programs incorporating radio or digital media.

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

With a mission to improve oral health access and education, Northeast Delta Dental Foundation provides Maine nonprofits, government, and academic institutions with up to US $2,000 for oral health programs. Eligible projects may include preventive care, equipment and supplies for clinics, education initiatives, research, and workforce scholarships that could complement arts-focused community outreach.

Maine nonprofits, governments, schools, and other eligible organizations can receive $2,001 - $7,500 for public-facing humanities and arts-related programs and projects in Maine. Maine Humanities Council funds exhibits, films, conferences, and similar initiatives with strong humanities content, scholarly guidance, and broad community engagement, with encouragement for groups serving traditionally under-resourced communities.

Arts and culture nonprofits in Maine can seek project or general support funding to strengthen community resources, engage residents, and build skills and well-being. Focused on community-building, Maine Community Foundation offers up to US $10,000 for eligible 501(c)(3)s, municipalities, schools, public agencies, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups statewide.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and governmental units can access funding for arts education and public engagement programs that benefit Maine residents. The Onion Foundation offers general operating or project grants, up to US $22,500 over three years, with priority for rural communities and equity-focused, multicultural, and low-barrier arts experiences.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and governmental units running arts education or public engagement programs can apply for Onion Foundation’s Arts Program grants, awarding up to US $60,000 for general operating or project support. Funding prioritizes equitable, low-barrier arts access and public programming that benefits Maine residents, including historically under-resourced communities.

Maine nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and tribal entities planning community-focused arts or cultural projects can apply for Creative Communities Grants, with awards up to US $7,000. Maine arts organizations can use funds for materials, productions, workshops, artist fees, accessibility costs, and other project expenses, with a required 1:1 match and activities open to the public.

Maine rural or tribal communities of 50,000 or less seeking help with arts-related or creative placemaking design challenges can access funding and technical assistance through the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design. Focused on rural development, this program offers up to US $6,000 stipends, local design workshops, and a design learning cohort for community leaders.

Nonprofit theaters, municipalities, schools, public agencies, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups in Maine can apply for Maine Community Foundation’s Maine Theater Fund, awarding US $2,500 - US $5,000 for live theater. Grants support capacity building, general operations, and project costs for nonprofit professional and community theaters, which may benefit arts-focused organizations statewide.

Nonprofits, public agencies, schools, municipalities, and tribal governments in Greater Portland can seek project or general support funding for arts and culture, early childhood and youth programming, or environmental conservation. With a mission to strengthen community vibrancy, Maine Community Foundation provides up to US $10,000 to organizations in Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Gorham, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, Yarmouth, and Westbrook.

BIPOC-led arts organizations and arts-based programs in Maine that expand access to the arts can apply for Maine Community Foundation’s Maine Expansion Arts – BIPOC grants, with awards up to US $10,000 for general operating or project support. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, public agencies, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups.

Maine arts nonprofits and public entities serving rural communities can receive up to US $10,000 to expand access to the arts and cover programming or operational needs in Maine. Maine Community Foundation offers general support and project grants, including indirect costs up to 20%, prioritizing small-budget organizations, local artists, and artistically underserved areas.