How to apply
Applicants should submit their requests as follows: (1) a brief (1-3 page) letter describing the project, drive or campaign. This should include a statement of need, number of people benefited, geographic area served, total fund raising goal, strategy and amount requested from the foundation, (2) capital campaigns and special projects should also include a budget, (3) organizations should enclose a copy of their 501(c)(3) determination letter, (4) other supporting material. Contact: Bill Joan Alfond Family Foundation, Two Monument Square, Portland, Me, 2078287999 Deadlines: No submission deadlines. Restrictions: The foundation contributes to organizations in the field of higher education. The foundation also contributes to worthy charities within its principal area of geographic interest. When considering major grants, the foundation normally requires that the grantee raise matching funds from other organizations and individuals.
Quoted from Part XV of the foundation's 2024 Form 990-PF; the full text is in the filing. Confirm on the foundation's website before you write.
Grants paid in 2024
41 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Colby CollegeWaterville, ME | Undesignated lifetime commitment (dare northward campaign) | $600K |
| Kennebec Valley Community Action ProgramWaterville, ME | Skowhegan public school early childhood education wing | $500K |
| Mass General Brigham IncorporatedBoston, MA | Mass eye & ear hearing labs capital improvements | $500K |
| Bny Mellon Charitable Gift FundBoston, MA | Donor advised funds with disqualified person advisory privileges | $398K |
| Mass General Brigham IncorporatedBoston, MA | Headache medicine, research, and treatment | $395K |
| Maine Community Foundation IncPortland, ME | Donor advised funds with disqualified person advisory privileges | $248K |
| Childrens Discovery MuseumWaterville, ME | Capital campaign membership challenge | $200K |
| 10th Mountain Ski ClubFort Kent, ME | Unrestricted | $100K |
| Maine School Administrative District #46Dexter, ME | New facility for building trades program | $94K |
| Thomas CollegeWaterville, ME | Varsity e-sports program expansion | $60K |
| Kennebec Valley Community College FoundationFairfield, ME | Electrical lineworker truck | $50K |
| Central Maine Community Betterment CollaborativeWaterville, ME | Dirigo labs business accelerator & mentor program | $32K |
| Eastport Port AuthorityEastport, ME | Coach passenger bus refurbishment | $26K |
| Friends of Quarry RoadWaterville, ME | Mini-alpine campaign | $25K |
| Jobs for Maine's Graduates IncAugusta, ME | Specialized financial literacy curriculum | $25K |
| Kennebec Valley Community College FoundationFairfield, ME | 2024 kvcc gala - emergent need fund | $25K |
| Ciee IncSouth Portland, ME | 2024 jmg global navigator high school study abroad scholarship | $19K |
| Maine Children's Home for Little WanderersWaterville, ME | Unrestricted | $15K |
| Town of DexterDexter, ME | Bring back the beach capital campaign | $15K |
| The Windowdressers IncRockland, ME | Capacity building | $15K |
| Maine School Administrative District #46Dexter, ME | Dexter career and technical education summer camp | $14K |
| University of Maine FoundationOrono, ME | Marching band | $10K |
| Central Maine Community Betterment CollaborativeWaterville, ME | Economic development in oakland, me | $10K |
| Thomas CollegeWaterville, ME | Bill and joan alfond scholars graduate program | $10K |
| Town of CorinnaCorinna, ME | Net climbing structure for brad davis memorial playground | $8,500 |
| United States Biathlon Association IncNew Gloucester, ME | Athlete health and safety audit | $7,500 |
| Governor's AcademyByfield, MA | Annual senior trip | $7,000 |
| Maine School Administrative District #46Dexter, ME | Learn to ski program | $6,000 |
| Educare Central MaineWaterville, ME | 5k for kids 2024 fundraising event | $5,500 |
| Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteBoston, MA | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Alfond Youth and Community CenterWaterville, ME | Computer club | $2,700 |
| Maine Community Foundation IncPortland, ME | Frank e. spizuoco memorial scholarship fund | $2,500 |
| Educare Central MaineWaterville, ME | Educare central maine high school scholarships | $2,000 |
| Maine Grain AllianceSkowhegan, ME | Field planting at kennebec valley community college | $2,000 |
| Jobs for Maine's Graduates IncAugusta, ME | Global navigator support | $1,800 |
| Beth Israel CongregationWaterville, ME | Community support | $1,000 |
| Carrabassett Valley AcademyCarrabassett Valley, ME | Kate webber punderson endowed fund | $1,000 |
| Kiwanis Club of DexterDexter, ME | Bill and joan alfond family citizenship awards | $1,000 |
| Town of WinslowWinslow, ME | Early reader books and museum admission passes | $1,000 |
| Waterville CreatesWaterville, ME | 2024 maine international film festival | $500 |
| Central Maine Community Betterment CollaborativeWaterville, ME | Dirigo labs community partnerships | $188 |
By state: Maine 36 · Massachusetts 5
About this foundation
The Bill and Joan Alfond Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Portland, Maine, administered in care of Dexter Entrps, tax-exempt since 1987. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.
Does The Bill and Joan Alfond Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. On its 2024 Form 990-PF the foundation indicates it accepts applications. Applicants should submit their requests as follows: (1) a brief (1-3 page) letter describing the project, drive or campaign. Deadlines: No submission deadlines..
How much does The Bill and Joan Alfond Foundation give each year?
In tax year 2024 it paid $3.4M across 41 grants, a median of $14K.
Where does The Bill and Joan Alfond Foundation give?
Maine (36 grants), Massachusetts (5 grants), per its latest filing.
More foundations near Portland that accept applications
All in Maine| Foundation | Based in | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harold Alfond Foundationsince 1994 | Portland, ME | $103M45 grants · 2024 | $250K | Yes | $1.5B |
| John T Gorman Foundationsince 1995 | Portland, ME | $7.5M154 grants · 2024 | $20K | Yes | $224M |
| Libra Foundation Owen W Wells Trusteesince 1990 | Portland, ME | $4.3M56 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Yes | $157M |
| Sam L Cohen Foundationsince 2005 | Portland, ME | $3.3M125 grants · 2025 | $15K | Yes | $28M |