The Maine Humanities Council (MHC) offers Mini Grants of up to $2,000 to nonprofit organizations throughout Maine to support humanities programs and projects that engage the public. These grants aim to foster awareness and understanding of various aspects of human culture, including literature, history, music, philosophy, and ethics. The council encourages organizations serving or led by communities that have been traditionally under-resourced in the humanities to apply. These communities include people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, rural populations, people with disabilities, veterans, immigrants, refugees, and non-native English speakers.

The funding provided through the Mini Grants program requires a cost-share or matching contribution. Funds may not be used for general operating expenses or projects that promote political, religious, or ideological viewpoints. Instead, eligible projects should demonstrate robust humanities content, involve a scholar or expert in the field, and encourage broad community participation. Examples of funded projects include exhibitions, conferences, performances with interpretative discussions, film or video productions, podcasts, and radio programs.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, government organizations such as federally recognized tribal governments and state or local government entities, religious institutions, and educational organizations, including both public and private institutions of higher learning. Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status must apply with a fiscal sponsor. Individuals are not eligible to apply unless they have a fiscal sponsor. Additionally, organizations that have received an MHC Mini, Major, or Arts & Humanities Grant cannot reapply in the same or the following calendar year. For instance, a grantee awarded funding in 2025 will not be eligible to apply for any MHC grants until January 2027.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of MHC Board and staff members. Proposals are evaluated based on their humanities content, project goals and impact, design, outreach and engagement, and budget feasibility. Strong applications should clearly outline project activities, demonstrate community involvement, and present a well-thought-out timeline and budget that includes the required funding match.

The next application windows for Mini Grants are from February 18, 2025, to March 18, 2025, and from July 15, 2025, to August 12, 2025. Projects must not begin until at least eight weeks after the application deadline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to connect with the MHC Grants Team before applying to ensure a smooth process. Contact persons for grant-related inquiries include Lizz Sinclair, Kyle Volland, and Samaa Abdurraqib, who can be reached via email. The council’s main office is located at 674 Brighton Avenue, Portland, ME 04102, and general inquiries can be directed to info@mainehumanities.org or (207) 773-5051.