MCF: Maine Expansion Arts -Rural

From Maine Community Foundation

The Maine Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. It aims to serve all of Maine, demonstrate respect for people and places, achieve quality and integrity in all actions, and remain nonpartisan. It is a statewide nonprofit organization that helps people invest charitable resources in the future of Maine, ensuring their giving benefits communities statewide.

Type of Support

Overview

The Maine Expansion Arts grant program, a part of the Maine Community Foundation, supports arts organizations and programs in Maine that serve rural communities or Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, focusing on areas with limited access to the arts. Starting in 2022, the program offers two tracks: one for organizations serving rural communities and another for organizations led by and/or serving BIPOC communities. This initiative aims to ensure the future of Maine's artistic traditions through strategic support to these key areas.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
ME
Organization Type
Nonprofit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and classified in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2)
Municipalities
Public schools
Public agencies working for the State of Maine
Indian tribal governments (or political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior
Organization Budget And Years
Organization's annual budget is less than 250k
Other
  • Located in rural communities in Maine
  • Annual operating budget of less than $250,000
  • Program supports ongoing programming and operational needs for arts organizations
  • Offers project grants for new or expanding arts-based projects serving rural communities
  • Allows indirect costs; administrative overhead expenses of up to 20% of the total requested budget can be included

Ineligibility

Organizations involved in endowments, scholarships, camperships, or annual appeals
Organizations seeking funds for expenses already incurred
Organizations planning on regranting to a secondary grantee through a competitive process
Organizations engaged in political campaigns
Organizations involved in lobbying for a specific vote
Organizations promoting religious activities, restricted to church or religious group membership
Schools and school districts
Organizations with annual operating budgets greater than $250,000.
up to 10k

Submission

Review Criteria

Funding preference is extended to entities or initiatives that:

  • Cultivate and elevate community arts through leveraging local talent and resources, rather than relying on art and artists from beyond local or state boundaries.
  • Provide art services to areas or populations currently lacking sufficient artistic engagement.
  • Engage in collaboration and partnerships with various organizations and programs, both within the arts sector and beyond.
  • Demonstrate community backing through local financial contributions or donations in kind for their proposed activities.

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