For Applicants
As a critical component of our activities, grantmaking enables us to support nonprofits across Maine that are aligned with our mission and our strategic priorities.
where the river widens with Wabanaki REACH
Photo credit: Dan Rajter
Grantmaking Areas
We currently offer grants in two program areas — the Arts Program and the Environment Program — and occasionally in response to special opportunities. Organizations are welcome to apply again in subsequent years after completing the requirements of the initial grant.
ARTS PROGRAM
ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Special Opportunities grants fall outside the foundation’s program strategies.
Grantmaking Process
1.
Planning and Submission
Review our program pages to identify the strategies and priorities with which your proposal best aligns. Reach out to an Onion Foundation team member to discuss your proposal, and then submit your application during an open call window.
2.
Foundation Review
Our team will thoroughly review your application, ensuring your organization’s work or project aligns with the Onion Foundation’s mission, strategies, and priorities and, given other requests, fits within our resources.
3.
Notification of Our Decision
After we review your proposal, we’ll notify you of our decision. If we approve funding for your proposal, we’ll provide you with guidance on next steps.
4.
Active Grant
Use the information in the Resources for Grantees page and work with your program officer to manage your grant.
Photo credit: ArtWaves
Grants Calendar
2026 Grants Calendar
In 2026, the Onion Foundation has four open application grant cycles, listed below. For information about each grant cycle, including application instructions, please review the program pages carefully.
GRANT CYCLE
Arts Program: Arts Education and Arts Engagement
APPLICATIONS OPEN
February 4, 2026
APPLICATIONS DUE
March 11, 2026
NOTIFICATIONS
May 2026
GRANT CYCLE
Arts Program: Arts Education and Arts Engagement
APPLICATIONS OPEN
July 22, 2026
APPLICATIONS DUE
September 9, 2026
NOTIFICATIONS
November 2026
GRANT CYCLE
Environment Program: Equitable Outdoor Access
APPLICATIONS OPEN
January 7, 2026
APPLICATIONS DUE
February 12, 2026
NOTIFICATIONS
May 2026
GRANT CYCLE
Environment Program: Nature Learning
APPLICATIONS OPEN
March 18, 2026
APPLICATIONS DUE
April 29, 2026
NOTIFICATIONS
July 2026
Eligibility Requirements
To receive funding from the Onion Foundation, proposed work must be based in Maine and focused on benefiting Maine's people.
To apply for and receive a grant, your organization must be one of the following:
A 501(c)3 public charity as designated by the IRS
Fiscally sponsored by a qualified 501(c)3 public charity
A Maine governmental unit
The Foundation generally does not support:
Capital projects (including capital campaigns, capital improvements, land purchases, or endowments)
Scholarship funds
Public and private schools or school districts (we do fund nonprofit organizations that partner with schools)
Religious programs
The Arts Program generally does not support:
Permanent public art
Film/media production
Publications/book projects
Exhibitions without significant public programming
Artists (we do fund organizations that pay artists for their work)
The Environment Program generally does not support:
Fisheries, river restoration, dam removal, and fish passage
Aquatic and terrestrial invasive plant mitigation (we do fund invasive aquatic species prevention)
Working with a fiscal sponsor can be an excellent approach for some projects, and fiscally sponsored projects are eligible for all of our grant programs. If you’re using a fiscal sponsor, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a program officer before submitting an application. Fiscal sponsors are grantees for any grants awarded and, therefore, are responsible for signing the grant agreement, ensuring funds are expended appropriately, and submitting timely and accurate reports. The fiscal sponsor should have the systems, personnel, and procedures in place to carry out the requirements of the Onion Foundation as well as the responsibilities outlined in the fiscal sponsorship agreement. Please note that fiscal sponsors may apply for funding in the same cycle as projects they are sponsoring. All grants that support fiscally sponsored projects or organizations are classified as project grants. However, you may request unrestricted support for your fiscally sponsored project in your application.
Elements To Include in a Fiscal Sponsor Agreement
When you apply, you’ll need to submit a fiscal sponsor agreement that clearly outlines the expectations and obligations of the sponsor and the sponsored party. It should address potential risks and establish a strong foundation for the relationship. While the document doesn’t need to be long, it’s important to include the following:
A dated signature from an authorized representative of each party, along with their title or role
A timeframe for the agreement, including the entire term of the grant and reporting
An explanation of the services provided by the sponsor and the associated fees
A description of the sponsored party's obligations
A statement of any restrictions on the activities of the sponsored party, such as a certain amount of lobbying or other activities that might threaten the tax status of the sponsor
A process by which each party can terminate the agreement
Helpful Resources Regarding Fiscal Sponsorship
COUNCIL OF NONPROFITS
NATIONAL NETWORK OF FISCAL SPONSORS
(Right) Photo credit: Susan Onion
(Left) Photo credit: Horizons Climbing Program with Adaptive Outdoor Education Center
(Left) Photo credit: Horizons Climbing Program with Adaptive Outdoor Education Center
(Right) Photo credit: Susan Onion