ME Humanities: Mini Grants

The Maine Humanities Council Mini Grants program provides funding of up to $2,000 to nonprofit organizations in Maine for humanities projects that foster community engagement and outreach. Applicants are encouraged to present clear project proposals, including detailed budgets and timelines. Priority is given to organizations led by or serving under-resourced communities. A 1:1 funding match is required. This initiative aims to enrich the humanities landscape in Maine through collaborative and inclusive programming.

The Maine Humanities Council Mini Grants program distributes funding to nonprofit organizations in Maine for humanities programs and projects that have broad public outreach. Organizations serving and/or led by members of communities traditionally under-resourced in the humanities are encouraged to apply.
Project Criteria
MHC evaluates proposals on their strength and clarity in the following areas:

• MHC is looking for projects that:Engage Maine audiences through and with the humanities.
• Have guidance from someone with deep expertise in the project’s subject.

Involve the community in every step of the project’s processThe strongest proposals:Clearly state what form the project will take (panel discussion, exhibition, etc.)
Demonstrate clear opportunities for the audience to engage with the humanities and with each other.Provide a detailed timeline that lists the steps of the project, including everything from planning to implementation.Present a well-thought-out budget that details how MHC funding will be used, includes the projects total costs, accounts for the required cash and/or in-kind match, and explains how all figures were reached.
Funds
Grants of up to $2,000 for humanities programs and projects undertaken by non-profit organizations across Maine.Funding match or cost-share is required.

Eligibility

Organizations with 501c3 status, government organizations (such as a federally recognized Indian tribal governments or organizations or state/local/city governments), churches, or education organizations (such as schools or school districts, or public or private institutions of higher education) are eligible to apply without fiscal sponsorship.If your organization is NOT a 501c3, or equivalent (listed above) you will need a FISCAL SPONSOR for your project. Grants are for humanities programs and projects undertaken by non-profit organizations across Maine. Individuals with humanities projects may apply with a fiscal sponsor.Funding match or cost-share is required.The grant award must be matched 1:1 by either cash or in-kind support, or a combination of both, which may come from a third-party or directly from the applicant.

Ineligibility

Not eligible: individuals without a fiscal sponsor; for-profit organizations; political or advocacy organizations.MHC doesn’t fund:Projects that engage in advocacy or discriminate against persons or groups.Projects that promote a particular political, religious, or ideological point of view.Projects that support specific public policies or legislation.Grants to individuals without a fiscal sponsor. Payment to students for projects that are being done for academic credit. Grants primarily for group or individual travel.Projects designed as fundraising ventures. Subawards. Capital expenditures, construction, or restoration costs. Normal organizational operating costs, indirect or overhead expenses unrelated to the project.Projects that have NO connection to Maine or the humanities.Funds cannot be used to cover general operating expenses. Funds cannot be used for projects that promote a particular political, religious, or ideological point of view or discriminate against persons or groups.Beginning in 2025, if you or your organization receives a MHC project grant (Major, Mini, or Arts & Humanities Grant), you are not eligible to apply again in either the same or the following calendar year. For example, an organization awarded a project grant (at any point) in 2025 would not be eligible to apply for ANY MHC grants until January 2027.