Maine Arts Commission announces Bicentennial grants for communities and individuals through 2020

AUGUSTA- The Maine Arts Commission is commemorating the 200 anniversary of our statehood by administering $375,000 in grant funding on behalf of the Bicentennial Commission for community events and projects through the year 2020.

“Maine’s 2020 Bicentennial marks an important milestone that allows us to commemorate our past, celebrate our present, and take a view toward the future,” said Julie Richard, Executive Director of the Maine Arts Commission. “We are pleased to be able to assist the Bicentennial Commission with these grants and we encourage communities across our great state to celebrate this momentous occasion.”

The Bicentennial grants will be supplemented by matching funds from private corporations and individuals. Up to 10 percent of the funds will be set aside for small grants of $500 or less, and at least one grant of up to $10,000 will be available for each of Maine’s 16 counties. 

Grant applicants should focus on Bicentennial-themed projects that benefit the public, such as parades, historic preservation efforts, lectures, and curriculum. The commission will consider grant applications from Maine community non-profit organizations, such as historical societies and libraries, government entities, and schools. Private individuals and for-profit corporations will also be welcome to apply in partnership with a non-profit entity.  Projects can be on any scale.

Additionally the Arts Commission will be awarding a special commission for a composition of an original piece of music to be performed at the Bicentennial Celebration in 2020. Learn more here.

The Bicentennial grant program will be administered by the Maine Arts Commission’s Grant Management System. Application deadlines will cycle through three rounds.

• September 1, 2019 
• February 1, 2020 
• June 1, 2020 

All funds must be expended no later than March 30, 2021. Complete information is at: https://www.maine200.org/. For general questions about the application or review process please contact Kerstin Gilg, Director of Grants and Accessibility, at kerstin.gilg@maine.gov or 207/ 287-6719.