The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation was created in 1986 to provide support for Maine communities. A family foundation, we are interested in projects that address the underlying causes of social and environmental problems, as well as those that address the consequences. We have a strong interest in literacy, community services and the arts. As community builders, we are particularly interested in organizations and projects that will affect or serve the most members of a community.
We receive more requests than we could possibly fund, and therefore have had to restrict the kinds of requests we will consider. We will not consider funding for:
• medical care, education or other direct support for individuals
• competitions or athletic sponsorships for individuals
• wheelchair vans or transportation for individuals
• scholarship foundations or programs
• graduation parties or events
• travel, sponsorship or funding for student or athletic groups
• renovations to churches or other religious properties or institutions
• film or video productions, book or publishing projects
• business development, investments or loans
• conferences, meetings, exhibits or workshops
• organizations whose policies encourage discrimination
• academic research, fellowships or publication
• animal shelters/hospitals or rehabilitation centers
• construction or improvement of playgrounds or skateparks
•hospice programs or facilities
If you have questions or concerns about your organization’s eligibility, please contact the foundation office.
Frequently Answered Questions:
Who is eligible to apply for a grant?
Any 501( c )(3) organization in the state of Maine is eligible. No applications will be considered from any organization without 501(c)(3) status.
What is the size of a typical grant?
Grants range from $500 to $50,000. Requests should not exceed $50,000. Endowment grants are rare, as are matching or challenge grants.
Does the King Foundation make multi-year commitments?
We do, occasionally. However, our preference is to award one-time grants.
How often can an organization apply?
We request that you only apply once per calendar year, and if you receive funding to wait two years before applying again.
Does the King Foundation award discretionary grants?
The Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation reserves the right to make grants at the discretion of its board members. Organizations that receive funding are selected by the board, and letters of inquiry are not accepted for such funding.
Will the King Foundation support ongoing projects or only new projects?
We have done both, but prefer short-term projects with clearly defined goals and measurable results. Future support should never be assumed once a grant has been awarded.
Will the King Foundation make emergency grants?
No. The Foundation has no emergency funds to distribute.
Do you provide scholarships for education?Yes, but through the Barking Foundation. Please go to the link for more information.
Who will review our proposal?
The administrator and the trustees will review all requests. All materials are handled confidentially.
How strict is your policy on application deadlines?
Because we aim for a quick turn-around, we must be very strict on the deadlines. To assure proper consideration, applications should be received in our office by the deadline date, not postmarked on that date. If our deadline happens to fall on a weekend, we will accept applications until the end of the following Monday.
How will I know if my application has been received and is complete?
All applicants receive a letter or acknowledgement, and the administrator will contact you if there are questions.
How can I receive information about the fund’s assets and previous grants?
This information is available for review in person at the offices of Arthur B. Greene, Inc., 100 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10178.
Can I set up a meeting before my request is considered?
The trustees do not grant interviews to prospective grantees, nor do they normally make site visits, except when they consider it necessary, at which time they would request your cooperation.
If we receive funding, do we need to submit a grant report?
Organization receiving a grant will be expected to keep the Foundation informed as to the progress of their project; this may be done through letters, newsletters, photos, or other pertinent materials. In special circumstances, applicants might be asked to submit a report upon completion of a project.
What are the deadlines?
We do two grant reviews per year, one with a June 30 deadline and one with a December 31st deadline. Decisions may take as long as eight weeks. Applications can be submitted at any time, but will not be considered until after those deadlines.
If we receive funding, may we publicize the grant and/or use the King Foundation name in advertising or solicitations?
If you are awarded a grant, you must ask for permission to publicize the award.
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