Nearly four decades ago, MaineCF leaders envisioned permanent resources dedicated to creating lasting impact in all corners of the state. he endowments would invest in organizations and projects that strengthen their unique communities.
Today, MaineCF’s county and regional program comprises funds for all 16 Maine counties. Grants are recommended by local volunteers whose guidance strengthens communities through the Community Building Grant Program.
The Androscoggin, Penobscot, Lincoln and Sagadahoc County funds celebrate milestone anniversaries this year and reflect on the impact of their volunteer advisors, donors and grantees.
Tree Street Youth photo
25 Years:
Androscoggin County
Number of grants awarded: 187; Total amount awarded: $856,426
Over the past 25 years, the Androscoggin County Fund has awarded 187 grants totaling $856,426 that support community needs. Nonprofit organizations offering culturally relevant assistance to new residents, food security and youth development programs are among grantees supported by the fund.
Tree Street Youth is a Lewiston-based community of youth and adults dedicated to supporting, educating and nurturing young future leaders from low-income neighborhoods in Lewiston.
The organization offers after-school and summer programs for ages 4-12. Its college readiness program supports high schoolers as they learn about, apply to and succeed in college. More than 90% of students in the program are accepted to college. In 2024, Tree Street Youth was awarded $7,500 to institute social-emotional learning for children in pre-K and elementary school.
Literacy Volunteers of Bangor photo
15 Years:
Penobscot County
Number of grants awarded: 221; Total amount awarded: $2 million
The Penobscot County Fund has granted $2 million through 221 grants over the past 15 years. It has supported nonprofit organizations and projects addressing community needs, including harm-reduction services, the arts and education programs.
Literacy Volunteers of Bangor provides literacy programming and support to hundreds of low-income adults, including new Maine residents. The organization’s programs help improve reading, writing and English-speaking skills.
Hanan, an immigrant from Iraq (pictured), worked with volunteer tutors on her English skills to earn a high school diploma. In 2024, the Penobscot County Committee awarded Literacy Volunteers of Bangor $10,000 to help Bangor-area adults improve employability, earn driver’s licenses, citizenship and diplomas and increase financial skills.
Community Housing Improvement Project photo
10 Years:
Lincoln County
Number of grants awarded: 94; Total amount awarded: $623,903
The Southern Midcoast Committee comprises volunteer community advisors who recommend grants from both the Lincoln County Fund and Sagadahoc County Fund. These regional volunteers have recommended grant support to nonprofit organizations and projects that help alleviate homelessness and food insecurity among older people and youth.
Over the past 10 years, the Lincoln County Fund has awarded 94 grants totaling $623,903.
The Lincoln County Fund this year awarded Community Housing Improvement Project $10,000 to engage community volunteers in making neighbors’ homes safe, warm and dry by providing repairs to those who cannot otherwise afford them.
Midcoast Youth Center photo
5 Years:
Sagadahoc County
Number of grants awarded: 24; Total amount awarded: $147,651
The Sagadahoc County Fund is the youngest of the foundation’s county and regional funds. It has awarded 24 grants totaling $147,651.
Midcoast Youth Center grew out of community partnerships to address prevalent youth depression, anxiety and suicide rates in Sagadahoc County. The center, which opened in 2020, serves more than 80 teens per day through programs that promote food security, education, workforce development and alleviate youth homelessness.
The Southern Midcoast Committee awarded the Midcoast Youth Center $10,000 in the organization’s infancy to expand programming and reach more low-income youth.
