Total grant dollars requested last cycle: $389,763
Total grant dollars awarded last cycle: $107,071
Percentage of proposals that received full funding: 15%
Percentage of proposals that received partial funding: 26%
Maximum grant size: $5,000
Average grant size last cycle: $2,974
Application deadline: September 15
Background
The Rines/Thompson Fund is a component fund of the Maine Community Foundation that provides funding primarily for the benefit of people of the greater Portland community. Established in 1999 by the children and grandchildren of Henry P. and Adeline B. Rines, this fund is designed to give back to the community that has supported the businesses owned by the Rines/Thompson family. Those businesses included the Congress Square Hotel, the Eastland Hotel, WCSH Radio and WCSH Television. Henry P. Rines' father, Joseph Rines, started Rines Brothers Store on Congress Street in 1883 and the family has conducted business in the area for more than 115 years.
The fund also acts as a memorial to the Henry and Adeline Rines’ two children, Mary Rines Thompson (1918-1992) and William Henry Rines (1917-1970). Their spouses and children contributed to this fund in their memory.
Fund Priorities
Grants will be awarded for projects that focus on:
- Improving the welfare of the citizens of greater Portland, with particular interest given to innovative programs that promote community and economic development, cultural enrichment, diversity, neighborhood and urban revitalization, youth, mediation, and social service
- Activities that strengthen the organization’s capacity by improving its effectiveness and prospects for long-term sustainability
- Annual appeals (Please note “for annual appeal” in the project description box and in lieu of the narrative questions describe how unrestricted funds will promote your mission for the year)
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must meet the Maine Community Foundation’s general grant eligibility requirements. In addition, please note that:
- Applicants must serve the greater Portland area.
- Grants cannot pay for program expenses that have already been incurred.
How to Apply
Complete the online grant application by clicking the link in the Grant Application box at the top right hand corner of this page. Online applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. September 15.
Online applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. September 15. Applicants will be notified of the final decisions in late November.
Project Progress Report
All grant recipients will be required to submit a Project Progress Report (PDF | RTF | Word Document) approximately 10 months after receiving payment of the grant. Organizations that fail to file a progress report will not be eligible for future funding from Maine Community Foundation competitive grant programs for one year or until the missing report is filed.
Contact
If you have any further questions regarding the Rines/Thompson Fund, please contact Pam Cleghorn via e-mail or by phone at (877) 700-6800, ext. 2205.