Libra Foundation Grant

The Libra Foundation Grant, established by Elizabeth Noyce in 1989, focuses on supporting charitable organizations in Maine. It aims to provide small grants to diverse causes in areas such as arts, education, health, and more, thus empowering communities and enhancing the quality of life for all Maine citizens.

NOTE: Effective June 20, 2025, Libra Foundation is not accepting new applications for funding, for a period expected to continue for one (1) year, as grant-making priorities and guidelines are considered.Currently, it is expected that new applications will be accepted beginning with the Trustees' regular scheduled quarterly meeting in September 2026 (applications for consideration at this meeting would be due no later than August 15, 2026).Mission StatementThe Libra Foundation, based in Portland, Maine, was created by Elizabeth Noyce in 1989 and has made significant contributions to worthy causes throughout the State of Maine. Embracing the sense of proportion and fairness defined by its name, Libra, the Foundation maintains a balance and diversity of giving throughout Maine and across all populations.While the formal application process is the norm and continues to generate the lion's share of the increasing number of annual requests, Libra does pro-actively solicit some groups to apply and also undertakes special programs of its own creation. Traditionally, small grants are given to many organizations as opposed to large grants to only a few. Areas of giving include:Arts, Culture & Humanities, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, Justice, Public/Society Benefit and Religion.As Libra grows, it will continue to strive for innovative ways to enrich Maine, empower communities, and enhance the quality of life of all Maine citizens.

Eligibility

No Applications will be considered from an organization unless it has
been determined to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue code and "not a private foundation" under Section 509(a) of the
Code. The Foundation limits its grants to charitable organizations,
activities, operations or purposes which only take place within the
State of Maine.

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not normally award grants to supplement annual
campaigns for regular operations nor make multiple year gifts. Having
made a grant to a charitable organization, the Foundation does not
generally make a subsequent grant for the same purpose.Grants are not made to individuals, nor
for scholarships, fellowships, or travel, nor in the form of loans.

Charitable organizations, activities or purposes within the State of Maine only. Wait at least one year after applying before reapplying.