This program assists arts organizations to develop collaborative projects with Maine artists and provide cultural programming for Maine citizens. 

• Deadline to be announced
• Maximum grant award: $7,500 (with a required 1:1 in-kind and/or cash match)
• Project must take place: to be announced
• Funding will be made available: to be announced 

Projects funded by the Artists in Maine Communities grant may feature contemporary, public or traditional arts in all genres but must provide evidence of the vital role artists play in the enrichment of community. Applicants that have projects focusing primarily on arts in education should refer to the SMART grant program: http://mainearts.maine.gov/grant_smart.aspx.

Eligibility Requirements

A professional Maine arts organization is eligible to apply if it is a nonprofit organization, legally established in the state of Maine, and has tax exempt status 501(c)(3) from the Internal Revenue Service.

Applicants must have completed and filed all final reports required for previous Maine Arts Commission grants.

A single organization, or multiple organizations working together, may apply. Individual artists may not apply; however, Maine artists must be included in the collaboration. 

An applicant must demonstrate a fiscal structure that allows them to legally and responsibly utilize grant funds. The applicant must provide a minimum of a 1:1 cash match or in-kind match. This demonstrates the applicant’s ability to take on the project. This match must be documented as part of the application package.

The applicant becomes legally accountable for complying with the above eligibility requirements upon submission of this request. 

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by a committee of public members who are selected for their expertise in specific artistic fields. The committee will be chaired by a member of the Maine Arts Commission.

Grant recommendations will be presented to the executive committee or the full Maine Arts Commission, at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The approval of the review process, making the grant official, takes place at that time.

The review process and delivery of funds may take up to four months. This means that grant funds may be used to reimburse costs incurred for the project after the grant has been approved. Please plan accordingly. 

Review Criteria

Grant proposals are reviewed on a competitive basis using the following criteria:

• Clear articulation of the project including attainable goals.
• Highest level of artistic quality and merit that includes the involvement of professional artists within a community setting
• Demonstration that the project is innovative. If applying for an ongoing project, clear demonstration of what makes the current year’s activities different or fresh.
• Quality of the project work plan including a timeline.
• Depth and quality of the interaction with and benefit to the community.
• Demonstrated involvement by local residents, artists and organizations.

Examples of Successful Grants

Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance: This grant supported programs for the Maine State Poet Laureate.

Portland Symphony Orchestra: This grant supported Music Tells a Story: A PSO partnership with Maine Libraries.

Required Application Materials

Please review the following required materials carefully in preparing your application materials. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in disqualification of your application. Only complete applications will be accepted. Make copies of all application materials for your records prior to submitting them.

The preferred format for text files is .pdf, but .doc or .rtf files will be allowed. No other format will be accepted. Failure to save a document correctly may limit its ability to be uploaded through eGRANT and jeopardize the application. Instructions for submitting artistic work samples, if required, can be found below. 

1.       eGRANT Application Applicants are required to upload all supporting documents through eGRANT.

2.     Application Budget Form (form below) No substitutions for the budget form are allowed. Organizations must provide evidence of 1:1 in-kind and/or cash match.

3.     Application Narrative (form below) Clear, specific responses to each of the questions, addressed sequentially and numbered. Responses cannot exceed five pages. The project description is the central element of the grant request.

4.       Resume(s) For key staff members involved with the organization. Artists to be employed by the project may be included as well.

5.       Letters of Support Up to three letters of support are required from individuals or representatives of organizations or schools who can speak to their anticipated benefit from the project.

6.       Operating Budget From the agency’s most recently completed fiscal year including Profit and Loss statement.

7.       Vendor Form (form below) To be provided by a first time applicant, or those whose contact information has changed. This is information used by the Treasury to generate a check if the grant is awarded. Applicants should be sure to indicate the address the check should be sent to.

8.       Assurances Form (form below) Form must include the original signature of an authorizing official. Please mark with name of applicant.

Mail or fax (207/287-2725) the assurances form and vendor form (if required) to the Maine Arts Commission, 193 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04333-0025. 

Stop!

Each applicant must speak with Kathy Ann Shaw, senior grants directorat 207/287-2750, kathy.shaw@maine.gov about the project before submitting an application. Failure to do so will disqualify the application. 

How to Apply

Applicants are required to apply through the Maine Arts Commission eGRANT system. An eGRANT application will be accepted until 5:00 pm E.S.T. on the date of the application deadline. Because of the volume of eGRANT submissions on the day of any grant deadline, it is strongly recommended that you give yourself a 24-hour buffer.

Applicants who are unable to apply through eGRANT must contact Kathy Ann Shaw at 207/287-2750 or kathy.shaw@maine.gov to discuss an alternative prior to applying. Alternative submissions will not be accepted without prior authorization.

The agency will not accept late or incomplete applications under any circumstance.

Grant information is available in large print format by request. All Maine Arts Commission programs are accessible to people with disabilities. All programs funded by the Maine Arts Commission must also be accessible. 

Apply Now!