Total grant dollars requested last cycle: $191,575
Total grant dollars awarded last cycle: $50,000
Percentage of proposals that received full funding: 19%
Percentage of proposals that received partial funding: 17%
Maximum grant size: $5,000 (larger grants will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Average grant size last cycle: $3,846
Application deadline: September 15
General Information
Recognizing the connection between vibrant communities and support for the arts, in 2005 an anonymous couple established the Maine Theater Fund at the Maine Community Foundation. The goal of the fund, currently targeted at $1 million, is to strengthen and sustain theater performance throughout the state. The fund will distribute at least $50,000 each year, generally in the $2,500 to $5,000 range, although larger awards may be considered, to support both professional and community theaters in the production and presentation of live theater. There is one competitive grant cycle each year.
Eligibility Requirements
Proposals for funding will be accepted from local, regional and statewide nonprofit theaters or theater groups in Maine whose primary purpose is the production of live theater. Funds will be awarded for programmatic, capacity-building, operating, and capital support.
Applicants must be nonprofit, 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations, or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) organization, public school, public agency, or Indian tribal government. (Click here for more information on applying with a fiscal sponsor.)
Project Progress Report
All grant recipients will be required to submit a Project Progress Report (PDF | RTF | Word Document) approximately 10 months after receiving payment of the grant.
How to Apply
Grant application forms are available from the MaineCF offices or can be downloaded above. When completing the narrative, please consider the fund’s guidelines in responding to the required questions.
Applications for grants from the Maine Theater Fund should be sent to:
Maine Theater Fund
Maine Community Foundation
245 Main Street
Ellsworth, ME 04605
Please include a list of the productions from either the prior or current season and their respective audience numbers. Limited supporting information about the project is welcome.
When to Apply
Applications must be postmarked by September 15. Awards will be announced in late November. All applicants will receive notice of the committee's decisions.
Contact
If you have questions or would like to discuss an idea before submitting a proposal, please contact Pam Cleghorn via e-mail or by phone at (877) 700-6800.