MaineCF grants support organizations serving numerous geographic and interest areas. The foundation also offers a small number of grants for individuals. Award sizes, deadlines, and priorities vary for each fund.
Please visit the links below or review the grant deadline calendar at the bottom of this page for more information.
Competitive Grant Programs
The Community Building Grant Program (including the County & Regional Grant Program) supports projects that help to build and strengthen Maine communities. All grant decisions are made by local volunteers with strong connections to, and knowledge about, Maine communities.
The 25/25 Nonprofit Endowment Challenge for Maine Land Trusts is a one-to-one matching opportunity in which land trusts must raise $25,000 in new funds to secure a $25,000 grant.
The Belvedere Historic Preservation Grant Program supports the preservation or restoration of historic buildings in rural Maine communities.
The Edward H. Daveis Benevolent Fund supports nonprofits in the greater Portland area.
The Equity Fund supports organizations that serve the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community of Maine.
The Hospice Fund awards grants to programs that support end-of-life volunteer and bereavement services in Cumberland and York Counties.
The Maine Charity Foundation Fund makes grants for a wide array of charitable purposes across the state. See the Maine Charity Foundation Fund page for more information.
The Maine Expansion Arts Fund supports indigenous, ethnic, or rural arts programs or projects.
The Maine Steeples Project funds the preservation of church steeples of historic, cultural, and community significance.
The Maine Theater Fund supports professional and community theaters in the production and presentation of live theater.
The Leonard and Renee Minsky Fund for Arts Education helps elementary school teachers in Washington and Penobscot Counties to bring art into the classroom.
The Noyce Award for Nonprofit Excellence annually recognizes one Maine organization’s exceptional leadership and service to the community.
The Peaks Island Fund supports the work of local nonprofits that bring residents together to improve life on Peaks.
The People of Color Fund provides grants for organizations that serve communities of color across Maine.
The Penobscot Valley Health Association Fund supports organizations and projects that enhance the well being of the greater Bangor community.
The PF Fund for the Baldwin Area funds projects that focus on efforts to bring residents together and improve life in the community.
The Rines/Thompson Fund's grantmaking is focused on improving the welfare of the citizens of greater Portland.
The Rose and Samuel Rudman Library Trust provides grants to libraries serving communities in northern and eastern Maine with populations of less than 10,000.
Grants from Donor-Advised Funds
The foundation holds a number of funds from donors who recommend grants for projects that interest them. All proposals submitted through our regular grant cycles are reviewed by staff and may be referred to one or more donors through this process. MaineCF does not accept unsolicited proposals for grants from donor-advised funds. Please speak to a member of the grantmaking staff for more information.
Grants for Individuals
Several MaineCF funds make grants to individuals for professional development and special projects. Please visit the Grants for Individuals page for more information.