The Maine Arts Commission (MAC) has awarded FY2026 Organization Operations Grants to 61 nonprofit arts organizations statewide, including nonprofits in Knox and Waldo counties, funding the highest percentage of applicants in the program’s history and reinforcing the Commission’s role in sustaining Maine’s cultural sector, according to MAC, in a news release.

The Organization Operations Grant provides unrestricted operating support to eligible nonprofit arts organizations with annual budgets above $25,000. These competitive grants are part of MAC’s ongoing work to serve and connect, fund, and advance Maine’s creative sector. This year, MAC received 93 eligible applications from across the state. Following a competitive peer-review process, approximately two-thirds of applicants were selected for funding, with organizations funded in all 14 counties that submitted applications. 

“These grants support the essential, behind-the-scenes work that allows arts organizations to stay strong and responsive to their communities,” said Bob Keyes, Chair of the Maine Arts Commission. “By investing in organizational stability, we help ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive across the state.” 

A full list of funded organizations is available on the Maine Arts Commission website.

To promote equity and support organizations at different stages of growth, MAC distributed awards across four budget categories:

• Under $100,000 in annual budget: 9 of 14 applicants funded ($45,000)
• $100,000–$500,000: 26 of 40 applicants funded ($131,250)
• $500,000–$1 million: 10 of 15 applicants funded ($52,500)
• Over $1 million: 16 of 24 applicants funded ($80,000)

“Our work at the Commission is to serve, connect, and invest in Maine’s creative sector,” said Amy Hausmann, Executive Director of the Maine Arts Commission. “These grants help organizations remain grounded in their communities and contribute to a strong, connected cultural ecosystem statewide.” 

Applications were reviewed by independent peer panels composed of arts professionals from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. Panelists completed orientation and non-bias training and evaluated applications independently through the Maine Cultural Access Portal, ensuring a fair and transparent review process, according to MAC. 

The Maine Arts Commission is an independent state agency that supports artists, arts organizations, and communities across all 16 counties, strengthening Maine’s cultural life and creative economy. Through grants, partnerships, and statewide initiatives, the Commission fosters public participation in the arts and advances Maine’s rich artistic heritage.