Elsie & William Viles Foundation Grant

The Elsie & William Viles Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations, prioritizing those in Maine's Capital Region. Established in 1990, the foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of William and Elsie Viles. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 and focus on preserving open spaces, protecting animals, supporting children's education, and promoting Maine's history and culture. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.

The Viles family managed logging and timber businesses in Maine dating back to the 1700s. William and Elsie made generous philanthropic commitments to the people of Maine and the city they called home, Augusta. When her beloved husband William Payson Viles passed away in 1986, Elsie continued their legacy of philanthropy and 3 years later formed the Elsie & William Viles Foundation in 1990.
In keeping with the generosity and legacy created during their lifetimes, the Elsie & William Viles Foundation is committed to supporting charitable organizations with preference given to organizations in Maine; primarily in the Capital Region.
The purposes of the Foundation are: For such charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes as are permitted to organizations exempt from federal income tax and described in section 501(c)(3) of the code, including without limitation, projects and organizations that:

• Preserve open spaces and conservation of forest lands.
• Care for and protect animals.
• Support children and education.
• Promote and preserve Maine History and culture.
• Elsie & William Viles Foundation Grants

The Elsie & William Viles Foundation provides two categories of funding, one of which is termed Grants and the other Donations. Grants and Donations have separate application processes. Funding requests for Grants are for organizations requesting greater than $5,000 and less than $25,000.

Eligibility

Organizations exempt from federal income tax and described in section 501(c)(3) of the code.
Organizations in Maine, primarily in the Capital Region.