How do I apply?

Click here for the Jumpstart Grant Application. Memberships and teams must apply for grants by the deadline to be eligible.

Who is eligible?

• New memberships – Any school or community organization, such as a library, homeschool co-op, etc.
• Returning memberships that have not competed since 2019.
• Maine Organizations/Schools in districts where 30% of the student population qualify for free/reduced lunch, per 2025 ED534 Report. New Hampshire Organizations/Schools are eligible for the Jumpstart Grant. 

When is the deadline?

The deadline to apply is December 31st, 2025. Jumpstart Grants are awarded on a rolling basis as applications are received. The total award is made at the discretion of Maine Odyssey of the Mind, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that administers the Odyssey of the Mind program in Maine and New Hampshire.

What is covered by the grants?

• New Member Grants for membership registration with Creative Competitions, Inc. You’ll need to register at odysseyofthemind.com/join, send us a receipt and pay the Maine registration fee for the 2026 Maine Odyssey of the Mind Tournament. The cost of one membership at $290.
• New Team Grants for supplies, materials and tools for new teams in new memberships. Coaches will be required to attend one Maine OM Coaches Training, monthly coach check-ins and one team Spontaneous Training. New Team Grants will be distributed following team registration and payment for the 2026 Maine Odyssey of the Mind Tournament. One grant per team. Limit three grants per new membership.
• Teams traveling more the 85 miles from the 2026 Maine Odyssey of the Mind Tournament are eligible for the Team Travel Grant. Eligible one-night hotel stays will be covered at a pre-negotiated room block for up to 4 rooms. Team Travel Grant team members will be given a per diem for food. Funds for team member will be distributed one-week prior to the 2026 Maine Odyssey of the Mind Tournament.

What other resources are provided to help a new team?

Maine Odyssey of the Mind provides various coach and team trainings throughout the season. Teams also have access to coaching guides and collateral provided by Maine OM and affiliated entities.

How are the grants funded?

The grants are funded through the generous donation from a private trustee group. 

Any other questions?

Please contact Jason Wheeler at maineomguy@gmail.com or 207-251-2347 or download the printable PDF here.