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

September 1, 2026 (Final deadline for 2026 Rapid Response Fund inquiries)

Most grants up to $10,000; total fund for 2026 is $400,000 (with up to $100,000 for land back/access projects); 12-month grant term.

Provides emergency and time-sensitive grants to Maine organizations advancing equity and well-being for people, animals, and the environment.

Two-step process: inquiry email required before invitation to apply.

--- ## Description The Rapid Response Fund supports organizations and communities in Maine facing emergency or time-sensitive needs that align with the Sewall Foundation’s mission of fostering equity and interconnected well-being for people, animals, and the environment. The fund is designed for urgent, unplanned events or short-term opportunities requiring immediate action. Priorities include community-based organizations—especially those led by or serving Black, Indigenous, people of color, rural Mainers, and women—as well as land back and land access efforts. Collaborative, cross-sector, and justice-focused initiatives are also encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - September 1, 2026: Final deadline to submit inquiries/requests for 2026 Rapid Response Fund (requests must be received by this date) --- ## Funding Amount - Most Rapid Response Fund grants are up to $10,000. - Total available funding for 2026 is $400,000; up to $100,000 is allocated specifically for land back and land access projects. - All grants are limited to a 12-month term. - The fund is not intended to replace existing funding sources, but stabilization requests due to sudden funding losses or policy changes may be considered. --- ## Eligibility - Work must be focused in Maine. - Eligible applicants: - 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations - Public schools - Public agencies working for the State of Maine - Indian tribal governments (and subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior - Fiscal sponsor arrangements are allowed for groups without pre-existing tax status (must serve a not-for-profit public purpose) - Ineligible: - Individuals - Private for-profit enterprises or cooperatives - 501(c)(4) organizations and direct/grassroots lobbying or political campaign activities - Priorities: - Community-based organizations with budgets under $250,000 - Organizations led by/serving Black, Indigenous, people of color, rural Mainers, and women - Land back and land access projects - Collaborative, cross-sector, and justice-focused efforts --- ## Application Process 1. **Initial Inquiry:** - Email a brief summary (1–2 paragraphs) describing the emergency or time-sensitive need, requested amount, and how your work aligns with fund priorities to [rapidresponse@sewallfoundation.org](mailto:rapidresponse@sewallfoundation.org). - If using a fiscal sponsor or part of a collaborative, note this in your email. - Inquiries must be received by September 1, 2026. 2. **Staff Review:** - Sewall Foundation staff will review your inquiry for alignment and respond within two weeks. - If aligned, you will receive an invitation and link to submit a brief online application. 3. **Application Submission:** - Complete the application via the provided link. - You will be notified of a decision within two weeks of application submission. **Note:** Only applications submitted through the online system are accepted. Additional materials are not reviewed unless specifically requested. --- ## Additional Information - Organizations may apply to the Rapid Response Fund regardless of other applications or active multi-year grants with the Sewall Foundation. - Fiscal sponsorships and collaborations are permitted; required agreements must be submitted. - The fund does not support ongoing operations or event sponsorships. --- ## External Links - [Rapid Response Fund Program Page](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/rapid-response-fund) - [Application Instructions](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/application-instructions) - [FAQs](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/faqs) - [Application Process Overview](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/application-process) - [Sewall Foundation Values](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/values) - [Sample Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/s/Fiscal-Sponsorship-Agreement-Template_2026.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |--------------------------|------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [rapidresponse@sewallfoundation.org](mailto:rapidresponse@sewallfoundation.org) | | Technical/Application Help | [Laura Dover](mailto:ldover@sewallfoundation.org) | | Phone | 207-865-3810 | | Foundation Website | [https://www.sewallfoundation.org](https://www.sewallfoundation.org) |

Rapid Response Fund

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