$2,001 to $7,500
for larger humanities programs and projects—things like exhibits, films, conferences, initiatives—that have broad public outreach.
Major Grants distribute funding to humanities programs and projects undertaken by non-profit organizations and communities all across Maine. Organizations serving and/or led by members of communities traditionally under-resourced in the humanities are encouraged to apply.
We evaluate proposals on their strength and clarity in the following areas:
- Humanities content
- Project goals and impact
- Project design and budget
- Community outreach and engagement
- Alignment with Maine Humanities priorities as listed in our Grant Guidelines
Guidelines
The Maine Humanities Council Major Grant program distributes funding to nonprofit organizations in Maine for larger humanities programs and projects—things like exhibits, films, conferences, initiatives—that have broad public outreach.
Maine Humanities is updating our eligibility requirements for our Major, Mini, and Arts & Humanities Grants. Beginning in 2025, if you or your organization receives a MHC project grant (Major, Mini, or Arts & Humanities Grant), you are not eligible to apply again in either the same or the following calendar year. For example, an organization awarded a project grant (at any point) in 2025 would not be eligible to apply for ANY MHC grants until January 2027.
Funds, Priorities, and Criteria
$2,001 to $7,500 for humanities programs and projects undertaken by non-profit organizations and communities across Maine.
Organizations serving and/or led by members of communities traditionally under-resourced in the humanities are encouraged to apply. We evaluate proposals on their strength and clarity in the following areas: humanities content, project goals and impact, project design, outreach and engagement, and budget.
MAJOR GRANT Eligibility
- Organizations with 501c3 status, government organizations (such as a federally recognized Indian Tribal governments or organizations or state/local/city governments), churches, or education organizations (such as schools or school districts, or public or private institutions of higher education) are eligible to apply without fiscal sponsorship.
- If your organization is NOT a 501c3, or equivalent (listed above) you will need a FISCAL SPONSOR for your project. The National Council of Nonprofits has a helpful resource sheet on fiscal sponsorship.
- If your organization has received a MHC project grant (Major, Mini, or Arts & Humanities Grants), you are not eligible to apply again either in the same or the following calendar year. For example, an organization awarded a grant (at any point) in 2025 would not be eligible to apply for ANY MHC grants until January 2027.
Common Questions
What does it mean to have the humanities at the heart of your project?
What does strong community engagement look like?
What are matching funds?
What is a fiscal sponsor?
What is a topic expert?
What is a broad and diverse audience?
When can my project start?
Are there character limits in applications?
CONTACT
the Grants Team
Applicants are strongly encouraged to connect with a member of the Maine Humanities Grants Team before applying.
- If you have never applied for a Maine Humanities Grant or aren’t familiar with the grant application process, we would love to work with you in order to make the process as easy as possible.
Apply for a Major Grant
Accepting Applications:
December 2, 2025 - January 27, 2026
December 8, 2026 - January 26, 2027