Foreign Credentialing Grant Program
The Foreign Credentialing Grant Program (Foreign Credentialing Grant) provides grants to assist eligible Maine residents with certain costs associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation in order to access higher education, employment, or professional certification in the U.S.
Funds are limited and grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will be accepted as long as funds are available. The maximum grant award is $700 or the total credential evaluation expense, whichever is less.
This program, administered by FAME in partnership with the Maine Community Foundation, is separate and distinct from the Foreign Credentialing and Skills Recognition Revolving Loan Program administered by FAME.
How Do I Apply?
- Before starting the application, download and review the application guidelines and checklist.
- The application for the Foreign Credentialing Grant Program is online only. You will not be able to save an application in progress and return to it later—once you begin the application, you’ll need to complete it. Before you begin, have all of the documents required to complete your application in a format ready to upload (e.g., photo, scan, PDF):
- A copy of your valid government issued photo identification (e.g., U.S. driver’s license, passport, permanent resident card);
- Documentation of the expense the grant will be used to cover (e.g., receipt, invoice, screen shot)
- The program application link below will direct you to FAME’s online application system.
- Complete and submit the online application along with all of the required documents listed above. Applications submitted without all of the required documents will be considered incomplete.
Is There an Application Cost?
No, there is no cost to apply for this grant. The application is free.
You should not pay a fee to anyone for providing assistance with preparing and/or submitting an application.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for a grant, you must be a resident of Maine who is in the process of obtaining a foreign credential evaluation.
If you are awarded a grant, you will be asked to provide receipts as documentation of use of funds.
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
Grants are to be used for eligible costs incurred, or to be incurred, by an applicant for the purpose of obtaining a foreign credential evaluation. You can find additional information on our Credential Evaluation page.
How Will I Know If My Application Is Approved?
Applications will be reviewed by FAME. You will be notified of your application status as soon as possible, typically within 30 days of FAME’s receipt of a complete application.
If approved, you will receive a time-sensitive letter that must be signed and returned to FAME.
What Are the Grant Amounts?
The maximum grant award is $700 or the total credential evaluation expense, whichever is less.
How Are the Funds Paid?
Upon approval of an application and acceptance of the award offer, funds will be disbursed directly to the recipient. Funds will be disbursed in one lump sum via paper check drawn on Bangor Savings Bank to the mailing address indicated on the application.
Do Funds Need to Be Repaid?
No. This is a grant award and does not need to be repaid.
What If I Have Additional Questions?
If you have additional questions, please contact our education program specialists Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
By phone
207-623-3263 | Toll-free: 800-228-3734 | TTY: 207-626-2717
On-demand translation services can be obtained by calling FAME.
By email
This program is funded by the Maine Community Foundation and administered by the Finance Authority of Maine.
