Community Building Grant Program

Geographic Scope: Statewide Maine
Maximum Award: $10,000

Purpose

Supports projects and organizations focused on making communities stronger across Maine. This is MaineCF's largest grant program, receiving over 600 applications annually.

Focus Areas

The program supports a broad range of projects and organizations across multiple sectors:

• Arts
• Education
• Environment
• Economic development
• Human services

Funding Criteria

All proposals must:

• Invest in people by increasing skills/abilities, knowledge, and/or well-being
• Engage the people served in the design, delivery, and/or evaluation of the work
• Strengthen community resources including organizations, partnerships, and built and natural environments

General Support

For flexible funding of any type including:

• New/expanding/ongoing programs
• Operational needs
• Capital expenses

Eligibility for General Support:

• Organization must be located in Maine (have a Maine address)
• Most recent completed fiscal or financial year expenses BELOW $500,000
• NOT a municipality, government agency, public school, or faith-based organization

Project Grants

For NEW projects within the first two years (including capital expenses)

Eligibility for Project Grants:

• Organization must be located in Maine (have a Maine address)
• Most recent completed fiscal or financial year expenses AT or ABOVE $500,000
• Municipalities, government agencies, public schools, or faith-based organizations may apply regardless of expenses
• Total project budget does not exceed $100,000
• Project expenses DO NOT include endowments, annual appeals, or scholarships
• Administrative costs up to 20% of total amount requested (maximum $2,000 of a $10,000 request)

2025 Cycle Statistics

• Applications received: 716
• Amount requested: $6,815,477
• Number of grants awarded: 271
• Grant dollars awarded: $2,408,808
• Additional grants by donors: $372,850

Application Timeline

• Application Opens: November 17
• Deadline: February 17, 11:59 p.m.
• Notification: By June 1

Key Requirements

• Applicants must choose ONE county that will most directly benefit from funding
• If people in three or more counties will benefit, applicants may choose "statewide" option
• Projects/activities must occur after the grant has been awarded (usually by June 1)
• Requests for support for activities or expenses occurring before June 1 will be declined

Review Process

• All proposals reviewed by staff for eligibility
• Depending on volume, subcommittee may review proposals and decline those not closely matching criteria
• Eligible proposals assigned to county advisor or staff member for brief telephone call (late March or April)
• County committees collectively review and decide which proposals to fund
• More than 130 volunteer advisors from all 16 counties serve on review committees
• Committees identify strongest proposals that meet criteria and represent diverse sectors, geography, and populations

Contact

Staff contacts available by county. MaineCF staff members manage the program and can answer questions.

Additional Resources

• Webinar recording available on program changes
• Microsoft Word version of 2026 Application Questions and Guidance (with additional red guidance text)
• FAQ document available
• Recent grants viewable from last three years

Contact Information:

• Phone: 207-667-9735
• Address: 245 Main Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605-1613 or Two Monument Square, Suite 403, Portland, ME 04101

Application Platform

MaineCF launched a new online grant application portal in July 2025.

Steps:

1. Click the orange "Apply" button at the top right of the program page
2. Create an account in the online grant system
3. Complete the 2026 Application Questions and Guidance
4. Submit before February 17, 11:59 p.m.

Required Materials and Information

Application Resources:

• Download the Microsoft Word version of the 2026 Application Questions and Guidance (includes helpful red guidance text not appearing in online form)
• Download written instructions on how to create an account and apply
• Watch the informational webinar on using the portal (available from July 2025 launch)

Application Content - General Support

Answers to general support application questions should focus on:

• Your organization's work (not a specific project)
• How your organization meets the Community Building grant program criteria
• Note: General support awarded to an organization is for any purpose, not a specific project

Application Content - Project Grants

Applications must demonstrate:

• How the NEW project meets the Community Building criteria
• How the project invests in people
• Community engagement in design, delivery, and/or evaluation
• How it strengthens community resources

Key Instructions

• Primary County Served: Indicate ONE county that will most directly benefit from funding (this determines which committee reviews your proposal)
• Timing: Project/activities must occur after June 1, 2026 (when awards are typically announced)
• Budget: Project budget cannot exceed $100,000
• Administrative Costs: Up to 20% of total amount requested (max $2,000 for $10,000 request) may be included as a line item labeled "administrative costs"

Application Guidance

• This is a very competitive program — read guidelines closely
• Ensure proposal is completed correctly
• Use the Word version of Application Questions and Guidance to draft your proposal (includes red guidance text)
• Contact your county staff member with questions