The Maine Humanities Council, in partnership with the Maine Arts Commission, offers the Arts & Humanities Grants to support innovative community projects that blend both arts and humanities components. These grants aim to showcase the stories, cultural expressions, and lived experiences of Maine's communities and people. Special encouragement is given to organizations serving or led by members of communities traditionally under-resourced in the arts and humanities fields.

Beginning in 2025, new eligibility rules apply: recipients of any Maine Humanities Council project grant (Major, Mini, or Arts & Humanities) are ineligible to apply again in the same or the following calendar year. For example, an organization awarded a grant in 2025 would next be eligible to apply in January 2027.

Each grant offers up to $1,000 and proposals are evaluated based on the strength and clarity of arts and humanities content, project goals and impact, project design, outreach and engagement efforts, and budget rationale. The grant stresses the importance of nonjudgmental discussion, balanced perspectives, and commitment to inquiry, particularly when addressing highly charged topics.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities (such as federally recognized tribal governments, local/state/city governments), churches, and educational institutions. Organizations without 501(c)(3) or equivalent status must have a fiscal sponsor. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Maine Humanities Council staff for assistance prior to applying.

Two application cycles are available in 2025: the first from April 22 to May 20, and the second from September 23 to October 21. Funded projects must not begin until at least eight weeks after the close of the application period. For humanities content and application questions, applicants may contact Lizz Sinclair or Kyle Volland at the Maine Humanities Council; for arts-related inquiries, Danielle Moriarty at the Maine Arts Commission is available.