Maine nonprofits try to navigate funding cuts, unclear rules and an uncertain future

The staff at Victoria Mansion in Portland found out about the loss of federal funding in degrees.

First came the news that President Donald Trump had signed an executive order declaring the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the primary federal support for libraries and museums nationwide, was “unnecessary.” Then the entire staff of the federal agency was placed on a 90-day leave.

Finally, Timothy Brosnihan, executive director of the mansion, got a short email last week saying the organization’s grant from the IMLS “is no longer consistent with the agency’s priorities and no longer serves the interest of the United States and the IMLS Program.”

Portland Press HeraldHannah DalyApril 29, 2025IMLS

2025 Governor’s Conference for Tourism keeps business owners optimistic about summer season

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - Over 300 stakeholders gathered at the Cross Center in Bangor for the 2025 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

Gov. Janet Mills surprised business leaders in the state at the conference with a speech.

“Hopefully, we’ll be successful in attracting high numbers of tourists from all countries including Canada to the state of Maine because we want them here,” said Mills.

Small businesses in Maine account for 99.2% of operations.

WABI 5Hannah DalyApril 18, 2025IMLS, Tourism

Maine Children’s Museum loses federal grant funding

The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine has been notified that a three-year, $224,143 grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services has been cancelled.

The Institute's Museums for America funding was awarded in August 2024 to support programming that the museum says, “brings children and families together to learn about community, culture and belonging” and included a focus on the history and culture of the Wabanaki nations.

MaineBizHannah DalyApril 11, 2025IMLS, Grant

Maine Children's Museum loses $225K grant due to Trump cuts

The Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine says it's lost nearly $225,000 in federal grant funding, meant for live performances connected to Wabanaki history.

The museum says the three-year grant was originally awarded in 2024 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an organization that has been targeted for elimination by President Donald Trump.

FOX 23Hannah DalyApril 11, 2025IMLS, Grant

Children’s museum receives over $200,000 to advance ethnic studies

Federal grant of $224,143 will help the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine develop programs that comply with Maine law calling for African American and Wabanaki studies in public schools.

Portland Press HeraldCommunications OfficeAugust 10, 2024IMLS, Grant

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The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine in the media

At the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM), we set the stage for every child to imagine & learn through play.

CMTM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Give to support our work and open the door to wonder.