PORTLAND/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 activities, are encouraged to apply for funding from the Maine Community Foundation’s Expansion Arts Fund.

The deadline for applications is Sept. 15. A new online application is available at www.mainecf.org.

Last year, the Expansion Arts Fund advisory committee awarded a total of $56,000. The 13 grants ranged in size from $2,500 to the maximum award amount of $5,000. Among the organizations funded were the Community Caring Collaborative in Princeton for a youth summit featuring traditional Passamaquoddy basket making, drumming, singing and dancing; and the Everyman Repertory Theater in Rockport, for its Drama in Schools project.

For complete application guidelines and listing of recent grants, visit www.mainecf.org or contact Cathy Melio at [email protected] or by calling (877) 700-6800, ext. 1122.