Community Building
See the impact of giving by all of us, for all of us
The Community Building Grant Program invests in local projects and organizations that work to build strong communities. It is a grassroots grant program focused on efforts to use, improve and/or increase access to community assets.
These community assets include natural and built resources, as well as community members, their views and voices, local leaders, and the relationships or connections among people and organizations across the community.
The Community Building Grant Program is one of the only grant programs in Maine that supports a broad range of projects and organizations across the entire state, including arts, education, environment, economic development, and human services. It is also MaineCF’s largest grant program and receives more than 400 applications annually.
Our volunteer county and regional committees make decisions on grant awards that are funded in all 16 counties - permanent grantmaking resources invested for growth through contributions from individuals, businesses and foundations.
View latest grants by county
Androscoggin County
Androscoggin County
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 43
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $90,190
Average award: $6,938
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 30%
Number of grants awarded: 13
Additional grants by donors: None
2024 Grants from the Androscoggin County Committee:
- Drop-In Center, general support, to provide a low-barrier space where people in need can come to rest, rejuvenate and replenish: $5,000
- Generational Noor, general support, to build a substance use disorder and mental health support system for BIPOC and immigrant communities throughout Maine: $10,000
- Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, project support, to support veterinary care for vulnerable pets at risk of surrender: $2,750
- Land in Common, general support, to create secure and affordable land tenure for BIPOC communities in Maine: $7,500
- Maine Inside Out, project support, to present a multi-day festival focused on community dialogue, healing and social change in Lewiston: $5,000
- Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor, general support, to sustain current programs and advance a community memorial project: $10,000
- Poland Spring Preservation Society, general support, to replace the slate roof on the historic Maine State Building in Poland Spring: $10,000
- Rural Community Action Ministry, general support, to help low-income rural people prevent homelessness and hunger by providing financial support and counseling: $10,000
- SHAREcenter, general support, to rescue reusable resources and divert waste in support of Maine’s environment and a circular economy: $5,000
- Somali Bantu Community Association, project support, to pilot a Druuski program that engages community youth in cultural activities to decrease high-risk behaviors, $5,440
- Tree Street Youth, project support, to institute social-emotional learning for children in pre-kindergarten and elementary school in Lewiston: $7,500
- Trinity Jubilee Center, general support, to meet immediate supply and shelter needs and help patrons achieve housing, employment and long-term stability: $7,500
- Turner Public Library, general support, to support a community space for education programs, structured play, author visits, story walks and continuing education: $4,500
2023 Grants from the Androscoggin County Committee:
- Franco-American Heritage Center, for performing arts and heritage programs: $10,000
- Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, for necessary veterinary care for vulnerable community pets: $2,500
- Her Safety Net, to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence and for outreach to underserved communities: $7,500
- Maine Community Integration, to empower Black immigrant women and girls to advance park equity: $5,000
- Museum L-A, to share stories of work and the diverse heritage of Central Maine through exhibits, educational programming and events: $10,000
- Phoenix No Limits Karate, to bring free, anti-bullying training to schools: $5,000
- Rural Community Action Ministry: to help prevent homelessness and hunger in low-income, rural communities through financial support and counseling: $7,500
- Tree Street Youth, for workforce training, leadership development and paid summer work experience for Lewiston high schoolers: $7,500
- Somali Bantu Community of Maine, to increase its capacity for partnerships and nutrition, language, computer literacy and health education resources: $5,000
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023)
- ROIL, to engage Lewiston middle and high school students vulnerable to juvenile justice system involvement through theater workshops and community support: $10,000
- Safe Voices, to certify six people in Housing Quality Inspections to move people experiencing homelessness into subsidized housing: $7,913
- Somali Bantu Community of Maine, to increase its capacity for partnerships and nutrition, language, computer literacy and health education resources: $5,000
2022 Grants from the Androscoggin County Committee:
- Androscoggin Humane Society, to provide a safety net for vulnerable pets at risk of being surrendered: $2,500
- An Angels Wing, to serve the community by securing sober living, detoxification, and rehabilitation beds for people seeking recovery from drugs and/or alcohol: $5,000
- Center for Wisdom’s Women, to provide trauma-informed programming and support at the drop-in center and Sophia’s House residential program: $5,000
- Land in Common, to build a community-owned base for affordable housing, food production, ecological stewardship, social transformation, community connection, and liberation for communities impacted by injustice: $10,000
- Maine Audubon, to launch Lewiston Youth Corps, that will bring environmental education and hands-on conservation experiences to teens, especially those from low-income households, are BIPOC or asylum seekers: $10,000
- Maine Inside Out, to engage and support at-risk Lewiston middle school students through theater workshops and community support: $10,000
- New Beginnings, to expand the offerings at the Lewiston Drop-In Center for homeless teens and young adults: $10,000
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2022):
- An Angels Wing, to serve the community by securing sober living, detoxification, and rehabilitation beds for people seeking recovery from drugs and/or alcohol: $5,000
- Rosati Leadership Academy, for free, after-school programming designed to foster character development and leadership potential through soccer for at-risk youth in Lewiston: $10,000
Aroostook County
Aroostook County
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 22
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $87,984
Average award: $7,332
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 55%
Number of grants awarded: 12
Additional grants by donors: 5 totaling $32,300 (as of April 2024)
2024 Grants from the Aroostook County Committee:
- Aroostook Arts and Education Center, general support, to engage community partners in providing quality, affordable arts programming to empower local youth, adults, and families to connect and express themselves through the arts: $7,273
- Aroostook Hospice Foundation, general support, to ensure the Aroostook House of Comfort can continue to provide inpatient hospice care irrespective of financial means: $7,000
- Big Rock, project support, to provide energy efficient trail lighting for the ski learning area: $10,000
- Carleton Project, for at-risk student tuition: $7,273
- Central Aroostook Historical Society, general support, to record and preserve local history, documents, photographs and artifacts: $6,600
- Children’s Museum of Aroostook County, general support, to provide a space for children to learn in kinesthetic ways while discovering their vocational interests through playful interactions with regional businesses: $10,000
- Haystack Historical Society, general support, for a heat pump and other structural upgrades for the Old Mill School Museum: $10,000
- Mapleton Elementary School, project support, for 60 pairs of snowshoes to promote exercise, creativity and socialization among staff and students: $1,038
- Mizpah, general support, to purchase a new tractor to maintain 100 acres of public gardens and trails: $5,000
- Presque Isle Historical Society, general support, to replace the leaking shed roof for storage: $3,800
- Town of Fort Kent, project support, to move and replace the playground with newer equipment and an accessible path: $10,000
- Town of Van Buren, project support, to develop an interactive LED art project in the underpass leading to the Van Buren Boat Landing: $10,000
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2024):
- Aroostook Hospice Foundation, general support, to ensure the Aroostook House of Comfort can continue to provide inpatient hospice care irrespective of financial means: $3,000
- Homeless Services of Aroostook, project support, to support residents with mental health case management, benefits, jobs, education and community resources: $10,000
- Mapleton Elementary School, project support, for 60 pairs of snowshoes to promote exercise, creativity and socialization among staff and students: $4,300
- Mizpah, general support, to purchase a new tractor to maintain 100 acres of public gardens and trails: $5,000
- Northern Lighthouse, project support, to purchase technology that would equip staff with the mental health resources: $10,000
2023 Grants from the Aroostook County Committee:
- Albiston Foundation, to increase access to recreational programs for people with disabilities: $8,745
- Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation, for outdoor painting workshops for middle and high school students and teachers: $4,184
- Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, to create a Memory Care Center to support older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their caretakers: $10,000
- Aroostook Arts and Education Center, to empower local youth, adults and families to express themselves through affordable arts programming: $10,000
- Big Rock, for a community ice-skating rink: $10,000
- Caribou Public Library, to create a mobile library available to all residents regardless of physical ability: $9,000
- Central Aroostook Historical Society, to replace the museum’s roof: $8,700
- Homeless Services of Aroostook, for a new, accessible ramp: $10,000
- Northern Lighthouse, to expand its pediatric occupational therapy program to help children reach developmental milestones: $2,500
- Presque Isle Farmers Market, to support the Maine Harvest Bucks matching incentive and accept SNAP benefits: $7,000
- Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum, to acquire and display historical farm equipment from the former Fort Fairfield Farming Museum: $3,212
- University of Maine at Fort Kent, for educational wilderness adventures at the Violette Allagash Wilderness Camp: $8,500
- Upper St. John River Association, for a telescope: $10,000
- VNA Home & Hospice, to assist Northern Light Home Care & Hospice with volunteer recruitment, training and retention efforts: $2,470
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023):
- Aroostook Hospice Foundation, to support the Aroostook House of Comfort: $12,500
- Caribou Public Library, to create a mobile library available to all residents regardless of physical ability: $1,000
- Northern Lighthouse, to expand its pediatric occupational therapy program to help children reach developmental milestones: $1,812
- Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum, to acquire and display historical farm equipment from the former Fort Fairfield Farming Museum: $2,288
2022 Grants from the Aroostook County Committee:
- Adopt-a-Block of Aroostook, to provide nutritious food sources for programming, as well as classes and resources for cooking, nutrition, and sustainable living that address food insecurity: $10,000
- Aroostook Arts and Education Center, to create Wintergreen Kids News Network, a digital storytelling project to broadcast news by children about things happening in Aroostook County: $10,000
- Big Rock, for construction of mountain top ski patrol dispatch building: $10,000
- Fort Kent Historical Society, to install a bathroom in the Bangor and Aroostook Train Station: $10,000
- Limestone United Methodist Church, to purchase ingredients, seedlings, and packaging to deliver food to children, disabled individuals, and older adults in Limestone and Caswell food deserts: $8,000
- Nordic Heritage Ski Club, to update supply of rental cross-country skis and boots for youth and adult skiers in central Aroostook County: $10,000
- Northern Lighthouse, to assist with the startup of an new emergency shelter for homeless youth ages 10-17: $4,475
- Town of Stockholm, to create an inclusive playground for children of differing abilities and their caregivers: $10,000
- United Veterans of Maine, to house homeless veterans, coordinate transportation to appointments, and provide general assistance for veterans and their families: $10,000
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2022):
- Maine School of Science and Mathematics Foundation, to improve engagement and communication with alumni, parents, friends, and donors to the MSSM Foundation: $1,000
- Northern Maine Fair Association, to demonstrate the effects of soil health on the environment to area farmers and area youth: $500
- Town of Fort Kent, to keep the community updated on current events, emergencies, and safety hazards regardless of access to the internet: $3,940
Cumberland County
Cumberland County
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 85
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $151,463
Average award: $8,415
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 21%
Number of grants awarded: 18
Additional grants by donors: 2 totaling $20,000 (as of April 2024)
2024 Grants from the Cumberland County Committee:
- Amistad, project support, to provide outreach and recovery- and housing-focused services to unsheltered, unhoused adults in greater Portland: $10,000
- Bridge and Beyond, general support, to empower communities with barriers to employment and to improve the lives of Maine’s marginalized population: $5,000
- Chebeague Island Historical Society, general support, to enrich the lives of those with Chebeague Island connections and the general public through exhibits, events and publications celebrating local history: $10,000
- Classical Uprising, general support, to enliven, strengthen and connect communities by creating immersive music experiences, increasing access to the arts and cultivating meaningful cross-sector collaborations: $10,000
- Community Conservation Initiative, general support, to collaborate with environmental quality and conservation nonprofits, local town/city councils, local businesses and property owners to advance cooperative solutions: $5,000
- Cultivating Community, project support, to increase social connection and food security for disabled and low-income neighbors by expanding accessibility in Portland’s Community Gardens: $9,000
- Food for All Services, general support, to provide food-insecure new immigrants with a low-barrier, dignified and respectable solution to access culturally relevant food: $10,000
- Friends of Congress Square Park, general support, to bring the Portland community together in a vibrant, welcoming public gathering space downtown through events, art and amenities: $5,000
- The Gathering Place, general support, to provide day shelter, safety, companionship, meals, basic needs, direct service and dignity to vulnerable populations: $10,000
- Greater Portland Family Promise, project support, to partner with faith-based institutions to operate transitional housing programs with housing navigation and mentorship services as a pathway to permanent housing: $10,000
- Hope Acts, project support, to provide asylum seekers with computers, internet access and technology toward acquiring knowledge and skills needed for everyday living in the US: $9,143
- Ladder to the Moon Network, general support, to educate the public about Africa and immigration and provide information to help immigrants thrive in Maine: $10,000
- Maine Boys to Men, general support, to reduce violence in schools and communities with evidence-based, nationally recognized violence prevention programs for youth and adults: $10,000
- Mainely Smiles, project support, to expand oral healthcare services to a new site at WIC in Windham: $10,000
- Mayo Street Arts, general support, to provide a safe, inclusive and enriching community hub for local families, traditional artists, emerging artists and audience members: $10,000
- Opera Maine, project support, to provide opera education, access to opera performances and creative/vocational opera opportunities for teens and young adults with intellectual disabilities: $4,000
- Riding to the Top Therapeutic Riding Center, project support, to expand the piloted Introduction to Horses and Horsemanship program through additional staff development and training: $4,320
- Youth-Led Justice, general support, to divert youth from the juvenile justice system and keep them living in their communities: $10,000
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2024):
- Birth Roots Center for Community Supported Parenting, general support, to expand community-based prenatal and postnatal programming and support for new and expectant parents: $10,000
- Farms for Food Equity, general support, to reduce hunger and support local farms by purchasing products and distributing them to food pantries and other food sites: $10,000
2023 Grants from the Cumberland County Committee:
- Birth Roots Center for Community Supported Parenting, to provide prenatal and postnatal programming to new and expectant parents: $10,000
- Bridgton Public Library, for its Learning Community Program to connect local organizations with assistance and resources: $7,500
- Casco Library Association, for infrastructure improvements: $10,000
- Community Conservation Initiative, to collaborate with statewide, regional and local nonprofits, local governments and businesses to advance cooperative solutions: $10,000
- Cumberland County Food Security Council, for weekly produce distribution in partnership with Greater Portland Health: $10,000
- Documentary Songwriters, to build a songwriting program with Portland’s immigrant community that will strengthen belonging, improve well-being and increase representation in the arts: $5,000
- Furniture Friends, to provide essential household furniture to low- and no-income individuals and families in southern Maine: $10,000
- Harpswell News, to publish a monthly newspaper on topics such as the working waterfront, affordable housing and school and town government issues: $7,850
- Harrison Food Bank, to provide nutritious food, supplies, and clothes from our onsite pantry to address food and financial insecurity: $10,000
- Hope Acts, to increase capacity of its Asylum Seeker Assistance Program to meet urgent needs: $10,000
- Maine Boys to Men, for its evidence-based Reducing Sexism & Violence Programs for youth and adults: $10,000
- Memorial Middle School: to expand the Check and Connect Mentoring program, which connects mentors with vulnerable students: $10,000
- Sea Meadow Marine Foundation, to provide affordable access to the working waterfront: $10,000
- Southern Maine Agency on Aging, for a pilot program to prevent/divert eviction for older adults facing homelessness through intensive case management, legal assistance and social support”: $10,000
- Spurwink Services, to identify and mitigate impacts of child sexual exploitation and commercial trafficking and treat the physical and behavioral health needs of impacted youth: $10,000
- The Family Restored, for services for people with substance use disorder and their families: $10,000
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023):
- Amistad, to provide harm reduction trainings and supplies to unhoused and low-income individuals and to organizations supporting these populations: $10,000
- Documentary Songwriters, to build a songwriting program with Portland’s immigrant community that will strengthen belonging, improve well-being and increase representation in the arts: $5,000
- Friends of Casco Bay, for our “Friends of Friends” project to engage local residents and youth in protecting the Presumpscot River and Casco Bay: $1,500
- Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, for its Welcome Corps Extension Service that promotes resettlement and connects immigrant and refugee families with sponsors, language instruction and economic benefits: $5,000
- Housing Resources for Youth, to find homes for teens experiencing homelessness: $10,000
2022 Grants from the Cumberland County Committee:
- Angolan Community of Maine, to access critical services for 80-plus families living in hotels across Cumberland County: $10,000
- Bright Stars USA, to enable individuals impacted by domestic violence to partner with intervention specialists to eliminate violence, sexual assault, and empower engagement in the criminal justice system: $10,000
- Cathance River Education Alliance, to merge with partner land trust to deliver conservation and nature-based education to communities: $7,000
- Common Threads of Maine, to offer classes on advanced sewing skills and textile business entrepreneurship to help professional stitchers advance in their careers: $10,000
- Cumberland County Food Security Council, for Food Fuels Learning network to build food security for students and families through a community-led, holistic approach to food access: $10,000
- Foundation for Portland Public Schools, to engage and compensate students, parents, teachers, community partners, and tribal advisors to help develop a Wabanaki studies curriculum for the Portland Public Schools and beyond: $8,000
- Friends of the Italian Heritage Center Concert Band Inc., to engage amateur musicians and develop programming to strengthen communities through live concert band performances: $6,000
- Furniture Friends, to provide essential household furniture to low-income individuals and families in southern Maine: $10,000
- Intercultural Community Center, to provide at-risk individuals in southern Maine with no-cost academic, social, and health-support services: $10,000
- LearningWorks, for the LearningWorks YouthBuild Bridge program for at-risk youth to practice and apply skills in real-world work environments: $10,000
- Mid Coast Hunger Prevention, to deliver grocery boxes to food-insecure families on the Midcoast: $8,000
- Milestone Recovery, to divert substance use and homelessness-related police calls to healthcare and treatment facilities: $10,000
- Palaver Strings, to engage new audiences and amplify under-represented voices by performing concerts with partners and to strengthen children’s confidence through music: $6,000
- People Plus, to provide older people and teens rides to activities, field trips, food pantry pickups, and for other transportation needs: $5,000
- Portland Area Villages, to recruit volunteers and members and provide transportation and other services to help members remain safely at home: $5,000
- Portland Public Library, to ensure access to information and literary programs for community members with hearing challenges and those with limited English proficiency: $7,500
- Southern Maine Workers Center, to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for low-income workers through the Worker’s Hotline and Legal Clinic, public policy, and organizing: $10,000
- Town of Casco, to purchase a backstop for the community baseball/softball field: $2,500
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2022):
- Amistad, to provide employment opportunities for formerly unhoused women: $10,000
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, for the workforce readiness program to create opportunities for teens: $5,000
- Greater Portland Family Promise, to facilitate access to affordable housing for families experiencing homelessness: $10,000
- Harpswell Anchor, to expand coverage of town government, schools, arts, and culture: $8,000
- Hope Acts, to provide culturally appropriate services to new asylum seekers: $6,000
- In Her Presence, to support and empower immigrant and asylum-seeking women to master English, engage in the community, fulfill career aspirations, and achieve financial stability: $20,000
- Indigo Arts Alliance, for the Beautiful Blackbird Children’s Book Festival dedicated to the promotion of literacy and the development of positive identities for children of color: $2,500
- Kids First Center, to support programming for children and families experiencing divorce or separation: $10,000
- Little Sebago Lake Association, to expand water quality testing and invasive aquatic plant surveying on Little Sebago Lake: $10,000
- Loon Echo Land Trust, for a parking area to provide safe, public access to a community trail system in Casco: $5,550
- Oasis Health Network, to provide free, high-quality medical and dental care and prescription assistance to low-income, uninsured adults: $10,000
- People Plus, to provide older people and teens rides to activities, field trips, food pantry pickups, and for other transportation needs: $5,000
- Portland Trails, to create safe, welcoming trails and outdoor spaces for all, with a focus on the Riverton neighborhood: $9,000
Hancock County
Hancock County
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 79
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $348,996
Average award: $8,949
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 49%
Number of grants awarded: 39
Additional grants by donors: 19 totaling $87,834
2024 Grants from the Hancock County Committee:
- 1932 Criterion Theatre, project support, for essential building repair and historic preservation of including brick masonry, roofing and windows: $6,000
- A Climate to Thrive, general support, to engage community members as important leaders of community-driven climate solutions: $10,000
- Bagaduce Music Lending Library, general support, to collect, preserve and lend printed music and promote the appreciation, knowledge and performance of music: $10,000
- Bar Harbor Historical Society, general support, for new, interactive history programming, to upgrade digital platforms and expand access to local history: $10,000
- Blue Hill Heritage Trust, project support, for a youth outdoor club and youth events: $10,000
- Blue Hill Historical Society, general support, to collect, preserve and make accessible materials on Blue Hill’s history: $10,000
- Bucksport Bay Healthy Community Coalition, general support, for its home safety and accessibility repair program to service Bucksport, Orland, Prospect and Verona Island: $8,000
- Community Compass, general support, to connect those in need with government and community resources to help them achieve stability: $10,000
- Covenant Community Land Trust, general support, to provide access for permanent, affordable housing, community and land: $10,000
- Deer Isle Adult and Community Education, project funding, to refine its mission and strategic plan programming: $9,950
- Deer Isle-Stonington Community School District, project funding, to engage high school students in team building and career exploration through off-campus experiences with collaborating organizations: $9,990
- Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society, general support, to collect, preserve and display documents, records and artifacts of historical significance: $10,000
- Dorcas Library Association, general support, for storm-damage repair and upgrades to the Dorcas+ building: $9,500
- Ellsworth Historical Society, general support, to engage people with the diverse local history and heritage of Ellsworth and Hancock County: $10,000
- Ellsworth Public Library, project support, to install a partial gutter system and sump pump at Tisdale House: $9,950
- Frenchman’s Bay Library, general support, to expand resources and social engagement programs, particularly for community members with physical and cognitive challenges: $10,000
- Friends of Taunton Bay, general support, to investigate bacterial contamination in the Taunton Bay watershed; $7,924
- George Stevens Academy, project support, to pilot Blue Hill Peninsula Stories, a place-based, multi-curricula initiative: $10,000
- Great Cranberry Historical Society, general support, to preserve history and provide a place for community engagement: $10,000
- H.O.M.E. Inc., project support, to engage and empower artists living in homeless shelters and low-income community members in arts programming: $10,000
- Hancock County Planning Commission, general support, to support municipalities in Hancock County through comprehensive planning, grant-writing services and trainings: $10,000
- Hancock County Habitat for Humanity, general support, for safety and accessibility modifications to homes of older people and low-income residents: $3,460
- Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, general support, to strengthen programs for educators, schools and homeschool families through a range of ecological, science and cultural opportunities: $10,000
- Healthy Island Project, general support, to provide weekly meal delivery and programs for older people and food security resources through food pantries, backpack program and FarmDrop: $7,000
- Heart of Ellsworth, general support, to sustain planning phases of major arts and culture projects and entrepreneurial programming: $10,000
- Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County, general support, to provide companionship, respite and grief support to patients with life-limiting illness and their families: $10,000
- Island Connections, general support, to ensure the volunteer base meets demand for free transportation services: $5,000
- Islesford Boatworks, general support, to provide traditional wooden boatbuilding programs and community-building programs for the community impacted by Jan. 2024 storms: $10,000
- Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, general support, to purchase supplemental groceries and personal hygiene items for the Hancock County neighbors: $9,000
- Open Table MDI, general support, to provide healthful food and meals through Tuesday Supper and Open Garden MDI: $7,500
- Opera House Arts, project support, to make improvements to the Stonington Opera House and adjacent support buildings: $10,000
- Reversing Falls Sanctuary, general support, to provide the community with arts, climate justice and wellbeing programs: $10,000
- Schoodic Arts for All, general support, to continue to be a vital center for the community to connect and learn through affordable arts experiences: $10,000
- Sedgwick-Brooklin Historical Society, general support, to restore the Sedgwick First Baptist Church portico: $10,000
- Simmering Pot, general support, to provide nutritious meals for food insecure neighbors and a weekly in-person supper open to the community: $5,000
- St. Francis Community, general support, to provide housing, community and land access to low-income individuals and families: $10,000
- Town of Sorrento, project support, to winterize the Sorrento Community Building: $8,900
- Town of Stonington, project support, to collaborate with local organizations to provide workforce pathways, education, telehealth and digital-equity programming: $10,000
- Traditional Small Craft Association Downeast Chapter, general support, for a festival to educate and entertain visitors about the maritime heritage and significance of Blue Hill Bay: $2,000
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2024):
- 1932 Criterion Theatre, project support, for essential building repair and historic preservation of including brick masonry, roofing and windows: $4,000
- Brooksville Free Public Library, general support, to increase specialty lending services to include educational kits, arts and crafts supplies and seed library offerings: $5,334
- Bucksport Bay Healthy Community Coalition, general support, for its home safety and accessibility repair program to service Bucksport, Orland, Prospect and Verona Island: $2,000
- Bucksport Skatepark, project support, to enhance and expand the skate park: $10,000
- Dorcas Library Association, general support, for storm-damage repair and upgrades to the Dorcas+ building: $500
- Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic, general support, to provide high-quality health care to those in need: $10,000
- Families First Community Center, general support, to sustain housing for families with children and provide nutritious food and comprehensive support: $12,000
- Friends in Action, general support, to empower older adults and people with disabilities to thrive and live independently with dignity and strong quality of life: $2,500
- Hancock County Habitat for Humanity, general support, for safety and accessibility modifications to homes of older people and low-income residents: $500
- Healthy Island Project, general support, to provide weekly meal delivery and programs for older people and food security resources through food pantries, backpack program and FarmDrop: $3,000
- Island Connections, general support, to ensure the volunteer base meets demand for free transportation services: $5,000
- Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, general support, to purchase supplemental groceries and personal hygiene items for the Hancock County neighbors: $1,000
- Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, project support, to enhance the Discovery Wharf education content with interpretive displays on Maine’s environmental resources, heritage, fisheries and coastal adaptation: $500
- Native Gardens of Blue Hill, general support, to build an ADA-compliant boardwalk for access to forest spaces: $1,000
- Open Table MDI, general support, to provide healthful food and meals through Tuesday Supper and Open Garden MDI: $2,500
- Opiate Free Island Partnership, general support, to expand harm reduction for opioid-use disorder, educate students with prevention programming and reduce stigma through public awareness: $10,000
- Pierre Monteux Memorial Foundation, general support, to train aspiring symphony conductors and musicians through an intensive summer program: $2,500
- Simmering Pot, general support, to provide nutritious meals for food insecure neighbors and a weekly in-person supper open to the community: $5,000
- Willowind Therapeutic Riding Center, general support, to provide equine-based therapy to children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities: $10,000
2023 Grants from the Hancock County Committee:
- Bagaduce Music Lending Library, to expand its class and ensemble program to Deer Isle, Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula and communities along Western Penobscot Bay: $10,000
- Buck Memorial Library, for custom bookshelves made by Maine State Prison woodworkers: $10,000
- Bucksport Bay Healthy Communities Coalition, for a volunteer “Thank You” campaign for residents over 65 as part of its Thriving in Place Program: $3,610
- Chase Emerson Memorial Library, to provide a shared work and gathering space, books, media and educational programming: $8,000
- Dorcas Library Association, to install a generator at the Dorcas+ building: $10,000
- Downeast Restorative Justice, to build a safer, more inclusive school culture and promote healthier communities: $10,000
- Ellsworth Garden Club, to engage community members in strengthening natural and cultivated green spaces: $10,000
- Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, DBA Woodlawn Museum, to improve the trails and open spaces for safe and free enjoyment by the community: $10,000
- Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, to create a STEAM education program that promotes youth engagement and economic development through hands-on learning, mentorship and professional training: $10,000
- Heart of Ellsworth, to develop internal capacity for several community development projects generated by the 2022 Downtown Asset Mapping plan: $10,000
- Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County, for companionship, respite, grief support and education to those living with life-limiting illness and their families: $10,000
- Island Connections, to grow its volunteer base to meet demand for services: $10,000
- Island Housing Trust, to develop housing opportunities for median-income workers on Mount Desert Island: $10,000
- Islesford Boatworks, for traditional wooden boatbuilding and community-building programs: $10,000
- Juneteenth Downeast, to organize Juneteenth Weekend on the Water in Ellsworth: $10,000
- Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, for a summer intern/ guide for the Discovery Wharf climate change exhibit: $8,500
- Open Table MDI, for healthy and nutritious meals for residents of Mount Desert Island and beyond: $10,000
- Opera House Arts, to improve the lobby series and provide a gathering place for the community: $10,000
- Opiate Free Island Partnership, to train community ambassadors to recognize behaviors tied to substance-use disorder and build trust with those in need: $7,500
- Read By 21 Mentoring, to expand interactive programs for middle school, high school and homeschooled youth: $8,600
- Schoodic Arts for All, to sustain community arts programs that contribute to the creative economy and quality of life for Downeast residents: $5,000
- St. Brendan the Navigator Episcopal Church, for weekly culinary arts programs for students in the Deer Isle-Stonington Mariner’s Soar after-school program: $10,000
- Swans Island Educational Society, to make improve the path to the library internet porch: $10,000
- Town of Gouldsboro, to hire a research firm to conduct a workforce-housing study: $10,000
- Traditional Small Craft Association Downeast Chapter, for a festival to educate visitors about the maritime heritage and significance of Blue Hill Bay: $2,000
- Trenton Elementary School, for a multi-use learning lab and workspace for students and teachers to create and explore through hands-on learning: $10,000
- Wendell Gilley Museum of Bird Carving, to grow community programming that connects people to nature through art: $5,000
- Willowind Therapeutic Riding Center, for equine therapy to children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities and to promote overall health and well-being: $5,000
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023)
- Bar Harbor Food Pantry, to purchase a van for a mobile food-distribution program for local families experiencing food insecurity: $10,000
- Blue Hill Heritage Trust, to create an accessible trail, viewing platform and shoreline access point along Eggemoggin Reach in Sargentville: $10,000
- Bucksport Skatepark, for a public mini ramp for skateboarding, cycling, rollerblading and other sports for children, teens and families: $10,000
- Common Good Soup Kitchen Community, to address food insecurity with a second meal delivery day: $10,000
- Community Compass, to connect people with low incomes to community and government resources: $10,000
- Downeast Community Partners, to expand its free meal program with a Friday lunch offering: $5,984
- Down East Family YMCA, for its summer program for children with special needs: $10,000
- Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic, for free mental, dental, primary care and referral assistance: $10,000
- Families First Community Center, to expand its outreach program to support low-income families: $10,000
- Healthy Island Project, for weekly meal delivery and programs for older people, food pantry sites, backpack program and Farm Drop: $10,000
- H.O.M.E. Inc., for community gardening programs for people with low incomes and those experiencing homelessness: $10,000
- KidsPeace, for a Healing Garden at the Graham Lake campus to provide a calming space for youth: $5,000
- RSU 24 Adult Education, for strategic planning to redesign its adult education programming to meet current needs: $10,000
- Schoodic Arts for All, to sustain community arts programs that contribute to the creative economy and quality of life for Downeast residents: $5,000
- Simmering Pot, for nutritious meals for community members experiencing food insecurity and a weekly supper community supper: $6,000
- Wendell Gilley Museum of Bird Carving, to grow community programming that connects people to nature through art: $5,000
- Willowind Therapeutic Riding Center, for equine therapy to children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities and to promote overall health and well-being: $5,000
2022 Grants from the Hancock County Committee:
- A Climate to Thrive, to develop sustainable climate solutions that build resilience and equity in Hancock County: $10,000
- ArtWaves, to facilitate a program of arts experiences for residents, members, partners, and area visitors: $5,000
- Blue Hill Heritage Trust, for an ongoing educational, environmental, and community-focused edible landscape project with Indigenous-led Know Your Land Consulting: $5,000
- Camp Beech Cliff, to hire a camper support specialist to identify campers with mental, social, and emotional health concerns and provide on-site support: $10,000
- Chase Emerson Memorial Library, to expand community programming and make physical upgrades to the space: $8,000
- Common Good Soup Kitchen, to purchase a large tent for summer fundraisers: $5,000
- Deer Isle-Stonington Community School District, to engage local students and their families in growing, harvesting, and preparing fresh and nutritious meals: $5,000
- Dorcas Library Association, to provide the community lifelong learning opportunities, including safe spaces for reading, writing, computing, tutoring, and presenting movies, lectures, and performances: $10,000
- Ellsworth Garden Club, for a paid internship program to engage high school and college students in support of environmental sustainability and climate action: $8,500
- George Stevens Academy, to purchase new instruments for the steel band program: $7,000
- Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust, to extend an existing mountain bike trail: $9,600
- H.O.M.E., to engage and divert families at risk of homelessness before they enter the shelter system: $10,000
- Healthy Island Project, for weekly nutritious meals, food support, internet access, and training to bridge senior digital equity gap and provide COVID-19 protections: $10,000
- Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County, to support clients, their caregivers, and those who are grieving, and for outreach and awareness of available support: $10,000
- Island Community Center, for cardio equipment and a Wi-Fi-enabled television to stream exercise programs: $6,097
- Isle Theater Company, to produce an outdoor, medieval- period comedy at Horsepower Farm: $10,000
- Islesford Boatworks, to support expanded year-round programming: $10,000
- Jesup Memorial Library, to establish a virtual library branch to provide virtual resources and programs: $10,000
- Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, to provide access to fresh produce, both purchased and from the pantry’s community garden: $10,000
- Mariaville Fire Department, to provide high-quality, fire-prevention safety to its youngest community members: $10,000
- Native Gardens of Blue Hill, to expand and maintain a garden of native plants and educational programs to community members and gardening professionals: $8,000
- Next Step Domestic Violence Project, to examine social systems accessed by or inflicted on victims of abuse, to identify gaps and challenges, and support survivors: $5,000
- Open Table MDI, to serve healthy and nutritious food to Mount Desert Island residents and others: $10,000
- Opiate-Free Island Partnership, to expand harm-reduction for those with opiate-use disorder, including naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and clean needles: $7,500
- Reversing Falls Sanctuary, to hire an administrative coordinator for internal and external communications, publicity, website, fundraising, and social media: $10,000
- Salt Pond Community Broadcasting, to produce a radio series profiling the perspectives of young adults in Maine, exploring their important issues, and how they connect with community: $7,000
- Wendell Gilley Museum of Bird Carving, to provide the community with classes, programs, and exhibitions that connect people to nature through art: $10,000
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2022):
- ArtWaves, to facilitate a program of arts experiences for residents, members, partners, and area visitors: $5,000
- Blue Hill Heritage Trust, for an ongoing educational, environmental, and community-focused edible landscape project with Indigenous-led Know Your Land Consulting: $5,000
- Common Good Soup Kitchen, to purchase a large tent for summer fundraisers: $5,000
- Deer Isle-Stonington Community School District, to engage local students and their families in growing, harvesting, and preparing fresh and nutritious meals: $5,000
- Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic, to provide free, public health services to uninsured and inadequately insured individuals: $10,000
- Families First Community Center, to grow its residential program, which provides transitional housing to unhoused families with minor children: $10,000
- Friends of Taunton Bay, to provide water sample processing for the water quality monitoring project in Taunton Bay: $3,600
- Island Connections, to increase transportation and office administrator’s weekly hours to meet the demand for free transportation services: $10,000
- Next Step Domestic Violence Project, to examine social systems accessed by or inflicted on victims of abuse, to identify gaps and challenges, and support survivors: $5,000
- Project Launch, to expand student workforce efforts and create pilot apprenticeships with local area employers: $10,000
- Witherle Memorial Library, to equip a bicycle rest station to benefit public safety and outdoor enjoyment: $3,219
Kennebec County
Kennebec County
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 24
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $62,290
Average award: $8,775
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 33%
Number of grants awarded: 8
Additional grants by donors: 2 totaling $8,250 (as of April 2024)
2024 Grants from the Kennebec County Committee:
- Boys and Girls Club of Augusta, general support, to support at-risk teens and the community by developing a safe, high-energy indoor recreation program: $5,000
- Children’s Discovery Museum, general support, to support hands-on programming that ignites curiosity and celebrates learning through play: $2,565
- Friends of Quarry Road, general support, to develop exceptional opportunities for four-season outdoor recreation at Quarry Road Trails: $10,000
- Hallowell All Age Friendly Committee, general support, to grow their printed community newsletter by expanding content: $4,725
- Hubbard Free Library, general support, to enhance and expand the Hubbard Free Library’s services to the community and preserve the 1880 High Victorian Gothic building that houses the library: $10,000
- Town of Oakland, project support, to create a secure retaining wall for the Memorial Hall, which is used as a dance studio and community meeting hall: $10,000
- Vassalboro United Methodist Church, project support, to remove barriers to accessibility throughout the building: $10,000
- Waterville Area Soup Kitchen, general support, to provide a space which serves hot meals in a supportive, inclusive setting that offers wellbeing and relationship-building: $10,000
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2024):
- Boys and Girls Club of Augusta, general support, to support at-risk teens and the community by developing a safe, high-energy indoor recreation program: $5,000
- Mount Vernon Community Partnership Corporation, general support, to expand digital literacy and bridge the digital divide by providing accessible tech assistance services and engaging classes: $3,250
2023 Grants from the Kennebec County Committee:
- Children’s Discovery Museum, to ignite curiosity and celebrate learning through hands-on programs and interactive play spaces: $10,000
- Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church, to expand its resource department for people with low incomes in Greater Augusta: $10,000
- Maine Resilience Building Network, to develop a coalition of Gardiner-area community members to develop locally driven solutions for youth: $8,470
- Maine Society of the Children of the American Revolution, to purchase a pavilion for veterans and their families to meet outdoors and for community events: $2,500
- New England Music Camp Association, for musical instruction to vulnerable teens through a Learn to Own program: $7,500
- Project Sparrow, to expand programs that provide immediate needs such as clothing, shoes, equipment, bedding and support to foster children: $10,000
- Viles Arboretum, to expand its Community Agriculture Program to support people experiencing food insecurity: $10,000
- Waterville Area Soup Kitchen, to provide meals for residents of the Greater Waterville area: $10,000
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023):
- Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope, to provide housing, peer support, basic needs, wellness plans and group therapy to current and former female-identifying service members and their families: $5,000
2022 Grants from the Kennebec County Committee:
- 30 Mile River Watershed Association, to improve water quality in Androscoggin Lake by identifying and addressing the causes of a severe, lake-wide algal bloom: $5,000
- Boys and Girls Club of Augusta, to divert juvenile offenders to restorative programs to avoid incarceration, recidivism, and learning loss from school suspensions: $10,000
- Hardy Girls Healthy Women, to create a new middle school curriculum on coalition building, critical thinking, and activism with a youth-led research team: $5,000
- Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center, to take programming on the road while its current venue is under construction: $3,570
- Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, to expand parenting, mental health, and life-skill supports for pregnant and parenting teens and young adults: $10,000
- Project Sparrow, to provide essential clothing, equipment, and personal-hygiene items to foster children who need assistance: $5,000
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds:
- Town of Mount Vernon, to support the adult day program for older residents of Fayette, Mount Vernon, and Vienna: $6,250
Knox County
Knox County
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 31
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $80,453
Average award: $8,939
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 29%
Number of grants awarded: 9
Additional grants by donors: 2 totaling $10,000 (as of April 2024)
2024 Grants from the Knox County Committee:
- AIO Food and Energy Assistance, project support, for a refrigerated truck to keep pace with projected food distribution needs: $10,000
- Friends of Isle au Haut Lighthouse, general support, to restore the Isle au Haut Lighthouse: $10,000
- Leaps of Imagination, general support, to inspire young people to flourish as imaginative, innovative thinkers with the confidence to explore, create, and collaborate as artists and stewards of the Earth: $10,000
- Midcoast Recovery Coalition, general support, to provide a healthy environment for families, healing the effects of drug addiction and reintegration into the community through two certified recovery residences: $10,000
- MidCoast Regional Housing Trust, general support, to develop permanent, year-round workforce housing in Knox County and neighboring towns: $10,000
- One Community Many Voices, general support, to support immigrants moving to the midcoast: $10,000
- RSU 13, project support, for its partnership with Trekkers to teach leadership through mentorship and relationship building: $10,000
- St. George Community Development Corporation, general support, to provide nutritious food to clients of its food pantry: $8,540
- Wessaweskeag Historical Society, general support, to acquire equipment that supports and strengthens our curatorial ability to preserve the materials that relate to the history of our community: $1,913
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2024):
- Midcoast Habitat for Humanity, project support, to engage community volunteers and increase affordable housing stock by constructing a single-family home: $7,000
- Southern Harbor Eldercare Services, general support, to ensure North Haven community members have access to resources and support to age in community: $3,000
2023 Grants by the Knox County Committee
- Isle au Haut Community Development Corporation, to study the feasibility of building a community center and apartments: $5,000
- Knox County Homeless Coalition, to expand its mental health and wellness program: $10,000
- Mid-Coast Habitat for Humanity, to increase affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families: $10,000
- Owls Head Village Library Association, to expand its speakers program, introduce children’s programming and expand its collection to include free e-books: $3,500
- P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center, to provide affordable services to low-income pet owners: $4,916
- Penobscot Language School, to engage community members in intercultural exchange and increase language resources, including free ESL for immigrants and refugees: $7,000
- Rockland Rotary Club Charitable Fund, to install an inclusive playground: $5,000
- Southern Harbor Eldercare Services, to assist older people with daily activities, transportation and enrichment activities: $10,000
- Sweet Tree Arts, for arts events and after-school programs: $2,000
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023)
- Herring Gut Coastal Science Center, for year-round educational programs for schoolchildren and the community on the connections between freshwater and marine environments and Maine’s economy: $5,000
2022 Grants from the Knox County Committee:
- Community Investors of Knox County, to address transportation needs of low-income residents: $5,000
- Friends of the Strand Theatre, to provide free, educational concerts at The Strand for local students of all ages and their families: $5,000
- Island Village Childcare, to build a safe, outdoor play set: $3,350
- Jackson Memorial Library, to provide educational and enrichment programming regardless of age, ability, or socioeconomic status: $3,350
- Knox County Homeless Coalition, for a collaborative, affordable-housing initiative that will provide up to 26 units with on-site, client-care services: $10,000
- Midcoast Habitat for Humanity, to help complete the construction of six homes at the Philbrick Commons affordable pocket neighborhood: $2,500
- Mid-Coast Health Net, to provide restorative dentistry and expanded hygiene services for low-income children and adults: $10,000
- Midcoast Recovery Coalition, for two recovery residences to provide a healthy environment for families, healing the effects of drug addiction, and reintegration into the community: $10,000
- The Coastal Children’s Museum, to foster learning for children and families about the environment and the Midcoast region through play: $4,107
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds:
- PAWS Animal Adoption Center, to increase boarding capacity for pets of individuals who can’t care for care for pets due to homelessness, domestic violence, or hospitalization: $2,500
- Sail Power and Steam Museum, to expand Sail Kids for Free, which provides youth opportunities to enhance leadership, team building, and promoting personal growth through sailing: $5,158
Oxford County
Oxford County
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 22
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $64,527
Average award: $7,170
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 41%
Number of grants awarded: 9
Additional grants by donors: 2 totaling $4,500 (as of April 2024)
2024 Grants from the Oxford County Committee:
- Bethel Area District Exchange and Food Pantry, general support, to feed and clothe the region in partnership with other local groups: $7,500
- Bethel Historical Society, general support, to engage the public in meaningful conversations about our shared history and to leverage our historic building to help meet present community needs: $10,000
- Denmark Arts Center, general support, to engage people with the arts through live music, theater, art shows, children’s programming, author readings and workshops: $7,500
- Maine Access Points, project support, to enhance community and public health through partnerships that support people who use drugs: $10,000
- Maine Dragon Boat Club, general support, to create an inclusive environment to unite as a team through dragon boating: $5,000
- Oxford Hills Community Gardens, general support, to improve community health by providing opportunities to build relationships, learn and grow food together: $4,527
- River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, general support, to promote community health and wellness by partnering with organizations to improve prevention education, food and support services: $5,000
- Team Long Run, general support, to address the root cause of illiteracy through programs that get teacher-selected books into the homes of young children: $5,000
- West Parish Congregational Church, project support, for the WPCC Youth Hub, to provide community affirmation for teens in a safe space for relaxation, sharing food, playing a game and learning skills: $10,000
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2024):
- Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, project support, to provide support and resources to cancer patients and their caregivers: $2,500
- Celebration Barn Theater, general support, to bring live theatrical productions to Oxford Hills and workshops to regional schools: $2,000
2023 Grants from the Oxford County Committee:
- Bethel Area District Exchange and Food Pantry, for its food pantry, used-clothing store, food delivery, farm-to-pantry, senior food boxes, and school snack and backpack programs: $10,000
- Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, to assess unmet mental health needs and improve access to affordable mental health services for cancer patients: $6,210
- Denmark Arts Center, to provide live music, theater, art shows, children’s’ camps, author readings and workshops : $5,000
- MSAD #44, to operate a childcare and early-learning center in Bethel: $10,000
- Oxford County Mental Health Services, for academic and enrichment activities for vulnerable students: $5,000
- River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, to expand the Old School Food Pantry’s reach through local partnerships, cooking classes and increasing access to fresh produce: $10,000
- Team Long Run, to increase literacy through programs that get teacher-selected books into children’s homes: $5,000
- The Progress Center, for meal delivery to children and adults with developmental disabilities recently released from the hospital or rehabilitation center: $5,000
- Waterford Library Association, to hire a consultant to manage blogs on climate improvement to expand participation in its Climate Conversations: $2,400
- Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative, to support addiction recovery through education, advocacy and compassionate community action: $10,000
2022 Grants from the Oxford County Committee:
- Alan Day Community Garden, to support food security programming through its certified kitchen and food center: $10,000
- Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, to expand oncology support services to cancer patients in western Maine: $10,000
- Center for an Ecology Based Economy, for community home-weatherization projects and workshops to improve home heating and cooling efficiency: $10,000
- Foothills Foodworks, to use local ingredients and provide fair wages for cooking and packing meals for food pantry distributions: $10,000
- Pink Feather Foundation, to support its volunteer coordinator position: $2,968
- Restorative Justice Institute of Maine, to address racial discrimination and marginalization through a restorative justice process with Oxford County community and youths: $4,310
- River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, to provide essential services for low-income families and seniors in the River Valley region: $10,000
- Western Foothills Kids Association, to offer academic support and enrichment opportunities after school and during summer break: $2,000
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds:
- Denmark Arts Center, to partner with ArtVan, Nevaeh Dance Circus, and Maine musicians and traditional craft makers for DamJam Revival, a family arts festival and music series: $10,000
- Western Foothills Kids Association, to offer academic support and enrichment opportunities after school and during summer break: $8,000
Penobscot County
Penobscot County
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 43
Grant dollars awarded: $208,500
Average award: $9,929
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 49%
Number of grants awarded by committee: 21
Additional grants by donors: 2 totaling $11,500 (as of April 2024)
2024 Grants from the Penobscot County Committee:
- Best Buddies, project support, to expand the Elementary School Friendship program at the beginning of children’s educational journeys: $10,000
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, project support, to create and support one-on-one relationships that encourage socioemotional development, build resilience and support youth mental health: $10,000
- Challenger Learning Center of Maine, general support, to provide engaging STEM programming for students to encourage careers in the field: $10,000
- Dignity First, general support, to continue master plan development, leadership education and specialized training and improve organizational structure and capacity growth: $10,000
- Food and Medicine Jobs with Justice Education Fund, general support, to continue organizing low-income areas of the Bangor region by building community resilience, developing skills and increasing access to healthy food: $10,000
- Friends of Baxter State Park, general support, to employ Katahdin-area teenagers and create immersive experiences that inspire future environmental leadership: $10,000
- Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, project support, to encourage community members and the public to visit Tekαkαpimək Contact Station at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument: $8,500
- Heart of Maine Resource Center, general support, to establish a client-choice food center: $10,000
- Heart of Maine United Way, project support, to raise awareness and support for asset-limited, income-constrained employed individuals in our region through educational events and capacity building for nonprofits, businesses and municipalities: $10,000
- Helen S Dunn School, project support, to bring literacy into students’ homes and engage families in a culture of book love by installing a book vending machine: $10,000
- Hirundo Wildlife Trust, general support, to strengthen capacity to engage all individuals with nature regardless of origin, age, abilities or financial resources: $10,000
- Lincoln Pony Pals, general support, to create strong work ethics, strengthen senses of self-worth and build relationships between area youth and horses: $10,000
- Literacy Volunteers of Bangor, general support, to engage community members as literacy volunteers and provide literacy programming and support to low-income adults, including New Mainers: $10,000
- Needlepoint Sanctuary of Maine, general support, to foster sense of sanctuary and help reduce harms associated with substance use, poverty and social injustice: $10,000
- Patten Lumbermens Museum, general support, to hire additional staff to inventory and document collection, update displays, develop programs and advertise: $10,000
- Save a Life, general support, to provide community education on addiction and drug poisoning, provide recovery coaching and offer support for affected others: $10,000
- Shelter Music Maine, general support, to provide live, interactive concerts at homeless shelters and other sheltering environments: $10,000
- St. Andre Home, project support, to pilot tattoo, brand and scar modification services for survivors of human trafficking, exploitation and violence: $10,000
- Town of Millinocket, project support, to operate the Millinocket Ski Tow and promote healthy outdoor activity: $10,000
- Wabanaki Cultural Preservation Coalition, project support, to facilitate skill acquisition in eco-friendly building practices by installing hempcrete walls on a ceremonial roundhouse: $10,000
- Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, project support, to create asphalt art in Bangor designed to decrease vehicular speed and pedestrian accidents while bolstering Wabanaki culture: $10,000
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2024):
- Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, project support, to encourage community members and the public to visit Tekαkαpimək Contact Station at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument: $1,500
- Maine Multicultural Center, general support, to help furnish and set up apartments for refugees being resettled in the greater Bangor region: $10,000
2023 Grants from the Penobscot County Committee:
- Bangor Symphony Orchestra, to continue its music and wellness program at St. Joseph Hospital and explore program expansion to Lafayette Cancer Institute: $10,000
- Best Buddies International, to sustain Best Buddies Friendship Program chapters and fund leadership development trainings: $10,000
- Boreal Theater, to establish a space for creative use and expand community engagement: $10,000
- Dignity First, to grow its leadership and neighbor care team, support unhoused neighbors and invest in permanent, supported housing in the community: $10,000
- Food and Medicine Jobs with Justice Education Fund, to build a resilient and inclusive community, develop skills, and access to heathy food in downtown Bangor: $10,000
- Friends of Baxter State Park, to hire local teens to maintain Baxter State Park’s trail systems: $10,000
- Heart of Maine Resource Center, to renovate a food cupboard building used to support the Greater Dexter community: $10,000
- Heart of Maine United Way, to connect students, other individuals, and groups to support the county through collaboration, service, volunteerism, and drives: $10,000
- I’m Your Neighbor Books, to serve the city of Bangor and build a more welcoming community through children’s literature: $10,000
- Katahdin Tourism Partnership, to develop the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Scenic Byway for sustainable community and economic development: $10,000
- Lincoln Pony Pals, to create a strong work ethic, strengthen sense of pride and self-worth in local youth through relationships with horses: $10,000
- Literacy Volunteers of Bangor, to engage community members and increase services for adults with literacy barriers: $9,000
- Maine Academy of Modern Music, to support Bangor Rocks! and Bangor Rock Camp: $10,000
- Millinocket Regional Hospital, to expand Age Friendly Millinocket’s Transportation for All project that subsidizes rides: $9,950
- Opportunity Housing, to sustain operations at the Brewer Area Food Pantry: $10,000
- Penobscot Theatre Company, for summer educational programming for youth: $10,000
- Reigning Hope Ranch, to purchase and maintain essential equine therapy equipment: $10,000
- ReTreeUS, to plant orchards at Etna Dixmont and Patricia Duran schools and add fruit trees to the Sebasticook Valley Elementary School orchard: $10,000
- River City Athletics, to provide a safe, affordable, and year-round indoor activity space: $10,000
- St. Andre Home, to pilot housing support services for survivors: $10,000
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023):
- Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, for diversion and guest services: $10,000
- Community Care, for the expansion of its volunteer program to develop meaningful relationships with youth experiencing homelessness to assist them in transitioning out of homelessness: $10,000
- Literacy Volunteers of Bangor, to engage community members and increase services for adults with literacy barriers: $1,000
- Maine Discovery Museum, for a board development trip to Massachusetts science centers and Maine organizations: $10,000
- Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, for groundwork for a new exhibit building to display lumbering equipment from the 19th century: $10,000
- Town of Charleston, to reopen and update the Charleston Public Library: $3,850
- Town of Dexter, to construct waist-high garden beds for older people with limited mobility: $3,400
- True North Theatre, to bring stories to life on stage and educate storytellers in the community: $10,000
- Wellspring, for community education and outreach to pregnant and parenting women affected by substance use disorder: $10,000
2022 Grants from the Penobscot County Committee:
- Bangor Region YMCA, to increase access to programs that build resiliency, competency, and self-sufficiency among at-risk teenagers in central Maine: $10,000
- Bangor Symphony Orchestra, for its music and wellness program: $4,780
- Best Buddies, to open more school and community chapters and provide leadership training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: $10,000
- Courageous Steps Project, to support children and young adults with varying abilities and challenges: $7,500
- Eastern Maine Community College, to provide recreation and tourism credentials to unemployed or underemployed youth and adults in the Katahdin region: $10,000
- Food AND Medicine, to support volunteers working on its core programs including, food security, unemployment support, public transportation, and civic engagement: $10,000
- Friends of Baxter State Park, to engage teens in building and maintaining the trail systems of Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument: $7,500
- Friends of Veterans Memorial Library, to digitally preserve historical records, including scrapbooks, town reports, and yearbooks: $4,000
- Hampden Highlands United Methodist Church, to bring community members and organizations together to conduct home improvement projects for local residents: $5,000
- Lincoln Pony Pals, to construct a stable to accommodate lesson horses for local youth: $6,410
- Literacy Volunteers of Bangor, to provide literacy tutoring for adults to promote greater self-sufficiency and financial stability: $7,500
- Maine Forest and Logging Museum, to improve its displays and access to them: $10,000
- Maine Parkinson Society, to provide critical programs for patients with Parkinson’s disease: $10.000
- Newport Public Library Association, to construct a permanent story walk in the community park: $4,854
- Northeastern Family Institute, to provide a therapeutic gardening program to promote the mental and physical health of children living in its residential home: $10,000
- Our Katahdin, to update its crowdfunding platform and engage with the Katahdin Gazetteer: $10,000
- Outdoor Sport Institute, to involve youth with outdoor gear libraries and trails: $9,000
- Partners for Peace, to increase accessibility of services for domestic violence survivors with disabilities, neurodiversity, and for whom English is their second language: $10,000
- Pir2Peer Recovery Community Center, to provide in-house recovery programming: $10,000
- Shaw House, to provide housing assistance and support services for young adults experiencing homelessness: $10,000
- St. Andre Home, to expand housing support services for survivors of domestic violence and their families: $10,000
- Town of Millinocket, to purchase skates, a skate sharpener, and skate rack for the community: $5,000
- Welcome to Housing Home Goods Bank, to provide free furniture and home goods for those in need: $10,000
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds:
- Bangor Symphony Orchestra, for its music and wellness program: $5,000
- Lincoln Pony Pals, to construct a stable to accommodate lesson horses for local youth: $2,500
- Literacy Volunteers of Bangor, to provide literacy tutoring for adults to promote greater self-sufficiency and financial stability: $2,500
- Maine Multicultural Center, to provide rental deposits, landlord guarantees, apartment furnishings, and other services for New Mainers to ease resettlement: $10,000
Piscataquis County
Piscataquis County
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 11
Grant dollars awarded: $57,000
Average award: $9,500
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 55%
Number of grants awarded by committee: 6
Additional grants by donors: 2 totaling $9,235 (as of April 2024)
2024 Grants from the Piscataquis County Committee:
- Appalachian Mountain Club, project support, to develop an illustrated children’s book about fish habitat restoration and healthy river ecosystems: $10,000
- League of Women Voters of Maine Education Fund, general support, to expand the reach of non-partisan voter information in Piscataquis County and improve transparency and accessibility in local government: $10,000
- Little Schoolhouse Childcare, general support, to support operations of a licensed, affordable childcare center in the greater Greenville area: $10,000
- Maine Highlands Senior Center, general support, to bring people together through community programs, events and art: $10,000
- Moosehead Historical Society, general support, to collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit the history of the Moosehead Lake region: $10,000
- Pine Tree Hospice, general support, to provide critical non-medical support, education and resources through a trained volunteer network: $7,000
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2024):
- Dover Cove Farmers Market, project support, to increase healthy food access by improving awareness and utilization of the Maine Harvest Bucks program: $6,235
- Pine Tree Hospice, general support, to provide critical non-medical support, education and resources through a trained volunteer network: $3,000
2023 Grants from the Piscataquis County Committee:
- Appalachian Mountain Club, to improve awareness of and accessibility to the Moosehead Lake region’s mountain and gravel-riding trails: $6,131
- Center Theatre, for a new summer drama camp in Greenville: $4,473
- Create and Collaborate, for educational art and science classes for students ages 2-18: $5,076
- Friends of Community Fitness, to build an outdoor track with lighting for safe, outdoor programs: $10,000
- Helping Hands with Heart, to provide youth resilience training to youth, educators, and youth-services providers: $10,000
- Piscataquis Regional Food Center, for cooking classes, nutrition counseling and SNAP enrollment to those experiencing food insecurity: $10.000
- Town of Milo, for an after-school program: $10,000
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023):
- Appalachian Mountain Club, to improve awareness of and accessibility to the Moosehead Lake region’s mountain and gravel-riding trails: $1,500
2022 Grants from the Piscataquis County Committee:
- Center Theatre, to create a summer drama camp: $1,643
- Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation, to develop business and job opportunities for the local community: $10,000
- MSAD #41, to install the district’s first middle-school playground: $6,577
- Northern Forest Center, to manage environmental impact and build sustainable tourism management in the Moosehead Lake region: $10,000
- Penquis CAP, to establish host homes for youth ages 12-24 in Piscataquis County experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness: $3,490
- Penquis Youth Hockey Association, for ice rink rentals for games and practices at the Piscataquis County Ice Arena: $5,000
- ReTreeUS, to plant an educational orchard for local schoolchildren: $8,180
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2022):
- Center Theatre, to create a summer drama camp: $2,500
- Penquis CAP, to establish host homes for youth ages 12-24 in Piscataquis County experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness: $2,410
- Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District, to add forest management, trail updates, and historical signage to its community forest: $10,000
Southern Midcoast
Southern Midcoast
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 28
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $130,120
Average award: $8,675
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 54%
Number of grants awarded: 15
Additional grants by donors: 3 totaling $7,500 (as of April 2024)
2024 Grants from the Southern Midcoast Committee to Lincoln County organizations:
- Boothbay Region Historical Society, general support, to provide diverse learning opportunities on the Boothbay region’s history: $10,000
- Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, general support, to use technology to help older people remain in their homes: $7,000
- Boothbay Sea and Science Center, general support, to actively engage children and adults in hands-on experiential programs that further ocean literacy, promote environmental stewardship and embrace general wellbeing: $10,000
- Bruun Studios, general support, to help individuals share their stories and connect with each other through art workshops and events: $2,490
- Central Lincoln County YMCA, project support, to reach new, rural school communities through its food education program that teaches the value and joy of growing, preparing and eating nutritious, local foods: $10,000
- Community Housing Improvement Project (CHiP), general support, to engage community volunteers in making neighbors' homes safe, warm and dry by providing repairs for those who cannot otherwise afford them: $10,000
- Hearty Roots, general support, to help kids get outside all year to become good stewards of the land and their physical and mental health: $10,000
- Lincoln Academy, project support, to repurpose learning spaces and establish the Midcoast Workshop at Lincoln Academy as a center for multi-generational learning with emphasis on marine resources: $10,000
- LincolnHealth, project support, for a new school health center at Wiscasset Middle High School: $10,000
- Twin Villages Foodbank Farm, general support, to provide 80,000 pounds of fresh food for neighbors who need it most: $10,000
- Wiscasset Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum, general support, to reconstruct an accessible station platform to provide access for visitors of all ages and abilities: $10,000
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds to Lincoln County organizations (as of April 2024):
- Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, general support, to use technology to help older people remain in their homes: $3,000
- Bruun Studios, general support, to help individuals share their stories and connect with each other through art workshops and events: $2,500
2024 Grants from the Southern Midcoast Committee to Sagadahoc County organizations:
- Housing Resources for Youth, general support, to find homes for unsheltered teens and encourage high school completion: $10,000
- Maine Maritime Museum, project support, to provide a vibrant, intergenerational learning space: $10,000
- Midcoast Literacy, general support, to provide free literacy services to adults, children and families through one-on-one tutoring, English classes, early childhood literacy lessons and free books: $1,570
- Restorative Justice Project Maine, project support, to build understanding of restorative practices within Mt. Ararat High School and increase referrals to its juvenile harm-repair program: $9,060
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds to Sagadahoc County organizations (as of April 2024):
- Bath Area Family YMCA, project support, to create accessible programming focused on social connection: $2,000
2023 Grants from the Southern Midcoast Committee:
- Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, to increase access to food and reduce stigma of food insecurity: $10,000
- Boothbay Sea and Science Center, for hands-on programs for youth ages 5-17: $5,260
- Bowdoinham Public Library, for a tablet-lending program and user training for older patrons: $1,674
- CHIP, to provide affordable home repairs: $10,000
- Frances Perkins Center, to open the Frances Perkins homestead and trails”: $5,000
- Healthy Lincoln County, to provide outreach and supplies to people experiencing homelessness: $10,000
- Hearty Roots, to provide youth mental-health training and certifications: $10,000
- Lincoln County Television, to broadcast government meetings, educational programming, sports, children’s shows, emergency updates and major events: $10,000
- Midcoast Community Alliance, to expand programming that fosters connection and sense of belonging for marginalized youth: $10,000
- Midcoast Conservancy, to hire a Nature-Based Program Manager for coordination and instruction of outdoor education programs at Hidden Valley Nature Center: $10,000
- Midcoast Literacy, for free tutoring, English classes, early-childhood literacy sessions and books to children, adults and families: $7,000
- Midcoast Maine Community Action, for the Support to Thrive Fund to support immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers: $7,000
- Veggies to Table, to grow produce, build its community education program and invest in additional crew, volunteers and partners: $10,000
- Waldoboro Public Library, for engagement, education, enrichment and to enhance the library’s long-term viability: $5,000
- Whitefield Library, to preserve integrity of the two-story building: $10,000
2022 Grants from the Southern Midcoast Committee:
- Community Housing Improvement Project, to provide home repair services for those who cannot afford them: $10,000
- Coastal Kids Preschool, for its staff professional development program to maximize teachers’ skills and credentials: $10,000
- Healthy Lincoln County, to broaden the reach of food-security programs through media: $10,000
- Hearty Roots, to connect children with nature through outdoor adventure programming: $10,000
- Housing Resources for Youth, to connect homeless youth with case management, supplies, resources, and safe housing in their community: $3,000
- Inn Along the Way, to engage older residents in socially, mentally, and physically enriching activities: $3,982
- Lincoln County Historical Association, for programs and exhibitions about the history of women writers of Lincoln County: $3,700
- Midcoast Youth Center, to meet the social-emotional, academic, health, and basic needs of youth in Sagadahoc County, Brunswick, and Harpswell: $10,000
- Midcoast Literacy, to provide free tutoring, English classes, early childhood literacy programs, and free books to adults, children, and families: $3,390
- Restorative Justice Project of the MidCoast, to make restorative justice processes available to adults and those they have impacted through law enforcement and court referrals to the Community Harm Repair Program: $9,400
- The Carpenters Boatshop, for wooden boatbuilding programs: $7,058
- Maine’s First Ship, to collect and publish oral histories from community members who helped reconstruct the sailing vessel Virginia: $4,000
- Waldo Theatre, to serve as a cultural hub for Waldoboro and midcoast region: $10,000
- Whitefield Library, for the installation of a dual heat-pump system to allow it to remain open in the winter: $10,000
- Central Lincoln County YMCA, for a third-grade food education program that teaches the joy of growing, preparing, and eating nutritious, local foods: $5,000
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds:
- Central Lincoln County YMCA, for a third-grade food education program that teaches the joy of growing, preparing, and eating nutritious, local foods: $5,000
- Veggies to Table, to feed and educate community members experiencing hunger: $5,000
Waldo County
Waldo County
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 26
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $70,000
Average award: $8,750
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 31%
Number of grants awarded: 8
Additional grants by donors: 3 totaling $6,738 (as of April 2024)
2024 Grants from the Waldo County Committee:
- Belfast Theatre Arts Company, general support, to provide sustainable, community-based entertainment and learning for Waldo County through films, music, performance and civic activities: $10,000
- Ecology Learning Center, project support, to hire a community engagement manager for its newly acquired Arts and Educational Center: $10,000
- Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County, general support, to provide free services such as grief support to patients and families affected by life-limiting illness: $2,000
- Knox Booster Club, general support, to support Waldo County youth sports by maintaining infrastructure and making improvements: $10,000
- Timelines Community, general support, to create a three-day festival on the importance of open space for planetary health: $10,000
- Waldo County Bounty, general support, to improve operations, expand community programming and advance mission to ensure residents have access to fresh, nutritious food: $10,000
- Waldo County Community Action Partners, project support, to provide residents with financial education and counseling to afford long-term home ownership and to maintain housing stability: $10,000
- Waldo County Woodshed, general support, to provide free firewood to those in need: $8,000
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2024):
- Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County, general support, to provide free services such as grief support to patients and families affected by life-limiting illness: $3,000
- Northeast Historic Film, project support, to digitize, catalog and make publicly accessible a collection of film and video featuring life in Waldo County: $1,748
- RSU 71, project support, for a field trip to the Bangor Symphony Orchestra: $1,990
2023 Grants from the Waldo County Committee:
- Belfast Farmers Market, to increase access to the purchase and sale of local produce for SNAP recipients: $7,500
- Constellation Workshops for All, for accessible relationship and intimacy education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: $5,615
- Habitat for Humanity Waldo County, to construct and furnish its ReStore: $7,500
- Islesboro Community Center, for after-school childcare: $9,800
- Leroy H. Smith School, to increase the number of volunteers to mentor vulnerable students: $800
- Penobscot Marine Museum, to develop and implement curriculum-driven and community-based learning projects: $8,220
- Town of Monroe, to restore basketball courts, add new playground equipment and other minor upgrades to Gesner Park: $10,000
- Waldo County Bounty, to improve organizational operations and community impact to ensure everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food: $10,000
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023):
- Belfast Area Child Care Services, to improve health, wellness and education for young children with healthy food, community garden and outdoor learning: $10,000
- But Still I Am One, for prepaid VISA cards for the needs of housing insecure students: $10,000
- Cornerspring Montessori School, to build a hoop house for year-round vegetable production: $10,000
2022 Grants from the Waldo County Committee:
- Belfast Curling Club, to support socialization, physical, and mental fitness during the winter: $10,000
- Belfast Flying Shoes, for music and dance performances for students, incarcerated men, older adults in congregate care, and the public: $7,500
- Coastal Mountains Land Trust, to supply teachers with outdoor educational backpacks to facilitate outdoor learning: $7,400
- Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County, to upgrade its website to provide content on caregiving, end-of-life care, and bereavement support: $10,000
- Winterport Free Library Association, to provide safe and equitable access to its library building for all members of the community: $10,000
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds:
- Coastal Mountains Land Trust, to supply teachers with outdoor educational backpacks to facilitate outdoor learning: $1,600
- Waldo Community Action Partners, for Heroes 4 Hunger, to deliver more than 1,500 free food baskets to families during the holidays: $10,000
- Waldo County Bounty, to hire a part-time employee to build management, networking, organizational development, and fundraising capacity: $7,500
Washington County
Washington County
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 38
Grant dollars awarded: $238,507
Average award: $8,834
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 71%
Number of grants awarded by committee: 27
Additional grants by donors: 7 totaling $44,490
2024 Grants from the Washington County Committee:
- Agricultural Wild Blueberry Heritage Center & Virtual Museum, general support, to engage the community in public education about Maine’s wild blueberry ecosystem and heritage: $10,000
- Beals Historical Society, general support, to display artifacts and documents of historical value, providing a place for those desiring to explore the past: $9,000
- Cobscook Institute, general support, to build capacity to partner with local schools to address gaps and critical needs in arts education: $8,010
- Dennys River Historical Society, general support, to create a historical coloring book and web pages to encourage children to discover the history of the Dennys River area: $8,507
- Down East Hospice Volunteers, general support, to support the delivery of exceptional end-of-life comfort care and companionship of the terminally ill of Washington County: $10,000
- Eastern Area Agency on Aging, general support, to open an access point to serve older adults in the greater Calais area by collaborating with other agencies: $10,000
- Eastport ArtWalk, general support, to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage through a series of inclusive interactive art activities, musical performances and dances: $5,000
- Fluent Comprehender Project, general support, to contribute to Passamaquoddy language revival by helping comprehenders who cannot speak due to trauma to become fluent speakers: $10,000
- Gateway Milbridge, general support, to provide year-round entertainment and educational programming in the new Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center: $10,000
- Harrington Library Association, general support, to improve organizational operations and grow the library’s collection and programming for our patrons: $10,000
- Healthy Acadia, project support, to transition Folklore Farm to a food bank farm to address food insecurity, ensure longevity of the farm and increase food production: $10,000
- Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry, general support, to purchase a used box truck to help deliver food to the pantry: $10,000
- Island Readers & Writers, project support, to support programming in three Washington County schools, including book giveaways, a literacy night for families and a library program for the broader community: $10,000
- Lubec Community Outreach Center, general support, to increase access to resources, learning and community programs that foster stronger connections and emotional wellbeing: $10,000
- Machias Area Food Pantry, general support, to help provide free food to an increasing number of people who are experiencing food insecurity in the greater Machias area: $10,000
- Maine Academy of Modern Music, project support, to expand music programming for Washington County youth through an Island Institute Fellow and AmeriCorps VISTA: $10,000
- Mano en Mano, project support, to nourish the community using their culturally relevant food pantry while celebrating culture and identity: $5,000
- Neighbors Helping Neighbors Downeast, general support, to fund essential home repairs made by volunteers at no cost to the low-income homeowner: $5,000
- Pleasant Point Health Center, project support, to build an ash tree nursery for the preservation of this threatened species at the core of Passamaquoddy culture: $10,000
- Porter Memorial Library, general support, to bolster annual budget and expand youth programming: $10,000
- Quoddy Tides Foundation, general support, to support operations during a crucial transformational period: $10,000
- Robbinston Historical Society, general support, to expand access to Robbinston's shared history and preserve Grace Chapel: $3,000
- Sunrise Trail Coalition, general support, to expand capacity to develop projects with community partners that focus on health and wellness, transportation, social gatherings and economic benefits: $10,000
- Town of Danforth, project support, to assess owner-owned homes occupied by residents age 62 or older to identify housing deficiencies and assist them in obtaining funding to maintain safe living conditions: $4,990
- Town of Princeton, project support, to create a more vibrant and livable community: $10,000
- Town of Whiting, project support, to eliminate moisture at the Union Meeting House and restore roofs and ceilings: $10,000
- Vanceboro Historical Society, general support, to collect, curate and display historical artifacts, research stories and develop educational programs: $10,000
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2024):
- Brendan Leddy Memorial Fund, general support, to continue their free youth skateboarding program, strengthen pro social activities and secure storage for equipment and materials for construction and maintenance: $9,500
- Cobscook Institute, project support, to build capacity to partner with local schools to address gaps and critical needs in arts education: $1,990
- Eastern Area Agency on Aging, project support, to open an access point to serve older adults in the greater Calais area by collaborating with other agencies: $3,000
- Mano en Mano, project support, to nourish the community using their culturally relevant food pantry while celebrating culture and identity: $5,000
- Town of Danforth, project support, to identify housing deficiencies and assist older homeowners in obtaining funding to maintain safe living conditions: $5,000
- Washington Academy, project support, to engage high school students in a sustainable gardening project that donates produce to local food pantries: $10,000
- Whispering Pine Equine Alliance, general support, to host three therapeutic workshops and increase the number of trained equine therapy professionals: $10,000
2023 Grants from the Washington County Committee:
- Brendan Leddy Memorial Fund, to expand its free youth skateboarding program, add a pump track and provide mental health outreach: $9,994
- Downeast Coastal Conservancy, to promote access to conserved land, engage community in environmental stewardship and offer free education programs: $3,500
- Down East Hospice Volunteers, to provide end-of-life care and companionship to terminally ill people and their families: $9,000
- Eastport Arts Center, for cultural programming that builds community and encourages wellbeing: $10,000
- Island Readers & Writers, to provide book-based educational programs to children and support educators: $10,000
- Lubec Community Outreach Center, to provide programs, resources and education that improve quality of life for all: $5,000
- Maine Seacoast Mission, to improve outdoor recreation and nature access for Downeast youth and families of all incomes: $10,000
- Mano en Mano, to provide bilingual childcare that celebrates, culture, identity and community: $5,000
- Neighbors Helping Neighbors Downeast, to provide essential home repairs for low-income homeowners: $5,000
- Passamaquoddy Indian Township Tribal Government, to develop an eel aquaculture facility to create jobs and income for the tribe: $10,000
- Pembroke Elementary School, to create a safe and updated play space: $10,000
- Porter Memorial Library, to provide a community space and offer free cultural and educational programs: $10,000
- Quoddy Tides Foundation, to support operations: $10,000
- Sunrise County Economic Council, to build a network that connects business programs, entrepreneurs and technical-assistance providers: $10,000
- Town of Danforth, to install a roof over the paved wheelchair walkway at the Danforth Livable Community Center: $8,500
- Whispering Pine Equine Alliance, to improve physical and mental health of low-income and residents with disabilities through equine therapy: $7,000
- Women for Healthy Rural Living, to create an inclusive, wellness-oriented community: $5,000
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023):
- Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, to open a Washington County annex that serves people with cancer: $10,000
- Down East Hospice Volunteers, to provide end-of-life care and companionship to terminally ill people and their families: $1,000
- Lubec Area Musicians Philanthropic Society, for free performances, advance local music and grow its music education capacity: $1,000
- Lubec Community Outreach Center, to provide programs, resources and education that improve quality of life for all: $5,000
- Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, to expand reporting on important issues in Washington County: $10,000
- Mano en Mano, to provide bilingual childcare that celebrates, culture, identity and community: $5,000
- Neighbors Helping Neighbors Downeast, to provide essential home repairs for low-income homeowners: $5,000
- Whispering Pine Equine Alliance, to improve physical and mental health of low-income and residents with disabilities through equine therapy: $2,500
- Women for Healthy Rural Living, to create an inclusive, wellness-oriented community: $5,000
2022 Grants from the Washington County Committee:
- Centre Street Congregational Church, to move its food pantry from the church to another location in the Machias area: $10,000
- Defend Our Health, to increase well-water testing and treat contaminated well water in Washington County: $10,000
- Down East Hospice Volunteers, to provide compassionate respite care and companionship to the terminally ill individuals: $10,000
- Downeast Lakes Trust, to develop a community volunteer program: $9,600
- Eastport Arts Center, to foster creative thinking and serve as a community hub: $10,000
- Friends of The Boat School, to redevelop the The Boat School campus: $10,000
- Healthy Acadia, to advance racial and health equity through a needs assessment and pilot of health offerings in non-English languages: $10,000
- Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry, to purchase a walk-in freezer and renovate a new room for freezers: $9,000
- Lubec Area Musicians’ Philanthropic Society, to provide a free concert series in Lubec: $6,000
- Lubec Community Outreach Center, for programming that meets community needs and its growing volunteer base: $10,000
- Lubec Memorial Library, to increase space and technology capacity in its community room, and improve building accessibility: $10,000
- Maine Alliance for Arts Education, to expand its Washington County theater integration teacher training program to include secondary-level educators: $9,000
- Maine Seacoast Mission, to purchase mobile food carts and expand educational programs: $9,075
- Passamaquoddy Indian Township Tribal Government, to develop an eel aquaculture facility to increase jobs for tribal eel harvesters and increase revenue for tribal programs: $10,000
- Pembroke Trotting Association, to build updated livestock facilities and expand livestock exhibits at the annual county fair: $9,622
- Quoddy Tides Foundation, to reintroduce a printed cultural guide with an English/Passamaquoddy regional map: $10,000
- Shead High School, for a collaborative media center for students and the community to explore technology fields: $9,000
- Women for Healthy Rural Living, to support programming designed to improve health, wellness, and community vitality: $10,000
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds:
- Downeast Community Partners, to provide rides to medical appointments for low-income older residents of Washington and Hancock counties: $10,000
- Hand in Hand/Mano en Mano, to expand its bilingual childcare facility: $10,000
- Island Readers & Writers, for programming that connects students with authors and illustrators with a focus on writing skills: $10,000
- Maine Alliance for Arts Education, to expand its Washington County theater integration teacher training program to include secondary-level educators: $1,000
- Shead High School, for a collaborative media center for students and the community to explore technology fields: $1,000
- Town of Danforth, to complete ADA-accessibility improvements at the Danforth Livable Community Senior Center: $10,000
Western Mountains
Western Mountains
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 20
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $94,450
Average award: $6,746
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 70%
Number of grants awarded: 14
Additional grants by donors: 3 totaling $11,477 (as of April 2024)
2024 Grants from the Western Mountains Committee:
- Bomazeen Land Trust, general support, to enable Wabanaki people to resume land stewardship: $10,000
- Farmington Historical Society, project support, to discover, procure and preserve the history of Farmington: $3,000
- Friends of L.C. Bates Museum, general support, to support educational partnerships and experiences for under-resourced rural classrooms and families: $2,000
- Greater Franklin Food Council, general support, for hands-on gardening and nutrition lessons: $10,000
- High Peaks Creative Council, general support, to connect regional cultural organizations around creative placemaking projects that increase the quality of life and support a resilient, creative economy: $10,000
- Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County, general support, to support those with life-limiting illness and their families: $3,000
- Main Street Skowhegan, project support, to provide free gear and outdoor education opportunities to low-income, at-risk youth: $2,000
- Maine Forestry Museum, general support, for program and operational support: $4,700
- Phillips Historical Society, general support, to collaborate with the Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum to preserve, display and communicate the 200-year history of the upper Sandy River valley region: $7,500
- Rangeley Region Health and Wellness Partnership, project support, to collaborate with neighboring towns to provide physical therapy and wellness services in satellite locations for rural, underserved communities: $10,000
- Skills, project support, to increase driving readiness skills for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism: $10,000
- Skowhegan Farmers Market, project support, to expand Maine Harvest Bucks and for new partnerships and outreach activities with food security organizations: $8,850
- United Way of the Tri Valley Area, general support, to create a community space in Livermore Falls: $5,000
- Western Maine Paper & Heritage Museum, general support, to restore its historic building and expand exhibit offerings: $7,500
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2024):
- Farmington Historical Society, general support, to discover, procure and preserve the history of Farmington: $5,000
- Franklin County Children's Task Force, project support, for a community chest freezer, washer and dryer to assist families with frozen food storage and clean clothing: $3,477
- Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County, general support, to support those with life-limiting illness and their families: $3,000
2023 Grants from the Western Mountains Committee:
- Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, to support vulnerable youth through employment, mentoring opportunities and internships to develop business and entrepreneurial skills: $10,000
- Common Unity Place, to provide a community meeting place that supplies free clothes, meals, personal-care items, access to social services and other support: $5,000
- Friends of L.C. Bates Museum, for the Young Observers Project, activities that develop skills needed to study, understand and support children’s natural environment: $1,800
- High Peaks Creative Council, to bring craftsmen into schools to build steam-bent toboggans with students: $10,000
- Literacy Volunteers, to educate, empower and connect adults in rural Maine, for whom literacy skills are a barrier to access: $5,000
- Main Street Skowhegan, to foster connections among youth, mentors and community members through outdoor activities at Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp: $9,960
- Mission at the Eastward, to provide home repairs to low-income people and complete a tiny home to provide housing for people experiencing homelessness: $10,000
- Rangeley Region Health and Wellness Partnership, to provide access to healthy food for rural and low-income older people: $10,000
- Western Maine Community Action, to increase household safety, well-being and employability for community members: $10,000
- Western Maine Play Museum, to develop infant and toddler playgroups for early-childhood development that provides a community for their caregivers: $10,000
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023):
- Greater Franklin Food Council, for its school garden coach to support garden and nutrition programming and hands-on instruction: $10,000
- United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, to remove financial barriers in low-income families so children can participate in extracurricular enrichment opportunities: $5,000
2022 Grants from the Western Mountains Committee:
- Baker Mountain Ski Tow Club, for a giant slalom competition: $3,275
- Farmington Grange #12, to update its facility for community activities: $10,000
- Friends of L.C. Bates Museum, to create a lending library of educational resources for elementary-school teachers for natural-science learning: $1,640
- Greater Franklin Food Council, to hire a school garden coach to work with schools as they establish thriving school gardens: $6,215
- High Peaks Creative Council, for a teaching craftsman to build a wooden climbing structure at Phillips Elementary School students in pre-K to fourth grade. $10,000
- Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, to financially assist people with basic needs: $6,000
- Kingfield POPS, to provide cultural enrichment for families and music education opportunities for area youth: $10,000
- Lake Wesserunsett Association, to expand its boat inspection program to protect the lake against invasive species, and to construct educational kiosks at two campgrounds: $500
- Main Street Skowhegan, to develop a master trail plan in Skowhegan to enhance access to the outdoors: $10,000
- Rangeley Friends of the Performing Arts, to engage and build community through art conversations and production: $10,000
- United Way of the Tri Valley Area, to assist rural and economically disadvantaged residents with vehicle repair costs: $10,000
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds:
- Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, to assemble a team to design a larger community site for those with unmet needs: $10,000
- Western Maine Community Action, to reduce financial barriers to improve safety and well-being for individuals and families: $10,000
York County
York County
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 31
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $87,180
Average award: $7,265
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 39%
Number of grants awarded: 12
Additional grants by donors: None
2024 Grants from the York County Committee:
- Avesta Housing Development Corporation, project support, to help residents at affordable housing properties in York County establish and cultivate gardens so they can grow their own healthy food: $5,000
- Brick Store Museum, general support, to engage all generations in the exploration of shared history and cultures to fuel lifelong learning and inspire empathetic citizenship: $9,000
- Caring Unlimited Corporation, project support, to implement strategies to expand and improve services for diverse and traditionally underserved populations: $6,500
- Esther Residence, general support, to assist formerly incarcerated women who are re-entering society address family needs, support themselves and engage in society: $7,073
- Fair Tide, general support, to provide permanent, affordable housing and supportive services for long-term stability and success: $7,074
- McArthur Library Association, project support, to purchase an electric bicycle equipped with book storage to meet community members where they work, live and play : $9,500
- Old Berwick Historical Society, general support, to catalogue archives and objects in a searchable database accessible by the public, students, teachers and researchers: $1,000
- Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, general support, to provide personal growth services to community members experiencing poverty: $7,073
- Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, project support, to present an exhibition at Sarah Orne Jewett House featuring artist Lokotah Sanborn exploring Indigenous perspectives of colonial history and present-day injustices: $6,000
- YMCA Sanford-Springvale, project support, to build an inclusive sensory playground at their newly expanded Early Learning Center to promote learning and creativity: $10,000
- York Ready for Climate Action, general support, to meet urgent climate goals by increasing the number of residents who reduce energy use at home: $8,960
- Youth Full Maine, general support, to address food insecurity in York County, with a specific focus on students, families and rural populations: $10,000
2023 Grants from the York County Committee:
- Engine, to engage artists, makers, youth and community members in diverse creative expression: $10,000
- Esther Residence, to assist formerly incarcerated women reenter their communities, connect with their families and children and support themselves: $7,500
- Footprints, to teach volunteers nutrition and cooking skills while preparing meals for older people: $10,000
- Kennebunkport Heritage Housing Trust, to secure land and begin development of its next affordable housing neighborhood: $5,000
- Saco Meals Program, to strengthen and grow its community meals program that addresses food insecurity and isolation: $10,000
- Save Kittery Waters, to launch the Creek Smart Campaign to adopt environmental best practices for a healthy Spruce Creek Watershed: $6,000
- Springvale Public Library Association, to install an automatic door for older people, people with disabilities and caregivers with strollers: $7,000
- York County Community Action Corp., to provide short-term financial assistance to households facing economic hardship: $10,000
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023):
- Museum of Art of Ogunquit, to provide free admission on the first Friday of each month: $5,000
- United Way of Southern Maine, to close learning disparities through literacy: $6,000
- Youth Full Maine, to address food insecurity for students, their families and other community members in need: $10,000
2022 Grants from the York County Committee:
- Caring Unlimited, to improve accessibility and cultural responsiveness through staff training and equity plan development: $4,000
- Continuum Arts Collective, to provide K-12 students with musical instruments, art supplies, and art and music lessons: $10,000
- Engine, to provide access to cultural entrepreneurship for people of all means and backgrounds: $10,000
- Fair Tide, to secure permanent housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and ongoing support to ensure long-term stability: $10,000
- Heart of Biddeford, to collaborate with New American food entrepreneurs and improve inclusiveness in community events: $9,600
- Three Rivers Land Trust, for land protection, community trail building, and educational outreach: $2,714
- Town of Old Orchard Beach, to expand the Old Orchard Beach Skatepark to create a safer and more accessible site: $6,466
- White Pine Programs, to lend teachers environmental education materials and curricula that improve emotional, mental, and physical health for students and teachers: $4,320
- Youth Full Maine, to address food insecurity in the community, especially in rural areas of York County: $10,000
Statewide
Statewide
2024 GRANTS
Total applications received: 91
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $199,160
Average award: $9,484
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 23%
Number of grants awarded: 21
Additional grants by donors: 11 totaling $90,000 (as of April 2024)
2024 Grants from the Statewide Committee:
- 30 Mile River Watershed Association, general support, to protect the health of the watershed and address threats from invasive species, development and climate change through community engagement and capacity building: $10,000
- Androscoggin Home Health Services, project support, to engage parents of children with disabilities in accessible, social and educational activities while creating a peer support network among participating parents: $7,775
- Black Owned Maine, general support, to support a holistic youth entrepreneurship pilot project that sustains and innovates an ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs in Maine: $10,000
- Cody’s Closet, general support, to respond to the needs of adolescents impacted by the child welfare system in Maine: $10,000
- Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, project support, to enhance outreach through the Immigrant Children’s Project to bring legal services to children, teens and young people: $10,000
- Kids First Center, general support, to support families in conflict by providing stability and resiliency to their family units : $10,000
- Maine Center for Economic Policy, project support, to strengthen Wabanaki Nations leaders' and community members' abilities to make an economic case for restoring tribal sovereignty: $10,000
- Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, project support, to expand investigative and explanatory journalism, bringing informative reporting to residents of Somerset, Franklin and Oxford counties: $10,000
- Maine Hands & Voices, general support, to support families with deaf or hard-of-hearing children by providing resources, education and advocacy for communication access and equity: $10,000
- Maine Preservation, general support, to promote the economic and cultural value of historic preservation in Maine through educational programming, direct consultation and resource development: $10,000
- Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition, general support, to support and advocate for Maine’s incarcerated citizens, their families and friends: $10,000
- Maine Public Health Association, general support, to optimize the health of all people and places in Maine through advocacy, education, partnerships and public health workforce development: $10,000
- Maine School Garden Network, general support, to provide resources plus in-person events and programs that benefit Maine School Garden’s growth and stability: $10,000
- Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, general support, to increase opportunities for aspiring and established Maine writers and strengthen community connections through free and public literary events: $10,000
- Maine Youth for Climate Justice, general support, to increase capacity and hire new staff, provide stipends to youth leaders and continue existing climate justice programming: $10,000
- New Beginnings, project support, to improve safety, wellbeing and stability for homeless minors in Maine through a cell phone access pilot project: $10,000
- OUT Maine, project support, to support LGBTQIA+ youth and foster community through regional meetups and support initiatives, technical assistance, directories and recognition: $10,000
- Queerly ME, general support, to strengthen and support the LGBTQIA+ community across Maine by crafting community-centered events, increasing LGBTQIA+ visibility and bolstering access to resources: $7,500
- Reentry Sisters, general support, to assist female citizens transitioning from prison to society by re-establishing connections to community and family through systems of support with a gender-responsive approach: $9,000
- Tear Cap Workshops, general support, to implement hands-on craft and education programs that bring knowledge, empowerment and enjoyment to members of the community: $4,885
- Volunteers of America Northern New England, project support, to provide housing options and support services to Maine youth experiencing homelessness and unsafe circumstances: $10,000
2024 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2024):
- Art Van, general support, to help address traumatic experiences through increased resilience, social skills, self-expression and healthy choices in youth with financial and transportation constraints: $10,000
- Central Maine Area Agency on Aging, project support, to build a designated Meals on Wheels packing room to optimize efficiency in volunteer-based, nutritionally balanced meal delivery services for older and disabled adults: $3,000
- Elder Abuse Institute of Maine, project support, to build capacity for a volunteer program focused on combating social isolation for 60+ year old clients: $2,000
- Family Planning Association of Maine, project support, to decrease abortion stigma and strengthen support for reproductive justice via the Abortion Storytelling Art Project: $5,000
- JustME for JustUS, general support, to provide programming and resources to rural Maine youth that amplify young voices in the decisions in climate, economy and environment that impact their futures: $10,000
- Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, project support, to build capacity to anchor fishing permits and quota in Maine communities, giving fishermen stable access and helping to diversify local fishing businesses: $10,000
- Maine Paws for Veterans, general support, to mitigate veterans’ post-traumatic stress symptoms and reduce the incidence of veteran suicide by utilizing canine-assisted therapeutic interventions: $10,000
- Marine Mammals of Maine, project support, to support and empower coastal communities to safely and responsibly share Maine's shore and waters with marine mammals: $10,000
- Nature Based Education Consortium, general support, to ensure that Maine youth have access to powerful outdoor learning experiences through collaborative, stakeholder-led systems-level efforts: $10,000
- PassivhausMAINE, general support, to decrease Maine's carbon footprint through workforce development, coalition building and high-performance retrofits for low-income residents: $10,000
- Spurwink Services, project support, to provide specialized, acute emergency mental health intervention during crisis through a Critical Incident Stress Management team, in partnership with schools and communities: $10,000
2023 Grants from the Statewide Committee:
- Challenger Learning Center of Maine, for a new moon mission simulation for Maine students: $5,935
- Elder Abuse Institute of Maine, to establish an internship program with students from Maine colleges and universities: $10,000
- Finding Our Voices, to support female domestic violence victims and their children: $10,000
- Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights Education Funds, for programming that keeps older people current on reproductive rights issues and builds intergenerational ties: $10,000
- Hardy Girls Healthy Women, to expand the Feminist Action Board, a free program for high schoolers: $10,000
- Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, to expand legal immigrant services asylum seekers: $10,000
- JustME for JustUS, to pay rural youth to lead climate organizing and civic engagement work: $10,000
- Ladder to the Moon Network, to expand Amjambo Africa’s reach to help new Mainers thrive through radio, video and audio programming: $10,000
- Maine Association for the Education of Young Children, to build a strong and stable child care system for young children and families: $10,000
- Maine Association of Nonprofits, to fund the Cultural Alliance of Maine as it expands and deepens statewide programs and services: $10,000
- Maine Environmental Education Association, to share new data and education goals on outdoor and environmental education and provide educator training at community listening sessions: $10,000
- Maine Equal Justice, to improve access to legal services for immigrants: $10,000
- Maine School Garden Network, to provide resources and organize events and programs that benefit school gardens: $10,000
- Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, to increase financial and educational opportunities for aspiring and established Maine writers and strengthen community connections through free, public literary events: $10,000
- Maine Youth for Climate Justice, to stipend youth leaders, increase staff capacity and expand programming: $10,000
- New Beginnings, for a statewide Youth Action Board to provide trainings and improve engagement for underserved youth: $10,000
- Preble Street, to empower people who have experienced homelessness to advocate for solutions to food insecurity: $5,936
- Rural Aspirations Project, for the Maine Forest Collaborative program to empower rural youth to contribute to the vitality of forested communities: $10,000
- Speaking Up for Us, to bring an equity lens to programs that advocate for the rights of people with developmental disabilities: $10,000
- Team Hailey Hugs, to support families of children with cancer through emergency funds to travel for treatment and maintain stability at home: $2,500
- Volunteers of America Northern New England, to ensure older Mainers living at its affordable housing properties have access to in-house food pantries: $9,000
From donor-advised funds (as of April 2023)
- Camp Kita, to provide support for children who have been affected by suicide through mental health resources, community and nature: $10,000
- Christine B. Foundation, to expand nutrition, cancer prevention and treatment services for rural children and adults: $10,000
- Forest Society of Maine, to make its website accessible to those with disabilities and for whom English not their first language: $3,000
- Generational Noor, to improve culturally competent access to treatment and recovery services for people in the BIPOC community: $10,000
- Maine Access Points, to support access to overdose and harm reduction education and supplies, and peer support in rural and underserved regions: $10,000
- Maine Paws for Veterans, to provide canine-assisted therapy for veterans with post-traumatic stress symptoms: $10,000
- Maine Recovery Fund, to provide transportation to work for people reentering the workforce following substance use disorder treatment and incarceration: $10,000
- Marine Mammals of Maine, to respond to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles though rehabilitation, research and education: $10,000
- Our Climate Common, to provide a path to power for young people by seating them on boards of nonprofits, businesses and government bodies: $10,000
- Restorative Justice Institute of Maine, to engage young people in restorative practices that build belonging, connection, and confidence in one's ability to address conflict: $2,000
- Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, for Art Unites, a cross-cultural community-building project that seeks to create unity through art: $10,000
2022 Grants from the Statewide Committee:
- Androscoggin Home Health Services, for an educational series for health care professionals on the impact of religion, mental health, and LBGTQ+ issues on health: $5,060
- Boots to Roots, to support its program to assist active duty servicemembers, veterans, and spouses transition to work in Maine: $10,000
- Christine B. Foundation, to expand cancer nutrition services to provide support to patients and families in Eastern Maine: $10,000
- Coastal Enterprises, to facilitate the Self-Worth Club for Maine female entrepreneurs to boost confidence and business decision making: $10,000
- Cultural Alliance of Maine, to expand its programs and services to unify, support, and strengthen the capacity, impact, and awareness of Maine’s cultural sector: $10,000
- Girls on the Run, to make its life -skills accessible to Maine girls in need: $10,000
- Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, for its three-day workshop for LGBTQ+ high-school students from throughout the state: $10,000
- Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, to expand immigration legal services for people seeking asylum, including newly arrived families staying in emergency shelters and hotels in southern Maine: $10,000
- Ladder to the Moon Network, to extend “Amjambo Time,” its radio/podcast pilot show : $10,000
- Education Fund, to create, print, and distribute a non-partisan voter guide in advance of the November 2022 election, and to cover local elections in depth at vote411.org: $10,000
- Maine Association for the Education of Young Children, to strengthen early care and education in Maine: $10,000
- Maine Association of Nonprofits, to develop a learning community for nonprofits that fosters relationship building, shared learning, and racial equity: $10,000
- Maine Boys to Men, to support and expand access to its Reducing Sexism & Violence Program.
- Maine Immigrant Housing Coalition, to provide public education on the general assistance rental voucher program: $10,000
- Maine Transgender Network, to provide peer-based support and suicide-prevention services for transgender people: $10,000
- Maine Womens Policy Center, to build skills and confidence of women and girls to be policy change makers: $2,000
- Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance, to increase financial and educational opportunities for aspiring and established Maine writers and strengthen community connections through free, public literary events: $10,000
- New England Arab American Organization, to motivate New Mainers toward self-sufficiency and greater well-being through services that build skills and resiliency: $10,000
- New Ventures Maine, to help women access high-wage, in-demand jobs following the pandemic: $10,000
- Rural Community Action Ministry, to help prevent homelessness and hunger through financial support and counseling: $10,000
2022 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds
- Androscoggin Home Health Services, for an educational series for health care professionals on the impact of religion, mental health, and LBGTQ+ issues on health: $4,060
- Finding Our Voices, for public awareness and direct service programs to support women and their families as they to find the hope, courage, and resources to leave abusive relationships: $10,000
- Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, to expand its spay/neuter outreach program statewide: $5,000
- Independence Association, to employ New Mainers as direct support professionals serving vulnerable, low-income adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: $10,000
- Maine Paws for Veterans, to support veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and reduce suicide through canine-assisted therapy: $5,000
- Maine Resilience Building Network, to build resilience and social connectedness through education, advocacy, and networking: $10,000
- Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, for Wabanaki Rising, a program to support individuals experiencing an unanticipated need: $10,000
- Wabanaki Youth in Science, for its student internship program: $10,000
- Wayfinder Schools, to increase high school graduation rates and post-secondary success for at-risk youth and teen parents through outdoor, arts, and life-skills education: $2,500
- Youth Led Justice, to divert youth from the juvenile justice system, train youth leaders in restorative justice, and connect at-risk youth with mental health support: $10,000
