MaineCF Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Three "Hometown Grants"
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Maine Community Foundation has made three grants of $25,000 each to organizations in its "home towns," Ellsworth, Augusta, and Portland.
The Ellsworth grant was given to The Grand Theater. The grant will support strategic planning and board development activities to position The Grand for future prosperity as a cultural hub for Downeast Maine.
"Since the Maine Community Foundation opened its doors in Ellsworth a quarter century ago, we have seen the city undergo many changes," said MaineCF President Henry Schmelzer, "but The Grand has always been there, offering a wide range of arts events for the city and the region."
Charles Alexander, chair of The Grand's board, thanked the foundation for the gift, which comes at a crucial time in the organization's history. "With a vision to offer ambitious and exciting events to many different audiences, The Grand is poised to build on its role as a leading community arts organization in the region," Alexander said.
MaineCF President Hank Schmelzer (right) presents a check for $25,000 to Charles Alexander, board president of The Grand, a theater in Ellsworth that serves as a cultural hub for downeast Maine. Also pictured are Grand Theater board members Denise Hue (left) and Mary Kellett. In conjunction with its 25th anniversary, the foundation is making special grants to organizations located in its three "hometowns," Ellsworth, Portland and Augusta, which are working to revitalize, preserve and create "quality of place." The other two grants are being awarded to the Historic Arts Commission of the City of Augusta and Greater Portland Landmarks. Photo: Carl Little
The Grand recently acquired a digital film projector, and this fall they will be launching a new program to simulcast The Metropolitan Opera live from Lincoln Center.
The Grand was founded in 1938. Its first public event was a screening of Holiday starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Today, the center presents everything from Gilbert & Sullivan operettas to folk and blues concerts, movies, and children's programming.
The Augusta grant went to the city's Historic Preservation Commission. The grant will support the creation and installation of signs to enhance awareness of historic places and events in the city.
"Having recently opened an office in Augusta, we have been impressed by the city's plans to revitalize the downtown," Schmelzer said.
Augusta Mayor Roger Katz expressed his gratitude for this significant contribution to the mission to revitalize the city. "Augusta is a place of history," he said, "and our efforts at revitalization will help increase Maine citizens' pride in their capitol."
The Portland grant went to Greater Portland Landmarks, to support the organization's capital campaign to renovate the historic Safford House, which will become the Center for Architecture and Preservation.
"The Maine Community Foundation has had an office in Portland since 1999 and has been impressed by Greater Portland Landmarks' commitment to preserving significant historical elements throughout the city," said Schmelzer.
"This generous grant will help us take the organization to a new level of effectiveness for the community," said Hilary Bassett, executive director of Greater Portland Landmarks. "We are working to broaden our role as educators, advocates, and conveners for historic preservation and excellence in new architecture to meet the increasing demands placed upon us as Portland continues to grow and develop at an unprecedented pace," Bassett said.
As part of its new strategic plan, MaineCF is focusing on strengthening the "quality of place" in Maine communities as a way to encourage economic development. The 25th anniversary hometown grants are among the tools the foundation is using to support this effort.