Maine Digital Resilience Program
Program Description​
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The Maine Digital Resilience Program will support community-based initiatives that increase awareness and education related to online risks, ultimately helping Maine people safely and meaningfully use the internet.
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The program seeks to build a statewide network of organizations equipped to help Maine residents navigate the digital world while reducing exposure to cyber threats, scams, fraud, misinformation, online exploitation, and privacy risks.
As the first program funded by Maine's Digital Opportunity Fund, it will align with statewide digital opportunity efforts by ensuring that increased internet adoption is accompanied by the knowledge and skills necessary to use digital technologies safely and confidently.​
Who is Eligible?​
Nonprofit organizations, Educational institutions, Public libraries, Regional planning organizations, Tribal and municipal governments, Community action agencies, Public health organizations
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MCA Contact
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Jessica Perez
Senior Manager of Digital Opportunity
(207) 200-4753
​The program is intended to support both direct community education and long-term community capacity building. Grant recipients will participate as a statewide cohort and contribute resources, lessons learned, and successful approaches that can benefit communities throughout Maine.
Program Goals
The Maine Digital Resilience Program will fund projects that:
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Increase public awareness of internet safety risks.
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Improve digital literacy and cybersecurity skills.
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Reduce incidents of online fraud, scams, and identity theft.
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Protect vulnerable populations from online exploitation.
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Build local and regional capacity for ongoing internet safety education.
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Develop sustainable partnerships among schools, libraries, community organizations, healthcare providers, public agencies, and other trusted community institutions.
These goals support statewide digital opportunity priorities related to internet safety, education, privacy, and the ability of Maine residents to safely and confidently use digital technologies.
Priority Populations
Applicants should prioritize one or more of the following populations:
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Older adults
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Youth and students
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Parents and caregivers
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Veterans
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Rural residents
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Individuals with disabilities
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Low-income households
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Tribal communities
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New Mainers
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Small businesses and entrepreneurs
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Incarcerated individuals or returning citizens
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Applicants should clearly explain why their selected population(s) experience a need for the proposed intervention and how the organization has a demonstrated record of effectively serving the population(s).
Funding Opportunity
MCA anticipates awarding a minimum of five grants of up to $50,000 each, for a total program investment of approximately $250,000. Applicants must select one of the following funding tracks:
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Track 1: Community Education
Focuses on direct outreach, training, education, and public awareness activities that help Maine residents develop practical internet safety knowledge and skills.
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Track 2: Capacity Building
Focuses on developing sustainable organizational or regional infrastructure, partnerships, resources, and networks that increase Maine's long-term capacity to provide internet safety education.
How to Apply
Applications are due on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 12pm EST. Applicants must complete the application on SurveyMonkey Apply: Apply Here.
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An info session for interest applicants will be held on Thursday, August 20 from 12-1pm. Register Here.
