MCF: Maine Expansion Arts -Rural

Overview

_NOTE: Starting in 2022, Maine Expansion Arts grant program will offer two separate tracks: one for organizations serving rural communities and the other for organizations led by and/or serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color ([BIPOC]())._

What We Do

Founded in 1983, the Maine Community Foundation works with donors and other partners to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. MaineCF’s investment expertise supports our donors’ effective and strategic giving. We offer a range of giving options tailored to fit each donor’s financial means and charitable objectives. Our staff provides personalized service, community leadership, and a deep understanding of local issues.

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.

Purpose

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.

Maine Expansion Arts-Rural

To receive a grant, an organization or project must provide access to the arts in rural communities in Maine.

Eligibility

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

* To receive a grant, an organization or project must:
* Provide access to the arts in rural communities in Maine
* All applicant organizations must have an annual operating budget of less than$250,000.
* 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 arts organizations whose mission is to expand access to the arts in rural communities to support ongoing programming and operational needs.
* Project grants to organizations with an annual budget under $250,00 to support new or expanding arts-based projects or programs serving rural communities.
* 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.
* Proposals from organizations with annual operating budgets greater than $250,000 will not be considered.