Maine Children's Trust Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10,475,501 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Average grant ~$698,000
• Geographic Focus: Maine (statewide)

Contact Details

Website: www.mechildrenstrust.org
Phone: 207-623-5120
Email: info@mechildrenstrust.org
Address: 56 Leighton Road, Augusta, ME 04330
Fax: 207-623-5134

Overview

Maine Children's Trust was originally established by statute in 1985 as a state government entity and transformed into an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1994. With total assets of $4.3 million and annual revenue of $12.9 million (2024), the Trust serves as Maine's statewide leader in preventing child abuse and neglect before it occurs. The organization distributes approximately $10.5 million annually in grants, primarily to established programs and prevention councils across all 16 Maine counties. As Maine's state lead for the Strengthening Families approach, the Trust combines evidence-based practices with protective factors framework to support families in being strong, healthy, and safe. The organization has earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator with a score of 96%.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Prevention Council Grants: Approximately $335,000+ allocated to support Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Prevention Councils operating in all 16 Maine counties (funding through periodic RFPs)
• Maine Families Home Visiting Program: Substantial funding for home visiting services using Parents as Teachers model and Touchpoints approach (funding amount varies)

Priority Areas

• Evidence-based child abuse and neglect prevention programs
• Home visiting services for expecting and new parents
• Community-based family support programs
• Implementation of Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework
• Free, accessible parenting education and support services

What They Don't Fund

• Programs not using evidence-based or evidence-informed approaches
• Services outside Maine
• Individual or family assistance (focus is on program funding)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Heidi Aakjer

Board Chair: Ben Gilman, Esq.

Board Members Include:

• Chief Bruce Gerrity
• Kim Russell (State Director, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Maine)
• Jeffrey Johnson (Executive Director, Children's Center)
• Senator Marianne Moore
• Christopher J. Pezzullo, D.O. (Clinical Director, Maine Primary Care Association)
• Danielle Langley (Executive Director, Aroostook Council for Healthy Families)
• Bobbi Johnson (Director, Office of Child & Family Services)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Maine Children's Trust issues periodic Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for funding opportunities. Currently, there are no active RFPs. The organization does not have a rolling application process. Interested organizations should contact the Trust directly at info@mechildrenstrust.org to be added to their mailing list for future funding announcements.

Getting on Their Radar

Since there is no public application process currently available, organizations should:

• Contact the Trust directly to express interest and be added to RFP notification lists
• Demonstrate alignment with evidence-based approaches like Parents as Teachers or Strengthening Families Framework
• Participate in Maine Prevention Council activities in their county
• Establish relationships with existing funded programs and prevention councils
• Attend Maine Children's Trust events and training opportunities

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available - varies by RFP cycle

Success Rates

The Trust funds approximately 15-18 organizations annually with an average grant size of ~$698,000, suggesting highly competitive funding focused on established programs.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified - organizations should inquire directly with the Trust

Application Success Factors

• Evidence-Based Requirement: All programs must use evidence-based or evidence-informed approaches. Successful applicants demonstrate use of recognized models like Parents as Teachers, Touchpoints, or other validated prevention programs.

• Strengthening Families Alignment: Applications should clearly address how programs build the five protective factors: Knowledge of Child Development, Parental Resilience, Concrete Supports in Times of Need, Social Emotional Competence of Children, and Supportive Social Connections.

• County-Level Coordination: Programs that coordinate with or complement existing Prevention Council activities in their counties are prioritized.

• Track Record: The large average grant size (~$698,000) and small number of awards (15-18) indicate the Trust primarily funds established organizations with proven capacity.

• Free Services: All funded programs must provide free services to families, removing barriers to access.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Maine Children's Trust operates primarily through periodic RFPs rather than open application cycles - monitor their website and join their mailing list
• Evidence-based approaches are mandatory, not optional - ensure your program uses recognized, validated models
• The Trust funds established programs with large grants rather than many small grants - demonstrate organizational capacity and track record
• Strong alignment with Strengthening Families Framework and protective factors is essential
• Programs must serve Maine families with free, accessible services
• Building relationships with Prevention Councils and existing funded programs is crucial given the limited number of awards
• Contact the Trust directly to understand upcoming funding priorities and RFP timelines

References

• Maine Children's Trust Official Website (www.mechildrenstrust.org) - Accessed February 2025
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Maine Children's Trust Inc Profile - Accessed February 2025
• Charity Navigator Rating for Maine Children's Trust Inc - Accessed February 2025
• Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Child Welfare System Updates (May 2024)
• Maine Legislature Statutes Title 22, Chapter 1058 - Maine Children's Trust Incorporated
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Maine Children's Trust Inc (2023 data)
• CauseIQ Organization Profile - Maine Children's Trust Incorporated (2024 data)