Best Grants for the Arts in Maine

The Wolf Kahn Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on visual arts, enhancing education and artist careers through exhibitions and residencies. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, prioritizing projects that promote social justice and environmental awareness. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific regions, while school-based programs and certain other entities are excluded. This initiative honors Wolf Kahn's legacy by fostering artistic collaboration and public engagement.

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 Maine Expansion Arts - BIPOC program, initiated by the Maine Community Foundation, aims to enhance access to arts for Black, Indigenous, and people of color in rural Maine. This initiative supports organizations that empower BIPOC communities through arts-based programs, ensuring representation and inclusivity. Grants are available for both general support and specific projects that promote BIPOC artists, addressing barriers to participation in the arts and fostering cultural enrichment across the state.

Arts and culture nonprofits and other eligible organizations in Maine can seek funding for community-strengthening projects and general operating needs that build skills, engage residents, and enhance local resources. Focused on broad community building, Maine Community Foundation offers up to US $10,000 for arts, education, environment, economic development, and human services work statewide.

The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation, established in 2007, supports small, impactful organizations in the Northeast US. The foundation prioritizes projects that alleviate suffering for people or animals and considers applications from 501(c)(3) organizations outside its usual funding parameters. Key areas of support include education, after-school programs, rehabilitation, arts, nutrition, and emotional support initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering local community development through thoughtful funding.

The Peckham Family Foundation offers Basic Support Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in local communities in New York and New England. The foundation supports various programs focusing on education, arts, and civic engagement. Organizations seeking funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to community improvement. The Grants Committee, composed of local non-management members, evaluates applications to ensure alignment with the foundation's mission and values.

The Maine Expansion Arts - Rural grant supports arts organizations and programs in rural Maine, focusing on accessibility to the arts for underserved communities. Established by the Maine Community Foundation, this grant prioritizes projects with annual budgets below $250,000. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and public agencies. The initiative aims to strengthen local artistic traditions and foster community engagement, ensuring the arts are accessible to all, particularly in areas with limited resources.

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.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

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 VMIG Charitable Giving Fund aims to enhance community quality of life in regions served by Vermont Mutual Insurance Group. This fund supports non-profit organizations focusing on education, youth development, community building, and basic needs such as housing and hunger. Eligible organizations must operate within specific states and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status. The fund reflects a commitment to fostering healthy, vibrant communities through meaningful financial contributions.

The Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust supports nonprofit organizations in Maine through grants in five key areas: Community/Social Services, Medical, Educational, Arts/Culture, and Environment. Each area receives a designated percentage of funds, emphasizing the trust's commitment to addressing local needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and operate within Maine. Notably, the trust does not fund multi-year requests or grants to individuals or religious organizations.

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 MAC: Arts and Humanities Grant supports Maine organizations in showcasing the state's rich cultural narratives through projects that blend arts and humanities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations with 501(c)(3) status and public schools applying via their districts. The grant covers project support for new or ongoing arts initiatives, with a required match of 1:1. Ineligible expenses include operational costs, fundraising, and equipment over $5,000.

The Creative Communities Grant, offered by the Maine Arts Commission, supports arts and cultural projects that benefit Maine communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and municipalities. Projects must be community-focused and accessible to the public, with funding requiring a 1-to-1 match. The grant aims to enhance community access to the arts, promote diversity and inclusion, and support local cultural initiatives that reflect the unique identities of Maine's communities.

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

Maine 501(c)(3) organizations, as well as tax-exempt towns, fire or emergency departments, and school systems, can seek project grants that strengthen organizational capacity and community impact, including arts and culture initiatives. With a mission to support community well-being, the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation prioritizes libraries, literacy, information access, community health, and cultural projects, awarding US $500 - US $50,000.