UMaine Arts Initiative invites seed grant applications

University of Maine Arts Initiative (UMAI) Seed Grant 5

Faculty and Staff Grant Program

Academic Year 2025-2026

DESCRIPTION

The University of Maine Arts Initiative (UMAI) is pleased to announce a competitive seed grant program to create and enhance collaborations across the arts at the University of Maine (UMaine) and University of Maine at Machias (UMM). 

The purpose of this seed grant is to encourage innovative and interdisciplinary collaborations that seek to build a diverse, inclusive, sustainable, and equitable community of art researchers, practitioners, supporters, and promoters. Projects can be curriculum-based, public-facing, community-oriented or campus-specific, and are intended to fulfill the mission of the University of Maine Arts Initiative: 

The University of Maine Arts Initiative advances the integral role of the arts in enriching the lives of individuals and communities through the creation, experience, research, and enjoyment of the arts.

The University of Maine Arts Initiative, launched in 2021 by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School (OVPRDGS), is a collaborative of faculty, administrators, staff, and students committed to the principle that the arts play an integral role in public research institutions. We seek to increase resources and support for the arts in order to reinforce their significance and enhance their visibility on campus and beyond. 

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Grant Amount: A limited number of up to 12-month projects up to $10,000 are intended to support new collaborations involving at least one arts and culture disciplines or units.  There is no matching requirement for this grant program.  Allowable expenses include, but are not limited to: supplies and materials, rental fees for campus facilities at UMaine and UMM: technology and/or software licensing; equipment; student support; travel, honoraria, and per diems.  Funding may be used for receptions directly integral to the project, but cost not to exceed $250. 

UMaine and UMM faculty and professional staff may serve as lead-PIs on one proposal, and be co-investigator on up to three proposal submissions.  Research teams must be led by full-time UM or UMM faculty or professional staff; PI and Co-PIs must demonstrate active involvement in the project. External groups/individuals may be collaborators, but may not serve as project PIs. UMAI funds may not be used to provide compensation, stipends, honoraria, or other forms of payment to external collaborators. Contributions from external individuals or organizations should be voluntary or supported through other, non-UMAI funding sources. Full-time University of Maine employees are not eligible for additional compensation for project activities. Release time for UMaine or UMM faculty and employees is also not an allowable expense. Partial support for course buyouts (up to $2,500 plus benefits) for UMaine or UMM faculty may be considered with substantial evidence for the need for the request.

Involvement of undergraduate and graduate students is highly encouraged.

What is a Project: These projects are expected to be transformative, innovative and collaborative including at least one arts discipline or unit. Initial projects should aim to inspire further collaborations, and seek to engage new partners and audiences on an ongoing basis. Project grants may lead to future proposals to Federal and State agencies, foundations, and other external funding sources for future support of both existing and pilot initiatives. Please note:

• All University of Maine Arts Initiative Grants are awarded in compliance with the University of Maine System Board of Trustees Policy Manual, Section 209: “Intellectual Property”.   Specifically, acceptance of an Award constitutes agreement and acceptance of all definitions and policies described in the “University of Maine System Statement of Policy Governing Patents and Copyrights“.

PROGRAM SUBMISSION AND CONTENTS

Applicants should include the following in their application package, submitted as separate files through the InfoReady portal:

1. Project Abstract: Not to exceed 150 words.

2. Project Narrative: A 2-page description of the proposed work, including how it will encourage collaborations.  Please use 1” margins, single-spacing, and a legible font not smaller than 11pt.

3. Project Impact: not to exceed 300 words (including anticipated audience, project results, project/collaboration sustainability, if appropriate,  and next steps)

4. A one-page Project Budget and 1-page Budget Explanation.

5. Project Participants: Please provide a 2-page resume from each project participant and describe their role(s) in the project. Please upload all resumes as one file.

Letters of support or collaboration should not be included in the application package. For more information, please contact the chair of the committee to discuss project proposals, concepts, and application procedures.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed and ranked by members of the UMAI Steering Committee or designees based on the criteria described below.  The committee will provide recommendations to the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School (VPRDGS), who will make the final funding decisions.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: the potential of the project to provide, through coordinated and synergistic collaborations, innovative and high-impact programs and creative activities bringing together arts disciplines and/or other collaborators (internal or external) to improve the quality of life and enhance the wellbeing of the people of Maine and beyond; to include UMaine and/or UMM students in aspects of the project. Specific review criteria are included in the evaluation rubric, accessible on the competition page.

TIMELINE

• Application deadline: Applications are due by 4:30pm on December 15, 2025.  Late applications will not be accepted or reviewed. Proposals must be submitted via the UMaine InfoReady Portal (linked here and accessible at https://umaine.infoready4.com/). 
• Review of applications: The review committee will be assembled to review proposals, and evaluations will begin in late-December 2025. Final funding decisions will be made by the Vice President for Research. Successful applicants will be notified of grant awards by mid-January 2026. All project activities must be completed within one year of receiving the award funding.

RESOURCES

Requests for technical assistance with submitting can be directed to Danielle O’Neill, Office of Research Development (danielle.oneill@maine.edu), and conceptual assistance to Gretchen Faulkner (gretchen.faulkner@maine.edu). Those who have not applied through InfoReady previously will need to create an account in InfoReady prior to submitting their application.