Rapid Response Program Fund Grant

The Rapid Response Program Fund, managed by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, addresses urgent needs of organizations in Maine. It supports community-based initiatives focused on equity, particularly for marginalized groups. Grants, capped at $10,000, are aimed at time-sensitive projects that align with the foundation's mission for environmental and social justice. Eligible organizations can apply through a fiscal sponsor or directly if they meet tax-exempt criteria, enhancing community resilience and well-being.

NOTE:
Letter of Inquiry - This grant opportunity will follow a two-step process, which will begin with an initial inquiry to the foundation via email. Staff will review this inquiry and if there is strong alignment with the program intentions and priorities, the foundation will follow-up with a link to a brief application.Full Proposal - Invite Only
The Rapid Response Fund is a grant opportunity that supports emergency and/or time-sensitive needs of organizations and communities whose work aligns with the Sewall Foundation’s mission: To support a culture of equity and interconnected well-being for people, animals, and the environment in Maine.
Emergency refers to an unexpected and unplanned event or situation that requires an immediate and time-limited response.Time-sensitive refers to opportunities that are short-term in duration (usually within the next few months) and purpose.
Some examples of Rapid Response Fund grants that we’ve recently made are included below. Funding requests can be for work happening anywhere in Maine and do not need to fit into one of our grant programs.
Priorities
In keeping with Sewall’s values and commitment to fostering equity and centering community voice, Rapid Response Fund grants are generally focused on:
Community-based organizations with operating budgets under $250,000Organizations led by and/or serving black, indigenous, people of color, rural Mainers, and womenLand back and land access efforts. Up to $100,000 of available Rapid Response funds will be dedicated towards down payments, legal fees, appraisals, due diligence, and other time sensitive acquisition costs
Additional priorities include:
Organizations, networks, or grassroots efforts working to coordinate or mobilize response/action for their field or sector, a geographic region, or a specific community or populationCollaborative and cross-sector effortsEfforts that are explicit in their commitment to racial and environmental justice Efforts that integrate the well-being of people, animals and the environment
Funding
Available Funding: $400,000Up to $100,000 is for land back and land access projectsGrant Size: Most Rapid Response Fund grants will be no greater than $10,000.Grant Term: All Rapid Response Fund grants are limited to a 12 month term.

Eligibility

The Rapid Response Fund has limited resources that are available through a competitive process to organizations across the state that meet the criteria described below.   Focus of work is located in Maine Applicants must be eligible to receive tax-deductible donations as outlined in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes: 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations; public schools; public agencies working for the State of Maine; Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the InteriorApplicants may also apply through a fiscal sponsorThe work of the applicant must be aligned with the values and approach of the Sewall FoundationEligible organizations may apply regardless of their funding history with the Sewall Foundation

Ineligibility

Rapid Response Fund grants do not support:Ongoing operations, programs, or activities Requests to replace existing sources of fundingSponsorship of events for organizational promotionRequests that require expenditure responsibilitySewall Foundation does not fund: Direct or grassroots lobbying or political campaign activities Private for-profit enterprises, cooperatives, or individuals