Moving ME Forward helps others “Give Back the Gift of Health” by funding innovative initiatives that promote sustainable health and fitness changes in our Maine communities.

Application and Documentation (Downloads)
- What You Need To Know Before Applying and Grant Process
- Grant Application (Online Application)
- Grant Application (Download and Mail)
- Progress Report
What to know before you apply for a grant:
Funding Priorities
Moving ME Forward requires proposals that create social change in the areas of health and fitness include a component that:
- Develops/promotes community connections
- Encourages social responsibility/giving back to the community
- Addresses ongoing sustainability
- Are partially funded by in kind donations
Who is eligible to apply
- Students, graduates and affiliates of Central Maine Community College
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations
When to apply
- Grant application period is open from September 1st thru December 31st.
What to submit
- Requests should be for future expenses only. Awards for grants will be made by March 1st. Project start date should take this into consideration.
- Requests should not exceed $10,000
- Please only send information and materials requested in the grant program guidelines/application. Additional materials will not be reviewed.
- All competitive grant program awardees will be required to submit a Project Progress Report. If the grantee fails to submit one, further funding will be held until the missing report is filed.
Types of funding (often supported)
- New projects: activities that are distinct from ongoing programs and that have start and end dates.
- Expanding projects: the extension of a successful program to a new population or geographic location or to include a significant change in scope.
- Capacity building: projects that will strengthen an organization’s efficiency or effectiveness and that have clear goals or outcomes. For example, board training to develop fundraising capacity with specific goals.
- Capital expenses: can be part of the budget for a new or expanding project if they are necessary and directly related to the outcomes of the project, including materials and equipment.
- Personnel expenses: any staff salaries must be directly tied to a new or expanding project.
- Indirect costs: administrative overhead expenses of up to 20% of the total requested budget. When allowed, these should be included in the budget and labeled “Indirect costs.
Types of funding (often not supported)
- Operating support: ongoing administrative costs such as rent, utilities, office supplies, salaries (not tied to a specific project expense).
- Ongoing activities: continuing programs or projects that have no clear end date.
- Endowments or capital campaigns: activities leading up to a capital campaign such as feasibility studies as well as costs related to verbal or written requests for financial support such as fundraising events or appeal letters.
- Camp scholarships: funding for admission, enrollment, tuition, or other costs related to individual or group attendance at a short-term recreational or educational program.
- Capital expenses: purchases of property, equipment, or building materials related to the organization’s core operations.
Grant Process Timeline
- Application intake/Eligibility prescreening: grant application period is open from September 1st thru December 31st. Applications are reviewed as they are received to determine if required grant program criteria are met.
- Grant application review: eligible applications are assessed by assigned Moving ME Forward board members and summary reviews written.
- Grant decision meeting: summary reviews are presented to Moving ME Forward Board of Directors and final award decisions are made as a committee.
- Notification: All applicants will receive a letter through regular mail notifying by March 1st as to whether their request has been funded or declined.
- Evaluation: All grant recipients are required to submit project progress reports for review by the Moving ME Forward Board of Directors at 6 month intervals and at the completion of the project.
Application Confidentiality
Applications may be shared with interested parties, including donors for potential funding.