How much funding does Build HOPE provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

When is the deadline for Build HOPE?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Build HOPE

Maine Equal Justice Partners

Foundation Hardship Grants Poverty Alleviation Grants Grants for Education

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Build HOPE

Overview: Build HOPE is a program launched in January 2022 by Maine Equal Justice to provide financial assistance to low-income parents pursuing higher education or training.

Purpose: The goal of the project is to provide low-income parents who are attending school with funds to meet needs that aren't being covered by other programs, such as home repairs, utility bills, medical expenses, and medication costs.

Funding Source: Launched through a generous investment from former Speaker of the House Sara Gideon.

Geographic Scope: Maine

Award Information:

Average Award: $1,637

Total Distributed (as of May 2022): $74,000 to 39 individuals

Eligibility:

Low-income parents

Currently attending school (pursuing higher education or training)

Program Features:

Individual interviews conducted by MEJ team members to assess needs

Connection to additional resources including Food Assistance (SNAP), MaineCare, and HEAP (heating assistance)

Focus on removing barriers to educational completion

Contact Information:

Maine Equal Justice

Address: 126 Sewall Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Phone: (866) 626-7059 (toll-free)

How to Apply

Application Process

Application Method: Individuals can apply to the Build HOPE program.

Interview Process:

After application submission, a member of the MEJ team calls applicants for an interview

Interview covers assessment of needs and existing resources

Team ensures applicants aren't missing out on other available help

Team works to connect applicants to additional support programs (SNAP, MaineCare, HEAP)

Required Information:

Details about specific needs (home repairs, utilities, medical expenses, medications, etc.)

Information about current school enrollment and program of study

Information about income and resources already being accessed

Note: Specific application forms or submission procedures are not detailed in available materials.

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What Maine Equal Justice Partners actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024

Grants in 2024: 3
Total given: $122K
Median grant: $36K
Range: $36K–$50K

By dollars: Maine 59%, District of Columbia 41%. Top recipient cities: Washington, DC; Augusta, ME; Portland, ME.

Example grants

Migration Policy Institute · Washington, DC

Subgrant of MeHAF grant for immigrant needs study

$50K
Maine Center for Economic Policy · Augusta, ME

Subgrant from Economic Security Project Grant for income solutions

$36K
Maine People's Resource Center · Portland, ME

Subgrant from Economic Security Project Grant for income solutions

$36K