The application submission process opens in January, however, you can prepare your materials offline before this date.

All grant applications must be made through the online Grants Management System (GMS). When using the system, please note that there is a log-out feature that becomes active after 90 minutes of idle time. Please be aware of the application field character limits (which include spaces), and the fact that you can edit your application at any time prior to the deadline as long as you have not selected the final Submit Application button.

To access the GMS (or create an account) you must go to https://mainearts-grants.maine.gov/account/login. Additional resources that may help are:

• Application Overview

• Budget Form Help

• Review Criteria Help 

• Support Materials Help

Applications are reviewed by panels of public members who are selected for their expertise. All grant recommendations are presented to Maine Arts Commission members who approve the review process, making the awards official. All applicants are notified on whether their application was approved or declined as soon as this process is complete. The review process and delivery of funds may take up to six months.

If your application was approved for funding you will need to complete some paperwork. You will also need to be prepared to highlight the agency support for project and complete a Final report when the project concludes. Additional resources that may help ar

• Award Management Overview

• Agency Acknowledgement Help

• Awardee Calendar Help

• Contract Ammendment Instructions 

• Contract Ammendment Instructions (Bicentennial)

• Grant Final Report Help

• Grant Use/Timeline Modifications 

• Grant Visibility Help

• Letter of Agreement Explained

Sometimes forms are required in applying for a grant or managing a grant award. The Assurance Form is now integrated in the online application, but can also be accessed here. We strive for a paperless office, but some forms are better submitted through the mail or FAX, especially if they contain an individual's social security number. 

• Assurance / Terms and Conditions Agreement Form 

• CCED Phase 2 Implementation Form 

• Contract Amendment Template

• Contract Amendment Template (Bicentennial)

• Duplicate Check Request

• Legislative Letter Template

• Letter of Agreement Example

• NEA Accessibility Checklist

• Reviewer Stipend Form

• Vendor Code Instructions 

• Vendor Code Form

• W9 Form 

If you are able, please notify your state legislators of your award. It is important for our public decision-makers to be aware of Maine Arts Commission funding for projects in their districts. We have provided a legislative letter template that can be personalized and sent to your local Legislators informing them of the receipt of your grant. In addition, we encourage you to invite your Legislators to your events and ask them to make comments or introduce the program. You can find their names and contact information at: http://legislature.maine.gov/house and http://legislature.maine.gov/senate.

Recipients of Maine Arts Commission funding must acknowledge the Maine Arts Commission. Recipients are required to acknowledge the agency’s support related to the awarded funding by using the agency logo and the following language: “Funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.” Please use the primary logo, if you can, when crediting the Maine Arts Commission.

PRIMARY LOGO