The first step in seeking funding support from the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation is familiarizing yourself with the Foundation's Mission, Values, Grant Programs, and the eligibility requirements found on this page.  If, after doing so, you believe your organization's work aligns with the goals of the Foundation you may submit an application.

We will only accept applications submitted through our online grant system.  Please refer to our Application Instructions, for helpful hints before getting started.  Links to the online application for each grant program can be found on their corresponding grant program pages: Animal Welfare, Healthy People Healthy Places, Legacy, and Rapid Response Fund.

Application Deadlines

In the event the due date is a weekend or holiday, applications will be due by 5 PM EST on the next normal business day.

General Considerations

The Sewall Foundation considers the following general factors in reviewing applications for funding. These factors are combined with the criteria specific to each grant program.

• Alignment with Sewall Foundation Values

• Extent to which work builds social equity and engages community

• Potential impact and reach including population served, community need and degree of anticipated impact

• Organizational capacity, including effectiveness of leadership (board and staff), ability to achieve objectives, and organizational financial health

• Results of past Sewall funding and timely reporting, when applicable

• Focus of work is Maine

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be eligible to accept tax-deductible donations as outlined in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations, public schools, public agencies working for the State of Maine, or Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior.

The Foundation limits grant support to charitable work in Maine that aligns with its stated priorities.  This requirement may be waived for a defined group of Legacy organizations for which Mrs. Sewall had particular affinity during her lifetime.

Organizations may submit an application one time per calendar year.  Some exceptions may be made in the case of fiscal sponsorships and multi-organization collaborations. Organizations with active multi-year grants must wait to apply for additional funding until the year in which the current grant-term ends.   These restrictions do not apply to our Rapid Response Fund grants. Please see FAQs for more information.

Review Process

The Foundation receives more compelling requests than can be approved each year.  Thus, in reviewing applications, consideration is given to the degree to which the proposal advances the Foundation's goals in the context of other proposals under consideration.

Foundation staff may contact the applicant in order to gain a better understanding of the proposal. We may also contact others who are familiar with the applicant and/or project.

Grants We Will Consider

Operating Grants
Grants that fuel the existence of organizations, providing them with funds to support the operating budget needed to do their work.  Grants that increase the capacity of organizations to rise to a higher level of effectiveness and impact.

Project Grants
Grants dedicated to a specific program or initiative undertaken by an individual organization or a group of organizations working cooperatively.

Capital Grants
Grants supporting acquisition and stewardship of specific capital assets such as buildings, land or other tangible resources required by organizations in the performance of their charitable work.

Types of Grants We Will Not Consider
Grants for operating endowments.