Grant Narrative to be completed in the Application Portal (All character counts include spaces. 2,550 characters/page)

1. Provide the mission and a brief history of the nonprofit organization and a brief description of the teaching artist. (Max: 1,915 characters - about 250 words)
2. Explain your project, its goals, and how the funding will be used. (Max: 1,915 characters - about 250 words) (Max: 1,915 characters - about 250 words)
3. Describe the primary group that will benefit from the programming and how they will benefit. (Max: 1,275 characters - about 175 words.)

Review Criteria

Grant applications are reviewed on a competitive basis using the following criteria:

1. 40%= Caliber of the project team, the project, and its goals (as expressed through your answer to questions #1 and # 2 and supporting uploads)
2. 20% = Evidence that the funds will be used strategically to achieve the project’s goals (as expressed through your answer to question #2 and the online budget form)
3. 40% = Evidence of community engagement (as expressed through your answer to question #3)

To Apply

All applications must be submitted through the online Application Portal.  In order to access the Application Portal through our Grants Management System you will need to sign in or create an account, then click on the grant program. Once your application is started, you may make changes up until the deadline. When you have reviewed your work, and attached all the necessary documents, and applied for a vendor code (if you don’t already have one), you must hit the ‘Submit’ button on the final page. This locks the application and makes it ready for review.

Online Form Requirements:

• Completed grant narrative
• Completed budget form

Uploads: You will be able to upload up to a total of 10 pieces of support materials through the Application Portal.  Some are required, others are optional. The total amount should be 10 items or fewer. 

Required Attachments to be uploaded:

• Copy of IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter of nonprofit organization.
• Lesson plans or document(s) detailing the activities and expected outcomes
• (Optional) Additional information that supports the application (images, reports, letters of support, contracts, etc.)
• Resumes, bios, or curriculum vitae for all key participants

Vendor Code: An applicant must have a current  Vendor Code to receive award funds.

• For new applicants: Please read the Vendor Form help information, download a Vendor Form, fill it out, and return it to the Maine Arts Commission by mail, email, or fax.
• For past applicants:If your contact information has changed in the past year, you will need to fill out a new Vendor Form with your updates. 

Submitted applications are reviewed by Agency staff for completion, eligibility, and adherence to the funding guidelines. Compliant applications are read by a diverse panel of Maine arts and culture professionals with appropriate expertise related to the grant program. Panelists submit scores based on the review criteria.  Award recommendations, based on scoring and available funds, are submitted to the Maine Arts Commission members at their bimonthly meeting for final approval. All applicants are soon notified of the awards and how to access review meeting notes.  

The delivery of funds may take up to six months from the time of award notification. This means that grant awards may be used to reimburse costs which have been incurred for the project after the grant has been approved but prior to funds being disbursed, as long as it takes place within the award cycle.   

All applicants are notified of their award status (approved or declined) via email.  Successful applicants also receive emails with documents and instructions on award acceptance.  Awardees are listed on the Maine Arts Commission website.

Final Reports are required no later than two weeks after the end-date of the award cycle, but it is recommended that they be submitted just after the conclusion of the project. The Final Report Form can be accessed by revisiting your application in the Application Portal.

Final Reports include a progress summary, a recap of actual expenses, how many people saw or were involved in the project, and a section to upload materials. Awardees are also invited to complete a brief survey offering feedback to the Agency about their experience. The Maine Arts Commission relies on Final Reports:

• to inform the National Endowment of the Arts and the State how public funds are used,
• to become more knowledgeable about Maine creative work, 
• and as a resource to promote the State arts community.