MCF: Maine Expansion Arts - BIPOC

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 Fund focuses on supporting arts organizations and arts-based programs in Maine that serve rural communities and/or Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, especially in areas with limited access to the arts. This fund is a collaborative effort designed to strengthen and ensure the future of artistic traditions in Maine, supported by various foundations and significant gifts, including one from MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett.

Eligibility

Organization's Location

USA

Program Location

Organization Type

Nonprofit, charitable organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status and classified under sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2)

Municipalities

Public schools

Public agencies working for the State of Maine

Indian tribal governments recognized by the Department of the Interior

Other

Serve BIPOC people and communities in Maine
Must involve BIPOC in leadership, design, delivery, and evaluation of programs, and as primary participants
Provide expanded access to the arts
Indirect costs allowed, with up to 20% of the total requested budget for administrative overhead expenses

Ineligibility

Organizations planning to use funds for endowments, scholarships, camperships, or annual appeals

Entities seeking reimbursement for expenses already incurred

Groups intending to regrant funds through a competitive process to a secondary grantee

Organizations involved in political campaigns

Those engaging in lobbying for a specific vote

Entities organizing or promoting religious activities, including services or promoting beliefs, or activities exclusive to church or religious group membership

Schools and school districts (unless they provide a letter of support for a partnering project).

up to 10k

Application deadline

Sep 16

Submission

Review Criteria

Preference will be shown to organizations or initiatives that focus on nurturing and elevating local arts and cultural traditions by engaging with artists and resources from both the local area and beyond. Additionally, those who collaborate and form partnerships with other entities, whether they are arts-related or not, will be favored. Support for the project or organization, be it through financial contributions or donations of goods and services from the community, is also highly valued.