Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
PLEASE NOTE: Grantmaking for the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation is currently on hold while the board reviews its grantmaking strategy.
Foundation Information
What are your funding priorities?
You can find out more information on the Grantmaking page.
Does the King Foundation award discretionary grants?
The Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation reserves the right to make grants at the discretion of its board members. Organizations that receive funding are selected by the board, and letters of inquiry are not accepted for such funding.
Will the King Foundation support ongoing projects or only new projects?
We fund general support, ongoing projects, and new projects. In all cases, we look for clearly defined goals and vision and the impact of the proposed work on the community.
Will the King Foundation make emergency grants?
No. The Foundation has no emergency funds to distribute.
Can I set up a meeting with the foundation?
We have limited staff and cannot always schedule a meeting with everyone who requests one, especially if the work is outside our interest areas. If you would like to introduce yourself or your organization, or if you have a question about whether your work fits our interest areas, please use the contact form.
Grantmaking
What are the deadlines?
Due to ongoing planning, the STK Foundation will be doing limited discretionary grantmaking in 2026. Organizations who are invited to apply for this funding will be notified directly. We are not accepting letters of inquiry at this time. We will not be running an open application period this year with two exceptions:
- We will consider general or project support applications from public libraries and
- We will consider project support applications for critical equipment for fire and ambulance departments.
This limited open application period will open in July with a deadline of October 15, 2026. Decisions will be made before the end of the calendar year.
Who is eligible to apply for a grant?
Any 501(c)(3) organization in the state of Maine who meets our interest areas is eligible. No applications will be considered from any organization without 501(c)(3) status, unless the applicant is a town, fire or emergency aid department or school system with tax-exempt status.
What is the size of a typical grant?
In the past, grants have ranged from $500 to $50,000. Endowment grants are rare, as are matching or challenge grants.
Does the King Foundation make multi-year commitments?
We do, occasionally, at our discretion. However, our preference is to award one-time grants that improve the capacity or function of an organization.
If we receive funding, do we need to submit a grant report?
Organizations receiving a grant will be expected to keep the Foundation informed as to the progress of their project; this may be done through a written update, letters, newsletters, photos, or other pertinent materials. In special circumstances, applicants might be asked to submit a formal grant report upon completion of a project. To submit an update, please use the contact form.
If we receive funding, may we publicize the grant and/or use the King Foundation name in advertising or solicitations?
If you are awarded a grant, you should ask for permission to publicize the award in anything other than a newsletter or organizational report. We prefer that it be publicized only locally. It is not a requirement that it be publicized.
Other
Can you put me in touch with Stephen King?
No. Stephen has no public contact information and we will not provide that information to you or forward on messages to him. Stephen King’s Official Website is the best place to find information about Stephen, his books, and his movies and shows.
Can I visit Stephen King's archives?
The Stephen Edwin King Archives are not open to the general public. You can find out more information here.
Is there a museum?
Contrary to internet rumors, there is no museum or publicly-available space at the foundation, archives, or residency. The foundation and archives are on private property.