Getting started.
Who this helps
Children born on or after January 1, 2013 and reported as Maine resident births are deemed eligible when FAME receives state records. Children not reported as Maine resident births may qualify by proving residency at birth. Children born outside Maine may also qualify if a NextGen 529 account is opened by their first birthday while they are Maine residents.
How to get started
Children reported as Maine resident births are deemed eligible after FAME receives state records.
Check the grant.
Use the Find My Alfond Grant tool on the NextGen 529 website if the child does not have an account. If the child has an account, check the grant in the NextGen account.
Prove Maine residency.
If the birth record does not show Maine residency, call FAME at 1-800-228-3734 to ask how to provide proof accepted by FAME and the Alfond Scholarship Foundation. A child born outside Maine may qualify if a NextGen 529 account is opened by the first birthday while the child is a Maine resident.
Open a NextGen account.
An awarded child may open a NextGen 529 account without an initial contribution.
Request school payment.
After the student enrolls in an eligible higher education school and has qualified expenses, use the account servicer’s withdrawal form to request payment. The grant is paid directly to the school.
How they can help.
The Alfond Scholarship Foundation established the grant, and FAME helps administer it. The grant pays for qualified higher education expenses after high school, including tuition, fees, books, required supplies, and required equipment. Payment goes directly to an eligible school.
- Automatic grant for eligible Maine resident babies
- $500 grant for qualified higher education costs, including tuition, fees, books, required supplies, and equipment
- Grant payment directly to an eligible school
- Grant may be linked to a NextGen 529 account
A few questions before you go.
If the birth record does not show Maine residency, have proof accepted by FAME and the Alfond Scholarship Foundation ready.
- Does my child already have an Alfond Grant?
- What proof can show Maine residency at birth?
- Which higher education expenses can the grant cover?
- What does my student need before requesting payment?