Young reporters with Wintergreen Kids News Network, a program of Wintergreen Arts Center in Presque Isle, share news on what's happening in The County. MaineCF's Aroostook County Fund has supported the center since it began programming in 2007. Wintergreen Arts Center photo
The Maine Community Foundation's first three county funds opened in 1986 with the goal to support the state's most rural counties - Aroostook, Piscataquis and Washington counties.
Today, MaineCF has funds to support all 16 Maine counties. Community volunteers review proposals submitted to the Community Building Grant Program to identify the strongest proposals that meet the criteria, represent diverse sectors, geography and populations to have the greatest positive impact on strengthening communities.
The county program strengthens communities with pooled, endowed assets that are invested for growth. By working with donors, community leaders and nonprofit partners, the county funds give voice to the aspirations and challenges unique to each community.
Community Building is MaineCF's largest grant program and has awarded 3,909 grants totaling $17.2 million to organizations and projects that strengthen communities.
