Maine Theater Fund
Forecasted
Maine Theater Fund supports nonprofit professional and community theaters across Maine, funding operations, performances, programming, and capital improvements to sustain the production of live theater.
Funder: Maine Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Typically $2,500–$5,000; larger awards may be considered
Summary: Supports nonprofit professional and community theaters producing and presenting live theater across Maine, with priority for adult theater.
Key Information: Theaters primarily presenting social messaging or health and wellness education are ineligible; children’s theater is unlikely to receive funding.
Description
The Maine Theater Fund, administered by the Maine Community Foundation, supports nonprofit professional and community theaters in the production and presentation of live theater throughout Maine. Established in 2005 by an anonymous couple who love live theater, the fund reflects their recognition of the connection between vibrant communities and support for the arts. Adult theater receives priority.
The program offers general support for community theaters’ staffing, operations, and capacity-building needs, without restricting funding to a specific project. Project support covers performances, programmatic expenses, and capital improvements, including infrastructure and technology upgrades. Applicants must explain how their organization or project meets the program’s theater-focused criteria and how they assess results.
