The John T. Gorman Foundation is making updates to the timing and focus of the Direct Services Grant Program in 2026.

This year’s program will see an important change – 2026 Direct Services Grant Program (DSGP) eligibility will focus exclusively on services that address food insecurity and housing/shelter needs. This shift reflects the unprecedented level of need for food and shelter in Maine communities, coupled with significant reductions in federal and state resources. While the DSGP has historically supported a broad range of essential services, narrowing the scope of the program allows us to respond to current conditions.

To provide more time for applicants to adjust to this change, we will be shifting the timeline of this year’s program. Instead of opening in February or March (as in past years), the 2026 DSGP application will open June 1 and close on June 22, with decisions announced by mid-August.

More details will be posted here in the coming weeks as well as an application link on June 1.