When should MaineCF receive the proposal?
The application must be postmarked on or before the deadline.

Who makes the grant award decisions?
MaineCF engages community members, our board members, donors and staff in our grant review processes. In most cases, a donor, community member or staff member will contact applicants. Committees then discuss the proposals and make grant recommendations. Decisions are made within 8 weeks of the deadline.

When will I know whether my application has been approved or declined?
Applicants are typically notified of committee decisions within 10 weeks after the deadline date.

I’m not sure which grant program my proposal best fits. Can we apply to more than one MaineCF grant program during one cycle?
Proposals will be forwarded to all programs indicated by the applicant on the Application Form as well as any other programs staff believes likely to consider funding the proposal.

We've received MaineCF grant funds in the past. When can we apply again?
If you’ve received a grant through the Community Building Grant Program (including County Funds) within the past 12 months, you must wait until one year has passed since the deadline date of your funded application before applying again. You are still eligible to apply to other MaineCF grant programs within the 12-month period.

We’re applying to MaineCF’s Community Building Grant Program, which generally does not support equipment, capital, or operating expenses or endowment campaigns. When do you support these expenses?
MaineCF supports projects and organizations that first and foremost meet our community building priorities. When an equipment purchase or operating expense is essential to this community building work, we will consider supporting it. When an organization or project is in the start-up phase, operating and capital expenses will be considered. In all cases, we seek evidence of volunteer participation, in-kind donations and a plan for future financial stability.

We have an audited financial report. Can we attach this to our application instead of completing the financial information section of the MaineCF Application Form?
No.

We’re a start-up with no financial history. How do we complete the financial section of the MaineCF Application Form?
Estimate the amount of in-kind support (i.e. donated office space) and volunteer hours your organization has received; include either actual or projected operating budget for the next year.

We’re a collaborative of nonprofits seeking support for a joint project. How do we apply?
One member of the collaboration must take fiscal responsibility for receiving and expending the grant. This organization should complete the Application Form. Letters from the collaborating organizations should explain the approach and shared responsibilities.

We’re a community collaborative applying with another agency serving as our fiscal sponsor. What is required?
If you do not have an eligible tax-exempt status and are applying with a fiscal sponsor, you must submit MaineCF's Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement form with your application, as well as a copy of the sponsor's federal IRS 501(c)(3) ruling letter.