In 2021, Mano en Mano opened Rayitos del Sol, a bilingual childcare center in Milbridge. Photo credit: Mano en Mano
King Cummings of Stratton had great foresight and faith in the community foundation. Three decades after his death, Cummings’ generosity helps MaineCF address the needs of today – from PFAS contamination to aquaculture.
Charitable funds Cummings donated to MaineCF through his will support programs that build a better Maine. His legacy also provided unrestricted funds that allow MaineCF flexibility to award proactive grants as challenges arise, such as addressing impacts of the pandemic.
Recent grants from the unrestricted Cummings funds were awarded to:
- Maine Organic Farmers Association in Unity, $20,000 for emergency relief to farm families impacted by PFAS contamination, including short-term income replacement, costs of soil testing, and mental health services
- Mano en Mano/ Hand in Hand in Milbridge, $15,000 for a program that helps people acquire housing with down payments for purchases, leasing, and access to rental space; and/or its affordable, bilingual early childcare program
- Passamaquoddy Indian Township Tribal government, $10,000 to develop an eel aquaculture facility for Tribal eel harvesters that will create jobs and increase revenue for programs such as those that serve children and older people
- The Maine Environmental Education Association, $10,000 to support the Relearning Place Program, an initiative that will allow people in land-related work to rethink relationships of land, people, and place with special attention to equity. Learn more about the program on our Maine Ties podcast.
