Best Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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 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.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.