The Creative Communities Grant for Fiscal Year 2026, offered by the Maine Arts Commission, supports arts and cultural activities that serve Maine communities and residents. The grant funds new or existing arts-based projects that focus on community needs and provide open and accessible programming to the public. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, K-12 schools (applying through their school district), municipalities, and tribal entities. Applicants must operate within Maine and have a valid UEI number. Organizations that received the FY25 Organization Operating Support grant are ineligible to apply. The grant requires a 1-to-1 match, meaning the requested grant amount must be matched with funds or donated services.

The goals of the Creative Communities Grant include expanding community access to the arts, supporting projects that address community needs, promoting Maine’s communities as desirable places to live and visit, and ensuring the inclusion of artists and culture bearers in community projects. Eligible expenses include materials, equipment, productions, installations, planning, tours, exhibitions, workshops, hiring artists, collaborative programming, and accommodations for accessibility. Ineligible expenses include debt repayment, equipment purchases over $5,000, activities for academic credit, completed projects, non-public performances, lobbying, general business expenses, capital projects, fundraising efforts, and activities supporting or opposing political parties or candidates.

The application portal opens on February 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., and the deadline for submission is March 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. The award cycle runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Grant applications are reviewed competitively, with scoring based on four criteria: Project Summary (20%), Community Benefit (40%), Capacity to Complete the Project (20%), and Artistic Excellence and Merit (20%). The review process includes an eligibility check by staff, followed by evaluation by a panel of arts and culture professionals who score applications based on the outlined criteria.

Applications must be submitted through the online Application Portal. Required documents include a copy of the IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (not required for schools, municipalities, or tribal entities) and an official authorization letter for municipalities. Applicants may also submit up to five optional support materials, such as project examples, community support letters, artist resumes, or videos. Final grant reports are due within 14 days of the fiscal year’s end. Failure to submit a final report may result in ineligibility for future grants.

Awardees sign a letter of agreement and must comply with all requirements. Funds may take up to 12 weeks to be disbursed, meaning awardees may need to cover initial costs before reimbursement. Grants can reimburse eligible project expenses incurred between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The Maine Arts Commission provides assistance to applicants through the program director and grants manager. Accessibility accommodations are available upon request. Contact information includes Danielle Moriarty, Program Director (danielle.moriarty@maine.gov, 207-287-2720), and Eli Cabañas, Grants and Website Manager (eli.cabanas@maine.gov, 207-287-6746).