2026 Maine Theater

 After July 15, applicants may review a Microsoft Word version of the grant application before applying online here.

Quick Overview

Max Award: Awards are typically between $2,500 and $5,000, although larger awards may be considered.
Interest Areas: Arts/Culture/Humanities
Geographic Area: Statewide
Types of Funding: General Support, Project
Application Opens: July 15
Deadline: Sept. 15, 11:59 p.m.
Notification: By Dec. 15
Staff Contact: Lane Sturtevant, lsturtevant@mainecf.org, 207-412-2019
Apply: Click on the orange “Apply” button at the top right of this page.

Recent Cycle Stats

Applications received: 3
Amount requested: $231,045
Number of grants awarded: 18
Grant dollars awarded: $89,490
Average Award: $4,972
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 50%
Additional Grants by donors: none
Recent Grants: Click here to view the last three years of grants.

Purpose

The Maine Theater Fund grant program supports nonprofit professional and community theaters in the production and presentation of live theater.

Criteria

All applicants must meet the Maine Community Foundation’s grant eligibility requirements and non-discrimination policy. Please read our eligibility and grant guidelines and non-discrimination policy before applying. If your organization doesn’t have a tax status and is applying using a fiscal sponsor, please read our fiscal sponsorship for competitive grant programs.

Your organization or project must:

  • Support nonprofit professional and community theaters in the production and presentation of live theater

Priority will be given to adult theater.

Types of Funding

General support grants for staff and operational needs at community theaters, as well as capacity-building to strengthen and improve the organization.

Project grants for performances, programmatic expenses, or capital projects, such as infrastructure and technology upgrades.

*NOTE: Answers to general support application questions should focus on your organization’s work (not a specific project) and how your organization meets the grant program criteria because general support awarded to an organization is not restricted to a specific project.

Additional Information

Applicants are welcome to mail a list of productions from either the prior or current season along with limited supporting information about your organization and/or project. Send this information by September 15 to:

Maine Theater Fund
c/o Lane Sturtevant
Maine Community Foundation
245 Main Street
Ellsworth, ME 04605

Ineligible Expenses

  • Theaters whose main purpose is to present social messaging and/or health and wellness education will not be considered for funding.
  • Children’s theater projects are not likely to be funded.

Background

The Maine Theater Fund was established in 2005 by an anonymous couple who love live theater and recognize the connection between vibrant communities and support for the arts.