Q: Is there a Word version of the application that I can use offline?
A: Yes. A Word version of the application questions (with word limits) is posted on the grant program’s webpage. You can work offline and then paste text into our online system. Please note we do not accept paper copies or PDF/Word versions of the application.
Q: How do I start and navigate the online application?
A: We launched our new online grant portal in July 2025. If you have not applied since then, you will need to create a new account and password to apply. Step-by-step instructions are available for how to create an account and apply. If you have any questions about the process, please contact grantproposals@mainecf.org.
Q: What if I’m unsure if my organization or project is eligible?
A: Contact the staff person listed on the grant program’s webpage or the staff person who covers your county.
Q: If my organization has an existing memorandum of understanding letter or fiscal sponsorship agreement, do I need to use MaineCF’s Fiscal Sponsorship form?
A: Yes. If you do not complete and attach MaineCF’s Fiscal Sponsorship form, your proposal will be considered ineligible. MaineCF’s Fiscal Sponsorship Guidelines are listed on the website.
Q: If I have a fiscal sponsor, how do I complete the Organizational Financial Information section?
A: You should answer ALL application questions as the applicant organization. In the Organizational Financial Information section, use your organization’s financial information, not the fiscal sponsor’s information.
Q: Do I need to include any materials with my proposal?
A: Yes. All applicants must provide a list of all the members of your organization's board or advisory committee including name, title/occupation, and town/city of residence. Other required materials vary by grant program, so please review the grant program guidance located on the grant program’s webpage and in the application. Please do not include any materials other than what is required.
Q: What is the process for reviewing proposals?
A: All proposals received are reviewed by staff to determine if they are eligible for funding and meet the grant program criteria. Proposals may then be reviewed by committee advisors, volunteer reviewers, or staff depending on the grant program. Reviewers consider how well the proposal meets the grant program criteria, how clear and strong the request is, and the potential benefit to the people or communities the work will support. For some grant programs, staff or reviewers may contact applicants for additional information.
Q: What is a donor-advised fund?
A: A donor-advised fund is a charitable vehicle that individuals, a family, or business can establish at a public charity, like MaineCF, to manage their charitable donations. Once a charitable gift is made to a donor-advised fund at MaineCF, the money is owned by the community foundation, but the individual/family/business retains the right to “advise” where grants go. Click here to learn more about ways that MaineCF can assist people with their giving.
Q: How can we reach donor-advised funds at MaineCF?
A: We share grant proposals that meet the grant program criteria with donors through our online donor portal (Giving Together) and based on interests that donors have highlighted for us. Donors may choose to partially or fully fund a proposal.
Q: What if my proposal does not meet the criteria for any of the above grant programs?
A: Contact the member of our grantmaking staff that covers the county in which your organization is located.
Q: I got a grant from a donor-advised fund, and I don’t know them or they are anonymous. How can I thank them?
A: If you do not already have a relationship with the donor advisor, we can forward a thank you letter to them. Please do not send additional organizational materials such as annual reports or brochures as we are not able to forward this information.
Q: If we receive a grant from a donor-advised fund, do they need a tax acknowledgement?
A: No, because they already received a tax benefit when they made the original gift to their advised fund at MaineCF.
Q: How do I submit an optional update for a MaineCF grant?
A: Please refer to the Grantee Toolkit. If you have any questions about the process, please contact grantproposals@mainecf.org.
