Background
Established as a private family foundation in 1983, and advised by friends of the Welches, the foundation was transferred to the Maine Community Foundation in 2010.
After graduating from Bowdoin in 1938, receiving a law degree from Harvard University in 1941, and serving in the United States Navy in World War II, “Vinny” Welch went on to found one of Washington’s leading law firms. He and his wife, “Bobbe,” who graduated from Sargent College (Boston University) with a BS in physical therapy in 1940, were married 43 years. Bobbe was a trailbrazer, one of few women working in the field of physical therapy (she specialized in cases involving polio and infantile paralysis). The couple returned to Maine, Vinny’s native state, and devoted their lives to a host of greater Portland civic activities and nonprofits, including many educational, social service, arts, and health institutions, which benefited from their generosity during their life-time and beyond. The Welches committed time and fund-raising skills to community service. Vinny’s fund-raising activities became legendary, raising the bar for Maine institutions and donors. Vinny died in 1984 and Bobbe in 2002.
Priorities
Grants will be made to institutions primarily in the greater Portland area.
Specific projects and programs, including capital campaigns (rather than operating support) in the following areas, will be given preference:
- Youth
- Education
- Health care
- Alcoholic rehabilitation
- Arts and Culture
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must meet the Maine Community Foundation’s general grant eligibility requirements. In addition, please note that:
- Applicants must serve the greater Portland area.
- Grants cannot pay for program expenses that have already been incurred.
Note: Eligible organizations that have received grants from other Maine Community Foundation funds in the last 12 months are still eligible to apply to the Welch Supporting Organization.
How to Apply
Grant application forms are available from Maine Community Foundation offices or can be downloaded above.
Proposals must be postmarked by August 1 and mailed to:
Vincent B. and Barbara G. Welch Supporting Organization
Maine Community Foundation
One Monument Way, Suite 200
Portland, ME 04101
We will not accept applications via fax or e-mail. Applicants will be notified of the final decisions in late September.
Project Progress Report
All grant recipients will be required to submit a Project Progress Report (PDF | RTF | Word Document) approximately 10 months after receiving payment of the grant. Organizations that fail to file a progress report will not be eligible for future funding from Maine Community Foundation competitive grant programs for one year or until the missing report is filed.
Contact
If you have any further questions regarding the Welch Supporting Organization, please contact Pam Cleghorn via e-mail or by phone at (877) 700-6800, ext. 2205.