Assessment and Restoration Grants
This program provides financial support for the assessment and restoration of church steeples in Maine, targeting religious institutions, nonprofits, and municipalities in smaller communities with significant historic and cultural value.
Description
The Maine Steeples Fund offers grants to support the restoration and preservation of church steeples in Maine. The program provides two types of grants: Assessment Grants, which cover up to 90% of the cost of a professional assessment of the steeple’s condition, and Restoration Grants, which cover 50% of the cost of restoration work, with a maximum award of $60,000. Eligible applicants include religious institutions, nonprofits, and municipalities with church buildings that have historic, cultural, and community significance. The program is designed for projects in Maine municipalities or townships with populations under 50,000. The grant process involves multiple steps, including project coordination, a site visit, and submission of reports. Organizations must first submit a Project Information Form and can only apply for an Assessment Grant if invited. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and decisions are typically made within one month of submission.