Organization Operations Grant

Organization Operations Grant is sponsored by Maine Arts Commission. The Organization Operations Grant provides unrestricted operating funds to eligible 501(c)(3) arts organizations in Maine. It is not a project-based grant, but applicants are expected to identify how funding will be applied within the operations of their organization.

Organization Operations Grant (FY2026) Skip to main page content Skip to right sidebar content Organization Operations Grant (FY2026) Organization Operations Grant (FY2026) Application Portal Opens: October 1, 2025 Deadline: October 30, 2025 (5:00 p. m.) The deadline has passed for this program, this page is for reference only.

Guidelines will change for next year. Required Match: 1:1 cost share/match consisting of cash, donations, and/or in-kind contributions. Grant Award: up to $7,500 Award Cycle: July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 Detailed Overview Of Organization Operations Grant for Fiscal Year 2026 The Organization Operations Grant provides operating support to 501(c)(3) arts organizations in Maine with annual operating budgets above $25,000.

This grant supports the well-being of Maine’s arts sector by helping sustain arts organizations, infrastructure, and the creative workforce in the state. Applicants must operate with a mission that describes the arts as the primary purpose and focus of the organization.

Multipurpose organizations, including arts entities embedded in universities and colleges, are eligible if they demonstrate that the arts comprise at least 50% of the organization’s programming and have an independent advisory board. Universities or colleges in their entirety, individual departments, or organizations whose primary purpose is fundraising may not apply.

Award funds are to be used for eligible operation costs or to reimburse costs incurred between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026 An applicant is eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria: Is an arts-based nonprofit organization with a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service or is a unit of municipal, county or tribal government, legally established in the state of Maine.

Non-501(c)(3) applicants cannot apply under a fiscal sponsor or agent. Arts comprise at least 50% of your programming. Has completed at least one fiscal year of programming within Maine.

Has a valid UEI number ( www. sam. gov/content/duns-uei ).

You cannot apply for a grant without a valid UEI. Has an organization budget over $25,000. If applicable, has completed all Final Reports required by the Maine Arts Commission for previous awards.

This grant can be used to support: Facilities costs (e.g. rent, utilities, accessibility needs, mortgage). Salaries and wages for personnel. Fees for artists and contractual personnel.

Marketing and promotion costs. Equipment purchases under $5,000. Costs for ensuring your programs are accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.

This grant cannot be used for the following expenses: Equipment purchases over $5,000. Lobbying or fundraising expenses. Donations and contributions.

Events closed to the public. Activities and expenses outside the grant period. Cost of goods for resale.

Entertainment costs (such as receptions, parties, galas, dinners, community gatherings, etc.). Projects that support or oppose a particular political party or candidate for public office. Projects that are exclusive to members of a particular religious faith group.

Please note: The Maine Arts Commission reserves the right to modify eligibility requirements including eligible expenses at any point during the application, review, or award process as needed to comply with applicable state and federal guidelines. All applications and materials must be submitted using the online Maine Cultural Access Portal .

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to carefully review these details and call us with questions prior to beginning an application. It’s important to give yourself plenty of time to write a strong application, so be sure to start the process early! Answer the application questions.

(all in the Application) Answer the narrative questions (Questions below in next section) All questions are to be completed in the application portal. (This application worksheet can be used to help complete application questions) Upload organization documentation ( required ) Copy of IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter. Most recently completed federal tax return (990, or 990-EZ if applicable).

List of staff and board members , including staff roles and board member affiliations. Profit and Loss Statement for Last Completed Fiscal Year. A 1:1 cost share/match is required.

If your annual budget is over $25,000 and can show $7500 in cash, donations, or in-kind contributions you are eligible to apply. Upload 4 supporting materials ( optional ) Additional information that supports the application (artistic samples, images of event, letters of support and/or testimonials).

Uploads File Type Format and Tips All Required documents should be in PDF format Images will be viewed digitally and not printed Include only the material intended for panel review.

MP4, WMV, Youtube or Vimeo link No video slide show of still images Writing Samples or Testimonials 12pt, Times New Roman font The Maine Arts Commission may use submitted materials solely for the non-commercial promotion of the artist and/or Maine Arts Commission programs.

Note: All application questions are grouped by scoring criteria Mission Alignment: (The goal of this section is to describe how your arts programming and/or services align with your mission) Give a brief background of your organization. (500 characters) What is your mission statement? (500 characters) How does your programming support your mission?

(2000 characters) Public Access, Engagement and Benefit: Who are the intended participants in your programs? (500 characters) How do you include the community in the planning of your programs? (This could include partners, collaborators, artist(s), and/or culture bearers) (1500 characters) What are ways you have or plan to remove barriers for underserved populations so that they have access to your physical location and programming.

(1500 characters) Organizational Health: (This section is intended to give clarity to your provided 990, P&L statement, Board/Staff list and Planning documents) How do you evaluate the success of your programs and services? (1000 characters) What was your last completed fiscal Year? Total Income for last completed fiscal year?

Total Expenses for last completed fiscal year? Grant applications are reviewed on a competitive basis using the following criteria: 1. Mission Alignment (30%) Does the organization offer arts programs and/or services that are aligned with its mission?

2. Public Access, Engagement and Benefit (30%) The organization demonstrates a commitment to: a. Including community input in the planning, participation, and evaluation of its activities.

b. Being inclusive of those that are traditionally underserved communities. 3.

Organizational Health (30%) Does the organization have proper planning and evaluation to fulfil its mission? Does the organization have strong management, and staffing appropriate and sufficient to support the work of the organization? Does the organization have capacity to carry out its work?

Does the organization have sound financial management? 4. Artist Excellence and Artistic Merit (10%) Based on the overall application Relative to its size, the organization demonstrates a committed effort to provide quality arts and educational experiences.

If your application is funded, you enter into a letter of agreement with the Maine Arts Commission, and you must comply with all requirements stated in that agreement. Since your award money may take an extended amount of time from when you are first notified, they can be used to reimburse eligible operation costs incurred between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.

All applicants are notified via email whether their application is approved or declined. If you receive an award, you will also receive future emails with next steps. Awardees are required to submit a final report for each grant received.

Final reports are due 14 days after the end of the fiscal year. You may not be eligible to apply for another Maine Arts Commission grant if you do not submit your final report. Grantee must agree to all Federal assurances and terms and conditions applicable to a subgrantee of a State Arts Agency (SAA) found at www.

arts. gov/grants/legal-requirements-and-assurance-of-compliance. Our selection process is competitive and based on a thorough review of all applications against our established criteria as well as available resources.

The acceptance of applications for this program does not guarantee the allocation of funds. Our goal is for all potential applicants to have the resources they need to submit a competitive application. If you have questions about the application process, please contact us.

We are always happy to help! Eli Cabañas , Grants and Website Manager Grant information is available in large print format by request. If you require an alternate format or need assistance accessing the guidelines or application, please contact ADA Accessibility Coordinator Eli Cabañas by email at vog.

eniam@sanabac. ile or by phone at 207-215-5872 . It is the policy of the Maine Arts Commission not to discriminate on the basis of disability.

The Commission is dedicated to making our programs accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities and assisting individuals with disabilities in connecting with resources for access to the arts. All programs funded by the Maine Arts Commission must also be accessible.