Elmina B. Sewall Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $13,386,409 (2023)
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $500,000
• Decision Time: 12 weeks (standard programs); 2 weeks (Rapid Response Fund)
• Total Assets: $165.9 million (2022)
• Geographic Focus: Maine (with select Legacy grants outside Maine)
• Number of Awards: 286 grants (2023)

Contact Details

Address: 15 Main St., Suite 230, Freeport, ME 04032

Phone: (207) 865-3810

Email: info@sewallfoundation.org

Website: www.sewallfoundation.org

Online Application Portal: sewallfoundation.givingdata.com/portal/login

Program-Specific Contacts: Available on website for Animal Welfare, Food Systems, Keystone, Lewiston-Auburn, Nature-Based Education, Rural Partnerships, Wabanaki, and Rapid Response programs

Overview

The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation was established in 1983 by Elmina Brewster Sewall of Kennebunk, Maine, who had maintained a lifelong commitment to philanthropy since childhood. With $165.9 million in assets (2022) and $13.4 million in annual grantmaking (2023), the foundation has evolved into a leading equity-focused funder in Maine. The foundation's mission is "to support a culture of equity and interconnected well-being for people, animals, and the environment in Maine." Under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Gabriela Alcalde since 2019, the foundation has embraced trust-based philanthropy, emergent learning, and an equity lens as interconnected frameworks guiding its work. The foundation maintains an 8.4% payout rate and awarded 286 grants in 2023. In 2022, the foundation welcomed six new board members through an equity-focused open call process and implemented demographic data collection from grant applicants, with 86% voluntarily providing information. The foundation has gained recognition for its "deep listening" approach to community engagement and is piloting a four-day work week beginning January 2025.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Animal Welfare ($10,000 - $100,000) Focuses on companion animals and the intersection of human and companion animal well-being. Supports organizations working to reduce barriers to equitable pet ownership, keep pets with their owners, and humanely control pet populations, with emphasis on cats and dogs. Applications due February 13; decisions by end of April.

Food Systems ($10,000 - $100,000) Statewide program complementing community-based work in other regions. Supports equitable food access, sustainable farming, and connections between institutions and local producers. Applications due February 13; decisions by early May.

Keystone ($10,000 - $150,000) Prioritizes grassroots and community-led efforts addressing environmental and racial justice as key strategies for equitable social change. Supports statewide policy, advocacy, and communications work. Applications due February 13; decisions by early May.

Lewiston-Auburn (Up to $200,000 for collaboratives) Partners with other funders to support organizations engaged in broadly participatory, community-based, collaboration-building processes, with grants allocated through L-A's collaborative decision-making process. Applications due February 13; decisions by early May.

Nature-Based Education ($10,000 - $200,000 for collaboratives) Supports collaborative and organizational initiatives that advance the field, build strong networks changing systems and policy, include and elevate diverse voices and leadership, and result in equitable outcomes for all Mainers. Applications due February 13; decisions by early May.

Rural Partnerships ($100,000 - $500,000; up to $200,000/year for collaboratives) Works with partners to create thriving, healthy, and resilient rural Maine where communities envision and guide their future. Supports collaborative backbone infrastructure and partnerships co-creating solutions to structural problems. Applications due February 13; decisions by early May.

Wabanaki (Varies) Supports Wabanaki Tribes and Wabanaki-led and -serving community organizations on community priorities through grants, capacity-building, technical assistance, convening, shared learning, and impact investment. Applications due February 13; decisions by early May.

Rapid Response Fund (Up to $10,000) Rolling basis with decisions within 2 weeks. No reapplication restrictions apply. Provides quick support for urgent community needs.

Legacy Grants (Varies) Funds select organizations both inside and outside Maine that were supported by Elmina B. Sewall during her lifetime. Applications due June 12; decisions by mid-August.

Priority Areas

• Equity and social justice with focus on BIPOC, Wabanaki, and rural communities
• Interconnected well-being of people, animals, and environment
• Grassroots and community-led initiatives
• Collaborative partnerships across socioeconomic, cultural, and geographic boundaries
• Environmental and racial justice
• Systems change through policy, advocacy, and communications
• Nature-based learning and outdoor equity
• Sustainable food systems and equitable food access
• Animal welfare with focus on companion animals
• Community resilience and capacity building

What They Don't Fund

• Private for-profit enterprises (except through impact investing program)
• Cooperatives
• Direct grants to individuals
• Operating endowments
• Organizations outside Maine (except Legacy program)
• Organizations with active multi-year grants (until final grant year)
• Multiple applications per organization per calendar year

Special Note: 501(c)(4) organizations must contact program staff before submitting applications, as funding requires additional considerations and expenditure responsibility.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Dr. M. Gabriela Alcalde, Executive Director (since August 2019) A public health leader with 20+ years of experience and commitment to equity and social justice. Dr. Alcalde has led the integration of environmental, human, and animal health and welfare while centering equity and community voices. She also serves as Chair of the Maine Philanthropy Center Board of Directors.

Key Quotes from Dr. Alcalde:

• "We're beginning to recognize the power that philanthropy holds and bringing accountability to that power."
• "Any time we make an assumption [about what the community wants], I feel it's disrespectful to our community partners."
• "Relationships are not a one-way street. You can't just seek information, vulnerability, and openness without giving those things yourself."
• "For it to be effective listening it has to be reciprocal, we both share."

Board Leadership

Betsy Biemann, Board Chair (as of 2022) "We embrace the practice of the values we hold so dear in our relationships with all people, animals, the environment, and ourselves."

The foundation operates with a 9-member staff team and governance board structure. In 2022, six new board members joined through an equity-focused open call process. Board members receive annual stipends up to $7,500 (with additional $7,500 for leadership/officer roles).

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Online Applications Only: The foundation exclusively accepts applications through their online grant system at sewallfoundation.givingdata.com/portal/login. Applications are accessible on individual grant program pages during open periods.

Before Applying:

1. Familiarize yourself with the foundation's Values, Approach, and Grant Programs
2. Review eligibility requirements for specific programs
3. Consult the FAQs page for specific questions
4. Use generic organizational email addresses (info@) rather than individual staff emails for continuity
5. 501(c)(4) organizations must contact program staff BEFORE starting an application

Application Requirements:

• 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, OR
• Public school/agency status, OR
• Indian tribal government recognition by Department of Interior, OR
• Fiscal sponsorship agreement (fiscal sponsor becomes official grantee)
• Financial statements: audited preferred, or balance sheet + profit/loss statement
• Maximum file upload size: 20MB (oversized files may be emailed to ldover@sewallfoundation.org)
• No supplemental materials accepted beyond what application form requests

Grant Types Considered:

• Operating grants
• Project grants
• Capital grants

Decision Timeline

Standard Programs (Animal Welfare, Food Systems, Keystone, Lewiston-Auburn, Nature-Based Education, Rural Partnerships, Wabanaki):

• Applications Open: January 6
• Deadline: February 13 at 5:00 PM EST
• Decisions Announced: Early May
• Timeline: Approximately 12 weeks

Legacy Grants:

• Deadline: June 12
• Decisions: Mid-August
• Timeline: Approximately 8-10 weeks

Rapid Response Fund:

• Rolling basis
• Decisions: Within 2 weeks

Review Process: Staff may contact applicants and references for clarification. The foundation evaluates proposals based on alignment with institutional values, focus on Maine-based work, and advancement of interconnected human-animal-environmental well-being.

Success Rates

While the foundation does not publicly disclose specific success rates, they distributed $13.4 million across 286 awards in 2023, suggesting selective grantmaking. The foundation acknowledges on their website that "The Foundation receives more compelling requests than can be approved each year." In 2022, they approved 316 new grants totaling $21.8 million while making $12.7 million in grant payments, indicating multi-year commitments.

Reapplication Policy

• One application per calendar year per organization
• Organizations with active multi-year grants must wait until the final grant year before reapplying for additional funding
• Rapid Response Fund has no reapplication restrictions
• Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent years
• No mandatory waiting period for unsuccessful applicants (except the one-per-year rule)

Application Success Factors

Direct Advice from the Foundation

On Readiness and Engagement: "Readiness is really important and the process of community engagement is just as important as the results." - Dr. Gabriela Alcalde

"It's important to take time to think it through, asking, Why are you doing this, how are you doing this, and what do you hope to accomplish with it?" - Dr. Gabriela Alcalde

On Transparency: "You must be ready to be transparent, humble and vulnerable yourself." - Dr. Gabriela Alcalde

Recently Funded Projects as Examples

Four Directions Development Corporation (2023): $425,000 multi-year grant for Wabanaki Tribal Broadband Project to bring equity to broadband access in Indian Country and develop an inter-tribal Wabanaki Consortium.

League of Women Voters Maine Education Fund (2023): 24-month Equitable Civic Engagement grant to eliminate inequities in voter turnout at local, state, and national levels.

Presente! Maine: Received six grants since 2020 (three Rapid Response, three Food Systems grants) including 24-month general operating support for La Granja Colectiva, a community farm serving Afro/Indigenous and Latinx communities.

Wabanaki Youth In Science (WaYS): 36-month Healthy People Healthy Places grant (2022).

Nature Based Education Consortium (NBEC): Five Healthy People Healthy Places grants since 2019.

Maine Marinara Project: Food Systems funding connecting institutions (schools, hospitals, correctional facilities) with New American farmers to purchase b-grade vegetables.

Mission Working Dogs: Animal Welfare funding for new training facility.

Language and Terminology They Value

• Equity, social justice, and structural change
• Trust-based relationships and reciprocity
• Community-led and grassroots initiatives
• Interconnected well-being (people, animals, environment)
• Collaboration and partnerships
• Deep listening and community voices
• Systems change and policy advocacy
• Wabanaki sovereignty and tribal priorities
• BIPOC leadership and diverse voices
• Rural resilience and capacity building

Standing Out in Your Application

1. Demonstrate Equity Commitment: Show how your work addresses systemic inequalities, not just symptoms. The foundation prioritizes "processes that heal, correct unjust conditions and structures."

2. Show Community Leadership: Projects led by or co-created with impacted communities align best with their approach. Avoid "doing for" communities—emphasize "doing with."

3. Emphasize Interconnections: Connect your work to the foundation's belief in interconnected well-being of people, animals, and environment.

4. Build Genuine Relationships: Don't treat the foundation as just a funding source. Engage authentically and be prepared for reciprocal, transparent dialogue.

5. Consider Collaborative Applications: The foundation offers higher grant amounts (up to $200,000-$500,000) for collaborative requests, reflecting their commitment to partnerships.

6. Provide Demographic Data: The foundation collects voluntary demographic data to support equity goals—86% of applicants provided this information in 2022.

7. Be Transparent About Capacity: The foundation values learning organizations and acknowledges that "change is not linear." Be honest about your organization's capacity and challenges.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Equity is Non-Negotiable: The foundation "centers equity across all dimensions" of its work. Your application must demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing systemic inequalities, particularly affecting Black, Indigenous, and rural Maine communities.

• One Chance Per Year: With only one application allowed per calendar year per organization, make it count. Review all program areas to identify the best fit before applying.

• Relationships Matter More Than Transactions: The foundation emphasizes "relationships are not a one-way street" and practices "deep listening." Consider building a relationship before applying, and be prepared for authentic, reciprocal engagement.

• Think Collaboratively for Larger Funding: Individual organization grants typically range $10,000-$150,000, but collaborative requests can reach $200,000-$500,000. Consider partnering with other organizations to increase impact and funding potential.

• Align with Maine-Focused Work: Unless you're a Legacy grantee, your work must focus on Maine. The foundation is deeply committed to transforming conditions in Maine specifically.

• Multi-Year Grants Are Available: The foundation approved $21.8 million in new grants while paying out $12.7 million in 2022, indicating substantial multi-year commitments. Don't limit your request to single-year support if your project warrants longer engagement.

• Use Rapid Response Strategically: For urgent needs under $10,000, the Rapid Response Fund offers 2-week decisions with no annual reapplication limits—a valuable option for time-sensitive opportunities or emergencies.

References

1. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation Official Website. "Home." www.sewallfoundation.org. Accessed November 13, 2025.

2. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "Application Process." www.sewallfoundation.org/application-process. Accessed November 13, 2025.

3. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "FAQs." www.sewallfoundation.org/faqs. Accessed November 13, 2025.

4. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "Approach." www.sewallfoundation.org/approach. Accessed November 13, 2025.

5. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "Equity." www.sewallfoundation.org/equity. Accessed November 13, 2025.

6. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "Staff & Board." www.sewallfoundation.org/staff-board. Accessed November 13, 2025.

7. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "2022 Annual Report." www.sewallfoundation.org/2022-annual-report. Accessed November 13, 2025.

8. Fund for Shared Insight. "Foundation Embraces 'Deep Listening' for Equity, Accountability." fundforsharedinsight.org/viewpoint/maine-foundation-embraces-deep-listening-for-equity-and-accountability/. Accessed November 13, 2025. [Source of Dr. Alcalde quotes on listening, relationships, power, and advice for foundations]

9. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "Dr. Gabriela Alcalde Joins the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation as Executive Director." www.sewallfoundation.org/news-1/2019/6/18/dr-gabriela-alcalde-joins-the-elmina-b-sewall-foundation-as-executive-director. Accessed November 13, 2025.

10. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "Animal Welfare." www.sewallfoundation.org/animal-welfare. Accessed November 13, 2025.

11. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "Wabanaki." www.sewallfoundation.org/wabanaki. Accessed November 13, 2025.

12. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "Lewiston-Auburn." www.sewallfoundation.org/lewiston-auburn. Accessed November 13, 2025.

13. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "Rural Partnerships." www.sewallfoundation.org/rural-partnerships. Accessed November 13, 2025.

14. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "Rapid Response Fund." www.sewallfoundation.org/rapid-response-fund. Accessed November 13, 2025.

15. Four Directions Development Corporation. "FDDC Receives Grant Awards from the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation." fourdirectionsmaine.org/fddc-receives-grant-awards-from-the-elmina-b-sewall-foundation/. Accessed November 13, 2025.

16. Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. "Presente! Maine." www.sewallfoundation.org/news-1/2024/7/16/presente-maine. Accessed November 13, 2025.

17. GuideStar Profile - Elmina B Sewall Foundation. www.guidestar.org/profile/01-0387404. Accessed November 13, 2025.

18. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Elmina B Sewall Foundation." projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/10387404. Accessed November 13, 2025.

19. Instrumentl. "Elmina B. Sewall Foundation | Freeport, ME | 990 Report." www.instrumentl.com/990-report/elmina-b-sewall-foundation. Accessed November 13, 2025.