Creative Communities Grant

The Creative Communities Grant, offered by the Maine Arts Commission, supports arts and cultural projects that benefit Maine communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and municipalities. Projects must be community-focused and accessible to the public, with funding requiring a 1-to-1 match. The grant aims to enhance community access to the arts, promote diversity and inclusion, and support local cultural initiatives that reflect the unique identities of Maine's communities.

The Creative Communities Grant supports arts and cultural activities of organizations in service to Maine communities and residents. Funding is for the support of new or existing arts-based projects with a focus on community needs. The project should directly benefit the public and/or engage a specific community. All activities must be community-based, and be open and accessible to the general public. 501(c)(3) organizations, K- 12 schools, municipalities, tribal entities may apply. Public schools must apply through their school district. There is a 1-to-1 match required; this means the grant amount requested must be matched in the project budget with the same amount from other sources (funds or donated services).
Creative Communities Grant Goals
Expand community access to the arts.
Ensure diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Support and address community needs.
Promote the unique identities of ME’s communities as places people want to live, visit, work, and play.
Promote inclusion of artists and culture bearers in community projects.

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements
Cultural organizations, K-12 schools, municipalities, tribal entities, and non-art 501(c)(3) organizations may apply. Public schools must apply through their school district.
The applicant is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service, a school, or is a unit of municipal, county or tribal government, legally established in the state of Maine.The applicant operates within the state of Maine.
Has a valid UEI number (www.sam.gov/content/duns-uei). You cannot receive a grant without a valid UEI.
If applicable, has completed all Final Reports, required by the Maine Arts Commission for previous awards.
Is compliant with organization requirements on both the state and federal levels.
If the primary applicant is a recipient of the FY25 Organization Operating Support grant, they are ineligible to apply.Eligible Expenses
Awards may be used for things such as:

• Materials or equipment;
• Productions or installations;
• Planning and preparation;
• Tours or Exhibition costs;
• Workshops;
• Hiring artists;
• Collaborative programming with other organizations;
• Costs for ensuring your programs are accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.

Ineligibility

Non-501(c)(3) applicants cannot apply under a fiscal sponsor or agent.Ineligible Expenses:

• Debt or loan repayment;
• Equipment purchases over $5000;
• Activities for which academic credit is given;
• Activities that have already been completed;
• Performances and exhibitions not available to the general public;
• Performances and exhibitions outside Maine;
• Lobbying of fundraising efforts;
• General operating business expenses;
• Capital projects, including the construction or renovation of buildings, or additions to buildings;
• Development efforts, such as social events or benefits or any fundraising expenses;
• Student projects for educational credit;
• Activities that support or oppose a particular political party or candidate for public office;

Activities that are exclusive to members of a particular religious faith group.If any application is submitted that includes any ineligible tasks or activities, that portion of the application will be ineligible for funding and may, depending on the extent to which it affects the application, render the entire application ineligible for funding.