ELLSWORTH – Small to medium-sized organizations involved in indigenous, ethnic, or rural arts programs or projects, particularly those that serve areas with limited access to arts events, are encouraged to apply for funding from the Maine Community Foundation’s Expansion Arts Fund.

Sept. 15 is the deadline for applying to this fund. An advisory committee composed of Maine artists and individuals knowledgeable about arts and cultural activities reviews proposals and makes recommendations. Applicants must be incorporated in Maine as a nonprofit and have 501c3 tax-exempt status or use a fiscal sponsor with this status. Applicants must have an annual operating budget of $250,000 or less and must provide evidence of broad community support.

Generally, grants are not made for endowments, capital improvements, scholarships, regular performance series, production costs of films, or annual operating expenses. Exceptions are made for new organizations in need of start-up support, and unusual circumstances where a one-time grant will meet a special need. Recent grant recipients include Maine Fiberarts, Swan’s Island Community Music Program, Bangor Symphony Orchestra and the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance.

A statewide organization with offices in Portland and Ellsworth, the Maine Community Foundation makes grants and provides leadership to strengthen Maine communities. Last year, the Foundation awarded $8 million in grants and scholarships.

For complete application guidelines, please visit the foundation’s Web site at www.mainecf.org or call toll-free (877) 700-6800.