Creative Communities Grant
General information
The Creative Communities Grant supports creative placemaking initiatives that transform Maine communities through arts and culture. This program funds arts-based projects that respond to community needs and strengthen local identity, making Maine's communities more vibrant, connected, and desirable places to live, visit, work, and play.
By integrating artists and culture bearers into community development, this grant enables projects that shape the social, physical, and cultural character of place. All activities must be community-based, directly benefit the public, and remain open and accessible to all.
Creative Communities Grant Goals:
Expand community access to the arts.
Support and address community needs.
Promote the unique identities of ME’s communities as places people want to live, visit, work, and play.
Promote inclusion of artists and culture bearers in community projects.
Funding details
Funding application timeline
Grant eligibility
501(c)(3) organizations, K-12 schools, municipalities, and tribal entities may apply. Public schools must apply through their school district. Projects must include community-focused arts and/or cultural activities, open to the public, and occur from July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
1. The applicant is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service, a school, 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.
2. The applicant operates within the state of Maine.
3. Has a valid UEI number (www.sam.gov). You cannot receive a grant without a valid UEI.
4. If applicable, has completed all Final Reports required by the Maine Arts Commission for previous awards.
5. Is compliant with organization requirements on both the state and federal levels.
The applicant must operate within the state of Maine.