Supporting Maine Artists Since 1998
For every pound of our best-selling Rebel Blend coffee sold or brewed at our coffeehouses, $1 is donated to the Rebel Blend Fund. Every year, the total amount collected is awarded to Maine artists or small arts organizations whose proposals are selected by our Rebel Blend committee, made up of CBD team members.
The Rebel Blend committee looks for proposals that may have fallen through conventional funding cracks—thought-provoking projects that have the potential to engage people across the state in meaningful conversation. Since its inception in 1998, over $100,000 in Rebel Blend Grants has been awarded to support local artists.
To be considered for Rebel Blend funding, artists and projects must be Maine-based, and applicants must submit an in-depth project description along with details describing how their projects would benefit from the grant money. For artists, the marketing benefits of this program are often as significant as the financial support. News of our Rebel Blend Fund winners is regularly covered by local media, including an annual press conference and stories of the winners shared across social media.
Rebel Blend grant applications deadlines are announced in the spring. Awards are announced in October.
We'd like to thank our friends at Androscoggin Bank for their Rebel Blend Fund promotional support.
Click the button to access the online application form and learn more about the submission process.
Apply NowOur Past Grant Recipients
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2014
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2015
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2017
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2018
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2019
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2020
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2022 Rebel Blend Fund Recipients
Dance for a Nonprofit | Veeva Banga
Veeva Banga and her troop will produce a 20-minute dance video which will be available for viewing for a donation fee. Every month, a nonprofit will be selected as the beneficiary for four weeks of “rental” fees. For more info: veevabangadance@gmail.com
“Hey Party People" | Greg Baker
A Theatre Arts Initiative born out of the Covid lockdown; East Shore Arts produced its first show Summer 2021. A full summer season of professional live theatre which produces three diverse and daring works offered free to the public is in the works for 2022. For more info: dave@eastshorearts.com
Portland Youth Dance Community Program 2023/24 Season | Portland Youth Dance
Grimes Studio addresses the need for affordable and accessible artists' space as they build out additional rooms at their current facility. Renovation of their second floor will result in 25-30 new studios and an additional ADA compliant restroom. For more info: grimestudioportland@gmail.com
Loquat “Loquat Riddim” | Roots & Culture Video Series
Loquat, a fashion and apparel brand focused on empowering marginalized people and causes, has launched a video series telling these stories. Production costs to create episodes focused on artists working with sound will be supported. For more info: loquatseason@gmail.com
Mayo Street Arts | Mayo Street Arts & East End Community School
Working in partnership with East End Community School (EECS) and its Parent Teacher Organization (EECS PTO), Mayo Street Arts will present three in-school performances – each accompanied by multiple hands-on workshops with the artists. For more info: info@mayostreetarts.org
Click to see a full list of past Rebel Blend Fund recipients going back to the first award in 1998.
