First round of Maine200 community grants go to 30 organizations, projects
Courtesy / Office of Maine Secretary of State
The first round of community grants for Maine's bicentennial has been awarded to 30 organizations.
A total of $145,255 has been awarded to 30 projects across the state in the first round of the Maine200 Bicentennial Project grant program.
The Maine Bicentennial Committee approved 21 Large Project applications, totalling $140,775, and nine Small Project applications, totaling $4,500. The committee had received applications for $298,870 in grants.
Nonprofits, individuals and businesses are all eligible to apply for the grants, which are administered through the Maine Arts Commission, though for-profit businesses must be in partnership with a nonprofit organization.
Priority was given to projects directly tied to the state bicentennial commemoration, as well as those supported through local matching funds or in-kind contributions.
Projects given priority were designed to reach and engage as many members of the community as possible, create lasting resources that will benefit communities beyond the bicentennial, involve multiple community partners (including schools), have strong plans for public outreach, and are free, subsidized, and/or accessible at a reasonable cost.
There are two more rounds of the grants, which are for projects that benefit the public, such as parades, historic preservation efforts, lectures and curriculum.
Grant recipients
Large Project awards have a maximum of $10,000, but amounts of individual awards weren't released. Those receiving the grants are Bangor Public Library; Center for Maine Contemporary Art Center, Rockland; city of Caribou; city of Hallowell; Deer Isle - Stonington CSD; Gardiner Library Association; Greater Portland Landmarks; Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance; Makers Guild of Maine; Mayo Street Arts; Penobscot Marine Museum; Portland Museum of Art; Portland Stage Company; Rockland Historical Society; Terra Moto Inc., of Portland; Thomaston Historical Society; town of Falmouth; University of Maine at Augusta; University of Southern Maine; William A. Farnsworth Museum, Rockland.
Small Project Awards of $500 went to Boothbay Region Elementary School; Friends of Craig Brook, Orland; Friends of Lithgow Library, Augusta; Liberty Library; Oak Hill Middle School; Patten Free Library, Bath; Pine Tree State 4-H Club; Found. Rotary Club, of Belfast Maine; and the town of Limerick.
Bringing Mainers together
The purpose of the program is to allow residents "to come together to envision a successful and prosperous future for themselves and the state as a whole," the Maine200 site says.
The Maine Legislature appropriated initial funding of $375,000 for the grant program, up to 10% of which will be used for grants of $500 or less. At least one grant of up to $10,000 will be available in each of Maine's 16 counties.
Projected outcomes are:
- Allowing the state's residents, particularly its youngest ones, to come together over challenges experienced, and contributions made by, a diversity of the people — racial/tribal, geographic, gender, and socioeconomic — who make Maine what it is today;
- Have long-term value for imparting historical information, and creating conversations that strengthen individuals, communities and their connections.
- Spotlight artwork and products of the past, while showcasing and providing market access for the emerging next generation of artists, makers and innovators;
- Enhance and broaden community leadership to drive commemorations at a local level;
- Allow residents to better understand key sustainability issues for Maine’s future, including demographics, environment, energy, and more.
All commemoration activities must involve a public component for participation and recipients must provide a photo of their activity, which will be shared on the Maine200 social media channels and other bicentennial promotional materials.
Reflecting themes of living in Maine, the business of Maine, Maine leads and the Maine character are encouraged.
The money must be spent by March 2021. Deadlines for the next two rounds are Feb. 1 and June 1.
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