Annual Grants

The Peaks Island Fund offers Annual Grants to support island organizations that enrich the Peaks Island community. Applications are accepted once per year with a March 1st deadline.

Geographic Scope: Peaks Island, Maine

Funding Types:

• Capacity-building grants for activities designed to make an organization stronger, more successful, or more efficient (improving financial management, acquiring technology, strategic planning, training)
• General support grants for organization operations
• Project grants for new or expanding projects
• Equipment or renovation support needed to meet an organization's mission (excluding capital campaigns)

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:

• Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Municipalities
• Public schools
• Public agencies working for the State of Maine
• Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior
• Groups without tax status may apply with a fiscal sponsor that is an eligible organization

Required Criteria: To receive a grant, an organization or project must:

• Serve Peaks Island community members
• Have potential for continuing impact on the community
• Include clear financial documentation (purchases of equipment or services must include estimates from external contractors)

Funding Priorities

The Peaks Island Fund gives priority to projects or organizations that:

• Reduce economic barriers to living on the island
• Support services that enhance medical and social needs of islanders
• Provide enhanced access to educational and enrichment programs
• Preserve and protect the island environment

What We Fund

Eligible Expenses:

• Capacity-building activities
• General operations support
• New or expanding projects
• Equipment purchases
• Renovation support

What We Do NOT Fund:

• Expenses already incurred
• Political campaigns
• Lobbying
• Religious activities, including religious services, promotion of religious beliefs, or activities restricted to church or religious group membership
• Endowments, capital campaigns, or annual appeals

Contact Information

Application Timeline:

• Opens: January 1st
• Deadline: March 1st at 11:59 pm (or next business day if it falls on weekend/holiday)
• Intake/Review: Administrative staff and trustees review applications
• Decision Meeting: Grant decisions made no later than April 1st
• Project Progress Report: Due December 31st

How to Apply for Annual Grants

Application Period:

• Opens: January 1st
• Deadline: March 1st at 11:59 pm (or next business day if it falls on weekend/holiday)
• Late applications will not be accepted

Submission Process:

1. Complete the Annual Grant Application form
2. Submit online via email to executivedirector@peaksislandfund.org by the deadline
3. Confirmation of receipt will be provided
4. Applications are reviewed by Peaks Island Fund Trustees
5. At least one trustee is assigned to each application
6. Grant decisions are made no later than April 1st

Required Documents:

1. Completed Annual Grant Application
2. A list of all members of your organization's board or advisory committee, including their town/city of residence and occupation
3. For 501(c)(3) organizations: IRS certification letter and board confirmation that the organization remains in good standing with the IRS
4. For organizations using a Fiscal Sponsor: Copy of fiscal sponsor's IRS certification letter and completed Fiscal Sponsor Agreement
5. Quotes for cost of items/services (if necessary)
6. Additional documents based on project type (see below)

Additional Required Documents by Project Type:

• Working with a school: Letter of agreement from school representative explaining the school's level of involvement
• Working with a tribe: Letter of agreement from tribal representative explaining the tribe's level of involvement
• Partnership with another organization (non-school): Letter of agreement from partner organization explaining their level of involvement
• Public school or school district: Letter from principal or superintendent agreeing to accept PIF grant funds
• Municipal library: Letter from Town or City Manager confirming municipal status (not required if library has separate 501(c)(3) status)
• Town, city, government or municipal agency: Letter from head of agency agreeing to accept PIF grant funds

Application Requirements:

• Submit only one proposal per organization per year
• Requests should be for future expenses only
• Requests should not exceed the maximum award available ($10,000)
• Only send information and materials specifically requested; additional materials will not be reviewed

Notification:

• Award and decline notifications will use all available communication means (email, letter, phone, in-person) until status is communicated
• Award letters and checks will be sent via regular mail
• If using a fiscal sponsor, the check goes to the sponsor with a copy of the award letter to the applicant

Confidentiality:

• Proposals may be shared with interested parties, including donors and other funders, for potential funding