The Lewiston-Auburn (L-A) Grants program, administered by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, supports community-based organizations in Lewiston and Auburn, Maine, that are engaged in collaborative, equity-driven initiatives aimed at strengthening community systems and building sustainable capacity. In partnership with other funders, the foundation supports efforts that prioritize youth leadership and the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in advancing equity and inclusion.

The program focuses on four priority areas:

Equitable Municipal Systems
Workforce Access and Economic Development
Community Health, Wellness, and Food Systems
Healthy, Affordable Housing
The 2025 available funding for this program is $1,710,000, and grants will be distributed through a collaborative decision-making process involving L-A organizations. These organizations will convene in virtual sessions in January 2025 to discuss priorities and determine how to equitably allocate resources for community work.

Grants are intended for organizations involved in collective efforts that are aligned with the priorities of the L-A community. Organizations must ensure that their work contributes to building collaborative capacity, strengthening systems, and advancing equity in the region. Youth and BIPOC leadership are central to this process, with an emphasis on sustainable community-driven solutions.

The application deadline is February 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM, and funding decisions will be made by the end of April 2025. Applicants are encouraged to review the Sewall Grant Application Guide for detailed instructions, including application questions and attachment requirements. First-time applicants should follow the Creating an Account Guide for step-by-step instructions on using the online grant portal.

For more information or questions, applicants can contact Lauress Lawrence, Community and Equity Learning Partner, or email info@sewallfoundation.org.