2023 Funding Sources

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G
1	Fund (click link for more information)	Program Website	Deadlines	# Funded AFCs	Median Funding Recv'd	Examples of funded projects	Notes
2	AARP Challenge	https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/	Opens January 18, 2023. Applications due: March 15	26	$5,250	Click this link and scroll down to "Idaho-Montana" to see Maine grantees	The median award for a successful challenge grant application from a Maine community is $5,250. The max award given to a community is $10,000. Tight deadline--5 months to complete work.
3	Agnes M. Lindsey Trust	https://www.lindsaytrust.org/	rolling	1	$2,000	ADA upgrades	Focus areas includes the development of programs that will have a positive effect on the health and well-being. Although their focus is on children, the category alos allows requests by organizations that work with residents of all ages and. or older people. Allows requests for capital investment (e.g. computers, van repairs). Grants range from $1000 to $5000. The trust requires that you submit a letter of inquiry prior to submitting a full proposal. The letter should be 1-2 pages and include the mission of your organization, a brief description of history and current programming, an explanation of the need for support and a proposed budget, the amount you are requesting and other funding sources that you have secured or approached.
4	Bangor Savings Bank	https://www.bangor.com/community/foundation	Applications reviewed bi-annually $2,000-$5,000: 01/01/2023 and 07/01/2023 $5001-$25,000: 10/10/2022 and 04/01/2023	1	$1,600	recreation program	Heavily weighted to communities with a local branch of Bangor Savings Bank. Limited to 501c3 organizations. Support given for program development and new/expanded facilities and equipment.
5	Betterment Fund	https://www.bettermentfund.org/	Due: March 15 (June decision); July 15 (October decision); and November 15 (February decision)	3	$12,500	Social opportunity for isolated residents	Four major areas of focus: (1) community support; (2) Education; (3) Consrvation; (4) Health. An area of note under health is "Community Health Projects: A funded project will likely be a multi-focused effort which combines health improvements with factors relating to the social determinants of health, such as income and educational disparities, living conditions, social isolation, and inequities in access to health programs." Preference to isolated rural communities in western Maine (also northern, central, and eastern).
6	Libra Foundation	https://librafoundation.org/	February 15 (for consideration in March) May 15 (for consideration in June) August 15 (for consideration in Sept.) November 15 (for consideration in Dec. )	1	$5,000	outdoor recreation equipment	Must be a 501c3 to qualify Priority area: Children (so good for an intergenerational initiative) and Economic Development/Business
7	Maine Community Foundation-Community Building Grant	https://www.mainecf.org/	Open: Applications due February 15	8	$3,800	Operating costs Community Garden Sand Buckets Social Activities Window Inserts Program to address social isolation/w libraries	NOTE: This fund is county-based. Please make sure you contact the MCF staff person assigned to yoru county. They will suggest alternative funding if your project is not a good fit. Max award: $10,000
8	Maine Community Foundation-Maine Charity Grant	https://www.mainecf.org/	Closed: Will likely open in July with applications due 9/15/2023	3	$8,500	Volunteer Transportation	Focus: transportation programs that meet the needs of Maine's older residents. Max award: $10,000
9	Maine Community Foundation- Conservation for All	https://www.mainecf.org/	Closed: Will likely open in July with applicatins due 9/15/2023	1	$6,000	trail expansion	Max award: $15,000
10	Maine Health Access Foundation	https://mehaf.org Discretionary grant program: https://mehaf.org/grants-center/discretionary-grants-program Meeting Support: https://mehaf.org/grants-center/meeting-support-program	Discretionary Grants (up to $10,000) rolling. https://mehaf.org/grants-center/discretionary-grants-program Meeting support grants (up to $1000), apply at least 6 weeks prior to meeting. https://mehaf.org/grants-center/meeting-support-program Community Responsive Grant Program. Offered annually. https://mehaf.org/grants-center/responsive-grant-opportunities?fl_builder	5	Responsive Grant Program tends to allow multi-year spending. For example, one recipient received $50,000. Year one: $20,000; Year two: $30,000	Three-town health outreach program building on "Caring Ears"	Discretionary grant program offers funds up to $10,000. One way to develop trust with MeHAF is to apply for a small grant, use it responsibly, and then you may be approached with a responsive grant opportunity. Requires Letter of Interest before submitting full grant request.
11	Maine Humanities Council	https://www.mainehumanities.org/programs-grants/grants/	Open, Major grants ($1001-$7500), Applications Due January 31: Closed, Mini Grants (up to $2000) February 21-March 21 and June 27 - July 25	3	$900	Book club Virtual crafting group	The application is quite easy and the organization is anxious to offer their TA as you complete the application.
12	Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund	https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/about/grants.shtml	Contact with a national Resource Agency representative must be made by July 15 for consideration of fall funding. To identify a rep: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/grants/outdoor-heritage-fund.html#representative	1	$6,900	Revitalization of local park	Municipalities and natural resource organizations may apply through a Natural Resource Agency Representative. Favors projects with 1/3rd or more community match. May not provide the full amount of fudning requested.
13	Maine Public Library Fund	www.maine.gov/msl/libs/admin/funding/MPLF.shtml	Closed: Stay tuned for spring application dates	2	$1,500	Creation of an educational community garden project, digital equity initaitive	Note: Applicants must be from a Maine public library in good standing (not on probation) and in compliance with Maine Library Commission Rules (have submitted an Annual Report and are subscribed to either the MELIBS or MEINFO list). This is a good grant opportunity when you are partnering with your library to expand or develop services to meet emergent needs.
14	New England Grassroots Fund	https://grassrootsfund.org/	Seed grants--$500-$1000 are rolling. https://grassrootsfund.org/grant-programs/seed-grants Grow grants--$1000-$4000 applications due third Tuesday in March & September. https://grassrootsfund.org/grant-programs/grow-grants	2	$1,200	community garden critical needs fund publicity	NEGRI offers 2 different grant programs that may fit with AFCs: Seed grants ($500-$1000) are designed to support new (often less than 1 year old) environmental projects. Grow grants ($1000-$4000) support initiatives that look to deepen their work or broaden participation. Note: Focus is on BIPOC led groups. Does not require 501c3. Does not always offer full funding. Frequently funded projects: food insecurity initaitives
15	Onion Foundation, Discovery Grants	https://www.onionfoundation.org/discovery-grant	Applications are open January 19 -- November 30. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; applicants are notified within 3 weeks of submitting the applicaiton.	2	$3,000	interactive theater event; edible landscape project (with land trust partner)	Must align with mission of the Onion Foundation: To encourage conservation and stewardship of the natural environment and to promote music and the arts in the state of Maine. In addition, projects should be (1) small scale; (2) start within the next 12 months; (3) address a specific need. NOTE: Organizations must check in with program staff (via email or phone appointment) prior to applying, to ensure that your application meets the goals of this grant program (https://www.onionfoundation.org/contact).
16	Point32health (was: Tufts health)	https://www.point32health.org/	Prior Years: Fall	1	$10,000	Computer training, tablets; Home modiciation services	Currently only offering responsive funding. The organization is going through a strategic visioning process. Sign up for their newsletter to stay in the loop. In the past, they have been a great funder for age-frienldy community work.
17	Note: With the exception of Point23health, I have not included funds that are only open to a specific sub-set or communities or that are no longer planning to accept applications.
18	Other Sources:
19	Local Donations: One community reported that they were able to raise $9000 in local funds, with contributions from residents and organizations.
20	Local banks: Approach your local bank branch to see if the bank manager has discretionary funds (generall $500-$1000) that they can give to local groups. NOTE: these asks rquire a good relationship with the local branch.
21	Community-specific foundations: Occasionally, a benefactor chooses to establish a foundation specifically for the benefit of residents in one community or in a region.
22	Municipal Funding: Several communities shared that they have received municipal funding, ranging from $350-$20,000/year. Note: Having a strong relationship with the town manager and elected officials and sharing your accomplishments with them helps advocacy for funding.
23	Old-fashioned fund and friend raising: Ideas shared included a fishing derby, murder theater, dessert auction, and a vintage car event. Total funds raised ranged from $25-$2800. The amoung of community engagement and good will is countless.
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25	Help finding or writing a grant	Purdue Online Writing Lab: Introduction to Grant Writing
26		UMaine introduction to Grant Writing
27		UMaine--Finding Funding Challenge
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