Question 1

Who can apply for a grant from the Gloria C. MacKenzie Foundation?

Accepted Answer

Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and classified as a public charity. Organizations must directly benefit Maine residents, with priority given to programs serving Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Aroostook counties. Programs focused on education, vocational training, or public nonprofit development are encouraged to apply.

Question 2

What is the grant application deadline?

Accepted Answer

The Initial Grant Application opens January 1 each year and must be submitted by March 1. Organizations whose Initial Application is approved will receive a Final Grant Application due by June 30. Grant decisions are communicated by September 30, and accepted grants are distributed in December.

Question 3

How large are the Foundation's grants?

Accepted Answer

The Foundation does not publish a fixed maximum for standard grants. Award amounts are determined during the review process based on the program's scope, budget, and alignment with the Foundation's mission. Civic Pride Grants are smaller awards ranging from $100 to $500, available to community-driven initiatives throughout the calendar year.

Question 4

What counties does the Foundation prioritize?

Accepted Answer

The Foundation prioritizes projects benefiting residents of Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Aroostook counties, in keeping with the founder's wishes. State or national programs that meaningfully serve communities within these counties may also be considered, as may programs that broadly benefit Maine residents when they align with the Foundation's mission.

Question 5

What does the two-stage application process involve?

Accepted Answer

The process begins with an Initial Grant Application, reviewed by April 15. Organizations that pass this stage receive an invitation to submit a Final Grant Application by June 30. The Foundation may request a presentation or facility tour during the final review. All Final Grant Applications must be submitted by US mail.

Question 6

How do I submit the Initial Grant Application?

Accepted Answer

Complete the Initial Grant Application using the online form on this page. Submit it before March 1. Once received, the Foundation will review your application and notify you by April 15 whether you have been selected to move forward to the Final Grant Application stage.

Question 7

What type of organization is the Gloria C. MacKenzie Foundation?

Accepted Answer

The Gloria C. MacKenzie Foundation is a private foundation qualified under sections 501 and 509 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Question 8

What exactly is a "qualified recipient" of a grant from the Foundation?

Accepted Answer

A “qualified recipient” is a nonprofit organization which is qualified as a tax-exempt recipient of funding under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code and is also a tax-exempt entity under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. A political subdivision is also a qualified recipient when operating exclusively for public non-profit purposes. As a result, the Foundation will also consider grants to political subdivisions operating exclusively for public non-profit purposes.

Question 9

I am a teacher. The school I work for is not a 501(c)(3) organization. Can I still qualify for a grant?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. A political subdivision is also a qualified recipient when operating exclusively for public non-profit purposes. Contact us and we will work with you to preliminarily determine if you qualify.

Question 10

If my project is not based in Maine, can we still apply for funding?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the Foundation is only seeking grant requests based in Maine.

Question 11

May my organization work with a for-profit entity in utilizing our grant funding?

Accepted Answer

We encourage collaboration with all entities that can strengthen the state of Maine. The Foundation requires that all recipients of grant funding be qualified recipients, as defined in the previous FAQ. Once we have distributed funds to you, we expect that you will utilize such funds in compliance with your organization’s own legal purpose and as described in your application for funding.

Question 12

How do I apply for a grant?

Accepted Answer

Visit the "Grant Application" page and follow the instructions provided. Our Foundation reviews any and all requests for funding, but applications are reviewed only once per year. Please note the relevant dates provided on the “Grant Application” page.

Question 13

How often can I apply for a grant?

Accepted Answer

Once per calendar year.

Question 14

Are multi-year grants available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please put that as part of your grant application and justify the request accordingly.

Question 15

What grant amount can my organization apply for?

Accepted Answer

Grants vary in size depending upon the program and project. The Foundation prefers a grant minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $250,000.

Question 16

Does the Foundation award grants to support the endowments of other qualified recipients?

Accepted Answer

Although the Foundation will consider grants to any qualified recipient, the Foundation has a preference for making gifts that directly support the Mission of the Foundation.

Question 17

If we receive a grant, may we issue press releases, hold press conferences, or send out other information to the media?

Accepted Answer

The Foundation encourages grantees to publicize their activities as it strengthens the Mission of the Foundation. However, any publication of information to the media, including any of the methods mentioned in this question, must be pre-approved by the Foundation and is subject to the restrictions included in any grant agreement between the grantee and the Foundation.

Question 18

Are there any additional grant opportunities through the Foundation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Civic Pride Grants are available to citizens of a community in northern Maine.

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