GRANTS

RFP Application for Mark Baumer Sustainability Fund Grants

Deadline:  Ongoing, year-round

Applications are now being accepted for Mark Baumer Sustainability Fund grants.

Mark Baumer was an award-winning poet, committed activist, devoted family member, and compassionate friend to many. He was in the midst of a cross-country journey—the second he’d undertaken in his young life. This crossing had a larger purpose—Mark’s cause this time was raising awareness about climate change, while simultaneously raising funds in support of FANG, a nonprofit organization and activist group in Providence, Rhode Island that he was a member of.

Oh, and he’d be doing the walk barefoot.

On January 21, 2017, Mark had just chronicled his 100th day on the road that morning as was his daily habit, utilizing various media platforms—something he’d been doing since leaving his house in Providence on October 14.  At approximately 1:15 p.m., Mark was struck and killed by an SUV along U.S. 90 in Fort Walton County, in Florida’s Panhandle. He was walking legally in the middle of the paved shoulder, against traffic, wearing a fluorescent vest, on a long, flat straightaway. He had turned 33 a month earlier, the week before Christmas.

The Mark Baumer Sustainability Fund (MBSF) was formed in December 2017. The MBSF mission statement:

The Mark Baumer Sustainability Fund exists to fund important community projects that raise awareness about the environment, promote social justice, as well as involving under-served populations directly in renewing their communities.

Typical grant amounts are up to $2000, awarded no more than once per year to qualifying organizations.

Eligibility criteria:

Eligible organizations will be 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations incorporated in Maine, or if based out of state, conducting  significant operations in Maine. The mission of the organization must be aligned with one or more of the goals or aspects of the MBSF mission.

The grants must be used for mission specific programs of the recipient organization and not for general organization operations (i.e. website development, training, travel, or staff payroll unless directly in support of a mission specific program).

If selected for a grant, the recipient will be awarded the grant within 6 months of the application. Applicants are welcome to apply again 12 months or more after the prior application submittal date.

If you are interesting in applying or for more information please contact us via email – contact@markbaumersustainabilityfund.org