Maine Authors & Artists: Grants


For those who pursue careers as authors and (or) artists, it is widely know funds play a key role in project completion. These funds are necessary not only to purchase needed materials, but also to cover any fees that come up during the creation and presentation process. (Artists seem to encounter such funds more often than authors.)

Outside of taking out small loans or using income from other outside sources, emerging authors and artists are very limited until they begin selling their work. Many organizations understand these struggles, so they offer support in the way of grants and fellowships.

Maine is no stranger to both those authors and (or) artists in need of funds, as well as those who supply them. Supports for the artists' communities are found countrywide, but often applicants must be a resident or active college student.

For those Maine residents who are authors and (or) artists, the following list will aid you in your search for support financially:

  • Maine Humanities Council
  • Maine: Arts & Entertainment
  • Poets & Writers Magazine
  • Google Directory: Maine: Arts and Entertainment
  • MGIC Bookmarks
  • MCF: Fellowships and Grants to Individuals
  • Fellowship for Maine Writers
  • [pdf] Visual Artist Information Hotline
    • Remember, there are very specific guidelines it is of vital importance to follow. Not only that, most (if not all) organizations supplying these grants or fellowships only do so periodically throughout the year. In order to save frustration, be sure to research the grant thoroughly before applying. Waiting periods are long enough without receiving rejections due to lack of research.

    Acquiring a grant is just as challenging of a process as any other part of submissions, particularly for those in need of an agent. The whole creation process, applying for funds, finding an agent and waiting for the agent to help produce results is very tedious and time consuming. Add to that any other further creations that may be in the works and the stress level increases. A rule of thumb is it takes four to six weeks to receive a response. Typically, this translates to, sometimes, up to two months. Diligence and persistence are key once you have reached this mark.

    What happens if an applicant gets rejected?

    Like anytime else, don't give up. Continue applying and researching all available resources. There are a variety of reasons contributing to a rejection having nothing to do with the individual's efforts or visions. Keep that in mind while continuing to move forward.

    Maine has played an integral part in the author and artist worlds in terms of both inspiration and support for countless years. It's exciting to know so many famous creators live here now, have in the past or make frequent visits. What does that mean for emerging Maine authors and artists? Find inspiration from those who have already found success, but remember the path you must follow in order to achieve your goals could be quite different from theirs.

    The copyright of the article Maine Authors & Artists: Grants in Maine Culture is owned by Jenn Greenleaf. Permission to republish Maine Authors & Artists: Grants in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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