[Elmina B. Sewall Foundation](https://www.sewallfoundation.org)

February 25, 2026 (Full application deadline) | September 1, 2026 (Rapid Response Fund requests)

No set minimum or maximum; grants may be operating, project, or capital and are tailored to organizational needs.

Supports Maine-based organizations advancing human, animal, and environmental well-being through capacity-building, project, and capital grants.

--- ## Description The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation provides funding to organizations whose work aligns with its values and approach, focusing on interconnected human, animal, and environmental well-being in Maine. The Foundation prioritizes organizations led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color, rural Mainers, and women, as well as those committed to equity and community-led change. Funding is available for operating expenses, specific projects, and capital needs, with grants designed to meet applicants at their current stage of growth and capacity. The Foundation seeks proposals that build organizational capacity, foster trust-based and equitable systems, and respond to community priorities. --- ## Due Dates - **February 25, 2026:** Full application deadline (by 5:00 PM EST) for Animal Welfare, Food Systems, Keystone, Lewiston-Auburn, Nature-Based Education, Rural Partnerships, and Wabanaki programs. - **September 1, 2026:** Deadline for Rapid Response Fund requests (requests must be received by this date). Decisions for standard programs are typically announced in early May. Rapid Response Fund applicants receive decisions within two weeks of submission. --- ## Funding Amount - The Foundation does **not** specify a minimum or maximum grant amount. - Grants are tailored to the needs and stage of each organization. - Funding is available for: - **Operating grants:** General support for organizational capacity and effectiveness. - **Project grants:** Support for specific programs or collaborative initiatives. - **Capital grants:** Support for acquisition or stewardship of tangible assets (e.g., buildings, land). - Endowment funding is not considered. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be able to accept tax-deductible donations per Section 170(c) of the IRS Code: - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - Public schools - Public agencies working for the State of Maine - Federally recognized Indian tribal governments (including subdivisions) - Fiscal sponsorship is allowed; a signed fiscal sponsorship agreement is required. - Collaboratives of nonprofits may apply, with a memorandum of understanding or fiscal sponsorship agreement as appropriate. - 501(c)(4) organizations may be eligible for nonpartisan, charitable work but must consult Foundation staff before applying. - For-profit entities, cooperatives, and individuals are **not** eligible to apply directly. - Organizations may apply once per calendar year (exceptions for fiscal sponsorships and collaborations). - Organizations with active multi-year grants must wait until the grant term ends to reapply (excludes Rapid Response Fund). --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the Foundation's [online grant system](https://sewallfoundation.givingdata.com/portal/login) during open application periods. - Review the [Values](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/values), [Approach](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/approach), and specific [grant program pages](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/programs-overview) before applying. - Application instructions and FAQs are available on the Foundation website. - Required attachments include fiscal sponsorship agreements or memoranda of understanding for collaborations, if applicable. - Some programs may be by invitation only; contact program staff for details. --- ## Additional Information - The Foundation's review process considers alignment with its values, the impact on interconnected well-being, and the degree to which proposals advance community priorities. - Preference is given to organizations led by those most impacted by inequity and to grassroots, community-based work. - Rapid Response Fund operates on a rolling basis but closes to new requests after September 1 annually. --- ## External Links - [Application Process Overview](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/application-process) - [Application Instructions](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/application-instructions) - [Grant Program Pages](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/programs-overview) - [FAQs](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/faqs) - [Online Application Portal](https://sewallfoundation.givingdata.com/portal/login) - [Foundation Values](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/values) - [Contact the Foundation](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/staff-board) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|-------------------------------| | Phone | 207-865-3810 | | Address | 15 Main St., Freeport, ME 04032 | | Website | [https://www.sewallfoundation.org](https://www.sewallfoundation.org) |

Application Process - Elmina B. Sewall Foundation

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