Getting started.
Who this helps
Either the account owner or student beneficiary must be a Maine resident when the grant is awarded. Grants are limited to one per beneficiary. The 2026 Initial Matching Grant requires an account opened and funded in 2026, a minimum initial contribution, and a beneficiary not previously named on a NextGen account.
How to get started
FAME awards a grant after the account meets its requirements and sends a letter or email. The Initial Matching Grant may take up to eight weeks to process.
Open a NextGen account.
Choose an account type and open it online through the NextGen 529 website.
Review the grant rules.
Read the Grants for Maine Residents page and the Maine Grant Programs Terms and Conditions to check the residency, contribution, or activity rules for the grant you want.
Meet the grant requirements.
Make the required contribution or complete the required activity for your chosen grant. For the Financial Wellness Grant, complete the online courses; for the Automated Funding Grant, set up and make the required automatic contributions.
How they can help.
FAME awards grants through NextGen 529 to encourage families to save for higher education. Grant funds appear in the account and are paid directly to an eligible school for qualified higher education expenses.
- Initial Matching Grant for qualifying 2026 account funding
- Financial Wellness Grant after three online courses
- Automated Funding Grant after six automatic contributions
- NextStep match of 30% on contributions, up to $300 per year
A few questions before you go.
Check how the service works, when it is available, and any costs. Ask about communication or accessibility support if you need it.
- Which grant fits my account?
- What do I need to do for the grant I want?
- When will FAME tell me if I receive a grant?
- Can grant money pay my school costs?