New Member Grants
Support for a single membership registration with Creative Competitions, Inc.
- Qualifying new memberships
- Returning memberships that have not competed since 2021
- Membership cost: $290
Start a Team • 2026–2027 Financial Support
Jumpstart Grants
Funding and support to help qualifying schools and community groups launch an Odyssey of the Mind program—and give more Maine students the chance to create.
Three ways we can help
Remove cost as a barrier to getting started.
The Jumpstart Grant supports qualifying programs with national membership, new-team supplies and travel to the Maine Odyssey of the Mind Tournament.
New Team Grants
$200 for supplies, materials and tools for eligible new teams.
- One grant per team
- Limit three grants per membership
- Coach training and check-ins required
Team Travel Grants
Hotel and meal support for eligible teams traveling more than 85 miles to the 2027 tournament.
- One-night hotel stay
- Up to four rooms
- Team-member meal funds
Who is eligible?
Built for communities that need a stronger starting point.
- New memberships from any school or community organization, including libraries and homeschool co-ops, and OST organizations.
- Returning memberships that have not competed since 2021.
- Maine organizations and schools in districts where at least 30% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, per the most recent ED534 Report.
Application deadline
January 15th, 2027
2026–2027 Jumpstart Grants are awarded on a rolling basis as applications are received. Final eligibility and award amounts are determined by Maine Odyssey of the Mind.
Grant details
What to expect
How do I apply?
Complete the online application by January 15th, 2027. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
What support is provided?
Maine Odyssey provides coach and team training, coaching guides, monthly check-ins and supporting materials throughout the season.
What else do i need to consider?
Membership
Register with Creative Competitions, Inc., upload the receipt and pay the Maine registration fee for the 2027 tournament.
New Team
Coaches attend a Maine OM Coaches Training, monthly coach check-ins and one team Spontaneous Training.
Travel
Eligible one-night hotel stays and student per-diem are covered at Maine OM approved rates for up to four rooms.
How are the grants funded?
Generous donors, alumni and friends of the Maine Odyssey community fund the grants to expand access to creative problem solving.
When are grants distributed?
Membership and Team Grants are sent after proof of CCI membership fees and Maine OM tournament registration fees are paid. Arrangements will be made for approved travel grants.
Expanding access
Every student deserves the chance to create.
Maine Odyssey supports underserved and under-resourced communities so more students can build confidence, teamwork and innovative thinking.