MCF: Maine Theater Grant

The MCF: Maine Theater Grant supports nonprofit professional and community theaters in Maine, fostering vibrant communities through live performances. Established by an anonymous couple in 2005, this grant program prioritizes adult theater and dramas, offering funding between $2,500 and $5,000 to eligible organizations including 501(c)(3) nonprofits and municipalities. Applicants should focus on enhancing their operational capacity or project-specific needs, while adhering to guidelines that exclude certain expenses and types of projects.

NOTE: You are welcome to mail a list of productions from either the prior or current season along with limited supporting information about your organization and/or project. Send this information by September 15.
Background
The Maine Theater Fund was established in 2005 by an anonymous couple who love live theater and recognize the connection between vibrant communities and support for the arts.
The Maine Theater Fund grant program supports nonprofit professional and community theaters in the production and presentation of live theater.

Eligibility

To receive a grant, a theater or project must:Support nonprofit professional and community theaters in the production and presentation of live theaterWho 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)
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:Capacity- building grants for improving and strengthening the organizationGeneral support grants for staff and operational costs at community theaters, including infrastructure and technologyProject grants for performances and other programmatic expenses.Awards are typically between $2,500 and $5,000, although larger awards may be considered.

Ineligibility

Funds may not be used for:Expenses already incurred
Regranting to a secondary grantee through a competitive process
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.Theaters whose main purpose is to present social messaging and/or health and wellness education will not be considered for funding. Children’s theater projects are not likely to be funded.