MCF: Maine Expansion Arts - BIPOC

Background

The Maine Expansion Arts Fund, a permanent endowed fund held by the Maine Community Foundation, is the result of a collaborative effort of the National Endowment for the Arts, Lillian M. Berliawsky Charitable Trust, Maine Community Foundation, and Maine Arts Commission to strengthen and ensure the future of artistic traditions in Maine. Additional funding has been provided through the Elizabeth Laughlin Anderson Memorial Fund at the Maine Community Foundation and a significant gift in 2021 from MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett.

Maine Expansion Arts - BIPOC

Maine Expansion Arts supports arts organizations and arts-based programs in Maine serving rural communities and/or Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, particularly in areas with limited access to the arts.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• To receive a grant, an organization or project must:
  • Serve Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC) people and communities in Maine
  • Involve BIPOC (all of the follow for general support; at least one for project support):
  • in leadership positions on board and staff of the organization
  • in the design, delivery, and evaluation of the programs and services
  • as most of the participants or intended recipients
  • Provide expanded access to the arts
• Who is eligible to apply:
  • Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and also classified as an organization described in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2)
  • Municipalities
  • Public schools
  • Public agencies working for the State of Maine
  • Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior
  • Groups without any tax status may apply with a fiscal sponsor that is an eligible organization as described above.
• This program provides:
  • General support grants available only to BIPOC-led organizations whose exclusive mission is to expand access to the arts to support ongoing programming and operational needs
  • Project grants to other BIPOC-led organizations and BIPOC-focused art projects promoting BIPOC arts and artists.
• Indirect costs as an allowable expense.
  • When allowed, administrative overhead expenses of up to 20% of the total requested budget may be included.

Ineligibility

• Project grant funds may not be used for:
  • Endowments, scholarships, camperships, or annual appeals
• Funds may not be used for:
  • Expenses already incurred
  • Regranting to a secondary grantee through a competitive process
  • Political campaigns
  • Lobbying in the form of calls to action on a specific vote
  • Religious activities, including, but not limited to, religious services, promotion of religious beliefs, or activities that are restricted to church or religious group membership.
• Schools and school districts are not eligible to apply.
  • If your project involves partnering with a school or school district, a letter of support from an official of that entity is required.