Community Building

Androscoggin County

2025 GRANTS

Total applications received: 40
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $125,095
Average award: $9,683
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 38%
Number of grants awarded: 15
Additional grants by donors: 5
Totaling $21,500

2025 Grants from the Androscoggin County Committee:

• An Angel’s Wing Inc, general support, to add more services to recovery homes for those affected by substance and alcohol use disorder.: $7,000
• Community Little Theatre Corp., general support, to enrich the community through live theater, fostering creativity, accessibility, and engagement for all: $10,000
• Community Organizing Alliance, general support, for social justice and civic engagement programming that educates, empowers and engages young people, centering Maine’s Black and immigrant voices: $5,000
• Empowered Immigrant Women Unite, general support, to empower immigrant women through financial literacy programs, educating them on budgeting, saving, and credit management to foster economic independence and stability: $10,000
• Healthy Homeworks, general support, to create pathways to homeownership for members of the Lewiston-Auburn workforce with annual household incomes of $50-$80K so they can build generational financial stability.: $10,000
• LA Arts, general support, to engage and inspire a vibrant community through arts and culture: $10,000
• Land in Common Inc, general support, to create secure, affordable, lifetime land tenure with and for Black, brown, and Indigenous communities in Maine.: $10,000
• Lewiston Auburn Youth Network, general support, to empower immigrant and refugee youth by amplifying marginalized voices through transformative workshops, healthy alternatives, and community engagement initiatives that cultivate safety, unity, and resilience.: $10,000
• Somali Bantu Community Association of Maine, project support, to update SBCA’s website to make it more accessible by providing culturally appropriate translated resources including videos in Maay Maay and Somali: $10,000
• The Root Cellar, project support, for The Path Forward (TPF) which engages recent immigrants at risk of homelessness in a welcoming community through English language learning and job readiness programming: $10,000
• Town of Livermore Falls, project support, to enhance and grow community involvement and provide recreational opportunities for underserved populations: $4,595
• Tree Street Youth, project support, for Targeted Outreach and Mentoring for Lewiston teens, ages 13-18, struggling with social emotional challenges: $10,000
• Turner Public Library, general support, for expanding author and educator programming, and building an Honorarium Fund to welcome authors, artists, and educators to Turner.: $4,500
• United Way of Androscoggin County, general support, to serve the people of Androscoggin and Oxford Counties to promote education, economic, and the health and wellbeing for all citizens: $4,000
• Washburn Norlands Foundation, Inc., general support, for the Washburn-Norlands' educational living history experiences for schoolchildren and community outreach programming at the Livermore homestead: $10,000

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 

Aroostook County

2025 GRANTS

Total applications received: 28
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $104,250
Average award: $8,688
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 50%
Number of grants awarded: 12
Additional grants by donors: 3 totaling $24,300 (as of April 2024)

2025 Grants from the Aroostook County Committee:

• Adopt-A-Block Aroostook, general support, to add educational components to existing programs to equip the next generation to break cycles of poverty: $10,000
• Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation, general support, to guarantee vital wilderness education for youth to ensure the Allagash’s future stewards are equipped and engaged: $8,750
• 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: $10,000
• Aroostook Hospice Foundation, general support, for Charity Care Funding to ensure the AHOC can continue to provide inpatient hospice care irrespective of financial means: $2,700
• Big Rock, project support, for necessary improvements to conveyor ski lift: $10,000
• Central Aroostook Historical Society, general support, to record and preserve local history, documents, photographs and artifacts, and to teach history to children and local citizens: $10,000
• Children’s Museum of Aroostook County, general support, to provide a space for children aged 0-17 to learn in kinesthetic ways while discovering their vocational interests through playful interactions with regional businesses: $10,000
• Mi’kmaq Nation, project support, for the Boys & Girls Club to host events to educate families on how to manage volatile situations and promote positive parenting: $10,000
• Presque Isle Community Development Association Inc., project support, to create a playground and dog park in the underutilized Peace Park: $8,000
• Town of Van Buren, project support, to establish “Van Buren Connect” – a community space for civic engagement education, arts and community activities: $10,000
• University of Maine System, project support, for needed groundwork for the educational Maine Solar System model: $10,000
• Walter T.A. Hansen Memorial Library, general support, to replace the library’s broken heat pump to ensure that the library is a warm and welcoming space for the community: $4,800

2025 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2025):

• Homeless Services of Aroostook, project support, to support resident with on-site access and resource navigation services: $10,000
• Town of Stockholm, project support, to finish a multi-purpose facility in the local ballpark to serve as a central hub for rec activities: $10,000
• Walter T.A. Hansen Memorial Library, general support, to replace the library’s broken heat pump to ensure that the library is a warm and welcoming space for the community: $4,300

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 

Cumberland County 2025 Grants

Total applications received: 105
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $188,000
Average award: $8,952
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 20%
Number of grants awarded: 21
Additional grants by donors: 10 totaling $84,500 (as of April 2025)

2025 Grants from the Cumberland County Committee:

• 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: $2,200
• Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine, project support - to expand access, programs, and opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing visitors at CMTM and to increase staff capacity for communication via ASL: $10,000
• Farms for Food Equity, general support - to end hunger while addressing farm viability and growth by purchasing produce from Maine farms to distribute through food banks, pantries, and meal sites: $10,000
• Food For All Services, general support - to provide more food-insecure new immigrants with sustainable access to enough culturally-relevant food by increasing our pantry operational capacity: $10,000
• Freeport Wood Bank, general support - to help solve fuel insecurity in our community by engaging volunteers to donate and process wood and deliver seasoned firewood: $10,000
• Friends of Casco Bay, project support - to launch "Seagrass Snapshot," a community science effort to protect and restore vital coastal eelgrass habitat. $8,000
• Friends of the St. Lawrence Church, general support - to support performing arts groups, artists, and our many non-profit collaborative partners who use our theater for artistic expression and community engagement: $10,000
• Furniture Friends, project support - to purchase a box truck that will help us increase our operational capacity and efficiency: $10,000
• Harrison Food Bank, general support - to end food insecurity in our surrounding communities.  $10,000
• Hope Acts, project support - to provide asylum seekers computers, internet, and digital literacy training so they can access critical information and avoid online scams and fraud: $10,000
• Maine Afro Yoga Project support, general support - to provide trauma-informed yoga, nature-based healing, and cultural events for immigrant communities, fostering holistic wellness, resilience, and connection in an inclusive space: $5,000
• Maine Boys to Men, general support - to reduce violence and harm by bringing our our ationally recognized, evidence-based Reducing Sexism & Violence Programs (RSVP®) to Maine schools and organizations: $10,000
• Maine Community Swimming, general support - to break down barriers to swimming by providing financially accessible and inclusive programs, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to become water-safe: $10,000
• Mayo Street Arts, general support - to provide a safe, inclusive, and enriching community hub for families in our neighborhood, traditional artists, emerging artists, and audience members: $10,000
• Our Place Portland Inc., general support - to provide year-round whole-family inclusive programming for youth at risk living in Bayside and East Bayside in public or subsidized housing: $10,000
• Pejepscot Historical Society, general support - to illuminate the Pejepscot region's role in state and national history, tracing connections between past and present: $7,800
• People's Inclusive Welding, general support - to offer a safe and supportive environment for underserved and underrepresented communities to learn a skilled trade (welding) and become empowered blue collar workers: $10,000
• Portland Area Villages, Inc. DBA Independent Seniors Network, general support - to support residents in Greater Portland (aged 60+) to remain living independently in their homes through organized volunteer efforts in transportation, safety and socialization.$10,000
• Portland Trails, project support - to construct four wooden footbridges along a new 1-mile section of the Stroudwater Connector Trail linking the Nason’s Corner and Stroudwater neighborhoods in Portland: $10,000
• Sea Change Yoga, general support - to offer trauma-informed yoga to marginalized individuals, helping them heal and build a positive connection between their body and mind: $5,000
• Seedlings to Sunflowers, Project support - to outfit the community room at Sunflower Community Playspace & Cafe to offer parenting and early childhood classes to the public: $10,000

2025 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2025):

• Commonspace, Project support, to pilot a supported housing project for newly housed women who are at high risk of eviction and a return to homelessness: $10,000
• Birth Roots Center for Community Supported Parenting, general support, to expand resources and support for new parents in Maine, beginning in pregnancy and throughout the critical window of early childhood development (ages 0-3):$10,000
• Gateway Community Services Maine, project support, to host Community Open Mic Nights, fostering social connection, peer support, and resource access for immigrant communities through art, storytelling, and shared experiences:$10,000
• Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, project support, to provide legal education and legal outreach to Greater Portland's immigrant and refugees communities, employers, and other nonprofits about rapidly changing immigration policies and practices: $10,000
• Intercultural Community Center, project support, to enhance our after-school program for immigrant children, integrating social-emotional learning, aiding neurodivergent students, and fostering academic success in a safe, trauma-informed, healing environment: $10,000
• Loon Echo Land Trust, project support, to support development of the Lake Region Woodshed to provide free firewood to low-income Lake Region community members: $7,500
• Milestone Recovery, project support, to develop a comprehensive, community-driven treatment model that addresses Alcohol Use Disorder among unhoused individuals through harm reduction, peer support, and integrated care strategies: $10,000
• Pihcintu, general support, to help young refugee and immigrant girls develop confidence, leadership, and community, while participating in a multi-cultural after-school chorus: $10,000
• Preble Street, project support, for Client Assistance Funds dedicated to Rapid Re-Housing through the Community Outreach, Network Navigation, Evidence-based Care & Treatment (CONNECT) program, a van-based mobile health clinic:         $10,000
• Valo, project support, to empower youth to tend to their wellbeing through youth-led, unplugged programs; participants engage in conversation, cooking, and time outside, with community at the center: $9,720

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 

Hancock County

2025 GRANTS

Total applications received: 86
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $$341,343
Average award: $9482
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 42%
Number of grants awarded: 36
Additional grants by donors: 7 totaling $48,000

2025 Grants from the Hancock County Committee:

• A Climate to Thrive, general support, to support community-driven climate solutions, including equitable transition to renewable energy, community-driven resilience building, and empowerment through education and collaboration: $10,000
• Abbe Museum, project support, to support the Abbe Museum Wabanaki Curatorial Fellows Program: $10,000
• ArtWaves, general support, to provide residents and visitors of Mount Desert Island, and the surrounding area, with accessible, affordable, and dynamic art and movement experiences: $10,000
• Bar Harbor Food Pantry, project, to develop a volunteer program that would provide the Bar Harbor Food Pantry and Open Table MDI with fresh produce: $10,000
• Bar Harbor Historical Society, general support, to support two free weekend Community Programs, pay-what-you-wish weeknights, partnering for an Island Story Festival, and continuing to grow engaging programming: $10,000
• Blue Hill Society for Aid to Children, general support, to instill in youth a lifelong passion for outdoor recreational and educational experiences: $10,000
• Bucksport Historical Society, general support,     to rescue, renovate, and equip space in the newly acquired "Gatehouse" (future home of the BPMM) including a small A/V theater room with public seating: $10,000
• Camp Beech Cliff, project, to support BIPOC youth facing systemic barriers to outdoor access with a free weeklong adventure camp that fosters confidence, leadership, belonging, and nature connection: $9,500
• Castine Historical Society Inc, general support, to foster a more inclusive, empathetic, and informed society through exhibitions, programming, and our collection and historic buildings: $10,000
• Castine Scientific Society, project, to engage Wabanaki women curators for an exhibit of Wabanaki cultural belongings, beginning a process of rematriating storytelling at the Wilson Museum: $6,833
• College of the Atlantic, project, to repair, prepare, organize, and relocate the Dorr Museum natural history collections: $10,000
• Community Compass, general support, connecting those in need with resources that help them achieve stability: $10,000
• Deer Isle Stonington Elementary School, project, to widen the 0.3 mile Nature Trail boardwalk through a red maple swamp making it wheelchair accessible end to end: $10,000
• Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society, Inc., general support, to collect, preserve and exhibit records and artifacts of historical significance to Deer Isle, Stonington and the nearby area: $10,000
• Downeast Wood Bank, general support, to help community members with life essentials by supplying firewood to those in need that rely on firewood as a heating source: $10,000
• Ellsworth Historical Society, general support, to edit/publish Ellsworth American inserts featuring local historical society articles, to foster collaboration by sharing County history with 11,000 readers: $10,000
• Ellsworth Public Library, project, to purchase an electric bike with book cart and internet to provide mobile book circulation, library services and offer community outreach story times in Ellsworth parks: $8,000
• Friends in Action, general support, to empower older adults and people with disabilities to thrive, and to live independently, with dignity and a strong quality of life: $10,000
• Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust, project, to support a two-year educational, program partnering with Maine Outdoor School(MOS), providing tailored outdoor learning opportunities to the children of Bucksport Schools: $9,510
• Hancock County Habitat for Humanity, general support, to build and modify housing for Hancock County residents: $10,000
• Healthy Acadia, project, to establish a computer lab at INSPIRE Community Recovery Center, providing technology access for education, employment, healthcare, personal development and other essential community services: $10,000
• Healthy Island Project, general support, to supply the basic needs of nutritious food, meaningful social connections, and physical activity to our island community: $10,000
• Healthy Peninsula, general support, to support direct-service projects that address barriers in the existing network of community resources to support healthy aging, food insecurity, and support for young families: $10,000
• Island Connections, general support, to ensure Island Connections' volunteer base meets the demand for free transportation services: $10,000
• Kids' Corner Inc, general support, to provide early childhood education and care to the community by offering high-quality, developmentally-appropriate programs in a responsive environment supporting diverse needs: $10,000
• Lighthouse Arts & Education general support, to engage individuals in empowering arts experiences to inspire self discovery and promote community involvement: $5,000
• Opera House Arts, project, to rebuild the main theater entrance walkway that was damaged by water runoff and erosion in the January 2024 storms: $10,000
• Opiate-Free Island Partnership Inc, general support, to expand harm reduction for opioid use disorder, educate students with prevention programming in the schools, and reduce stigma by expanding community awareness: $10,000
• Reach Performing Arts Center, general support, to provide performing arts programming and host community events while installing live-streaming equipment and updating the 25-year-old facility's lighting, soft goods, projection, and sound systems: $10,000
• Reversing Falls Sanctuary, general support, to support personnel to manage social media, liaise between working committees, manage an expanding yearly calendar of exhibits/workshops: $5,000
• Schoodic Arts for All, general support, to keep the arts accessible to all by offering affordable (and free) workshops and performances in our rural, underserved community: $10,000
• Schoodic Food Pantry, general support, to provide nutritious food that supplements what families and individuals in need can purchase on their own: $10,000
• Sedgwick-Brooklin Historical Society, general support, to continue the restoration of the historic Sedgwick First Baptist Church (c.1837) which will become a vital community gathering space: $10,000

2025 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2025):

• Camp Beech Cliff, project, to support BIPOC youth facing systemic barriers to outdoor access with a free weeklong adventure camp that fosters confidence, leadership, belonging, and nature connection: $500
• Families First Community Center general support, to provide housing and development opportunities for homeless families to achieve sustainable independence: $10,000
• NextStep Domestic Violence Project, project, to educate victims of domestic violence so they can successfully navigate the Protection from Abuse process even if an attorney is unavailable to represent them: $12,500
• Reversing Falls Sanctuary, general support, to support personnel to manage social media, liaise between working committees, manage an expanding yearly calendar of exhibits/workshops: $5,000
• Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals of Hancock CTY, project, to purchase essential veterinary equipment to establish an in-house veterinary suite: $5,000
• Town of Sullivan, general support, to engage our community members to design a safe and climate-resilient, multi-generational skatepark and develop a fund-raising plan for construction: $10,000
• Willowind Therapeutic Riding Center Inc, general support, to provide equine based therapy to children and adults: $5,000

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 

Kennebec County

2025 GRANTS

Total applications received: 22
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $84,370
Average award: $8,437
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 45%
Number of grants awarded: 10
Additional grants by donors: 0 (as of April 2025)

2025 Grants from the Kennebec County Committee:

• Augusta Food Bank, general support, to provide healthy food for those in need throughout the greater Augusta area: $10,000
• Augusta Teen Center of the Boys and Girls Club, general support, to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as healthy, productive, responsible, and caring citizens: $10,000
• Downtown Waterville Farmers' Market, general support, to expand our low-income food access programming and strengthen the capacity of our market to fundraise: $3,000
• Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church DBA Bridging the Gap, project support, to maintain and further develop a Telehealth Access Point for individuals to connect with providers and supports to increase their health and wellbeing: $6,370
• Friends of Starling Hall, general support, to serve as an all-age-friendly community center offering social, educational, and healthy-living activities: $10,000
• Gardiner Library Association, general support, to restore safe passage to Gardiner Public Library's accessible entrance and to build climate resilience: $10,000
• Humane Society Waterville Area, project support, to purchase essential veterinary equipment to establish an in-house veterinary suite: $5,000
• Neighbors Driving Neighbors, general support, to coordinate volunteer drivers for those who do not drive, so they can more easily stay in their homes: $10,000
• Viles Arboretum, general support, to develop environmental education programming in partnership with local educators and broaden trail accessibility in partnership with organizations that support people with disabilities/elderly: $10,000
• Waterville Area Soup Kitchen, general support, for meals for individuals struggling with food insecurity and to establish a venue where those served are connected to comprehensive support services: $10,000

2025 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2025): None

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 

Knox County

2025

Total applications received: 33
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $105,000
Average award: $8,750
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 36%
Number of grants awarded: 12
Additional grants by donors: 0

2025 Grants from the Knox County Committee:

• Come Spring Food Pantry, general support, to provide nutritious foods to families in our community experiencing food insecurity: $5,000
• Connecting Across Cultures, general support, financial assistance to help us provide support to immigrants who move to the midcoast: $10,000
• Friendship Museum, general support, to maximize citizen and visitor engagement in the history of our town and unique contributions of past generations: $5,000
• Knox County Homeless Coalition, project support, to engage and empower older youth, cultivating peer mentors and providing guidance and training to enable program access, provide stability, and prepare them for adulthood: $10,000
• Midcoast Habitat for Humanity, Inc., project support, to complete pre-construction site preparation of clearing and milling timber for use in the construction of homes in the affordable housing pocket neighborhood: $10,000
• Mid-Coast Health Net, Inc., project support, to expand access to healthcare, mental health, and wellness services in the community through the addition of a mobile medical bus: $10,000
• Midcoast Recovery Coalition, general support, to provide a healthy environment for families, healing the effects of drug addiction and re-integration into the community through our two certified recovery residences: $10,000
• MidCoast Regional Housing Trust, general support, developing permanent year-round workforce housing in Knox County and neighboring towns, promoting vibrant communities with economically diverse residents who want to live and work here: $10,000
• Mussel Ridge Historical Society, general support, funding for equipment and furnishings for the interior of our Learning Center, currently under construction: $5,000
• Rockland District Nursing Assn Inc, general support, we request support for increased in-home nursing hours, caring for predominantly low-moderate income older and medically vulnerable residents living in Rockland and seven surrounding towns: $10,000
• RSU 13, project support, to improve high school student access to quality theatre technology in order to meet industry standards for lighting, design software access, and production: $10,000
• Southern Harbor Eldercare Services, general support, SHH provides North Haven community members access to resources and support to age in community, including island based residential care: $10,000

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

Oxford County

2025

Total applications received: 30
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $104,620
Average award: $8,718
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 40%
Number of grants awarded: 12
Additional grants by donors:0

2025 Grants from the Oxford County Committee:

• Bethel Area District Exchange and Food Pantry, general support, to feed and clothe Western Maine and as our need has increased considerably. We again find our nonprofit applying for a Maine Community Foundation grant: $10,000
• Bethel Historical Society, general support, to engage the public in meaningful conversations about our shared history and to leverage our historic buildings to help meet present community needs: $10,000
• Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, general support, to embrace anyone affected by cancer through creating a hopeful & caring community providing support, resources, education, and wellness services: $10,000
• Center for an Ecology-Based Economy, general support, to engage communities in addressing the climate emergency. We organize, educate, and implement practical, ecological solutions for a just transition to a thriving regenerative economy: $10,000
• Friends of Soldiers Memorial Library, general support, to inspire our community  to explore educational and cultural opportunities by providing programs and services that may not otherwise be available to them: $10,000
• Fryeburg Farmers' Market, general support, to help grow the new Fryeburg Farmers' Market by boosting our market's accessibility to more shoppers and helping us build capacity for greater promotional efforts: $2,000
• Kezar Lake Association, general support, to engage community members in the protection and betterment of the 56-square-mile Kezar Lake Watershed and the flora, fauna, and people it supports: $10,000
• Oxford Hills Community Gardens, general support, to improve our community's health by providing opportunities to build relationships, learn, and grow food together: $6,310
• Pink Feather Foundation, general support, to improve the lives of students by partnering with teachers to confidentially provide clothing and accessories at no cost.: $6,310
• River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, general support, to build partnerships and promote collaboration among organizations working to improve the quality of life for residents in the Greater River Valley region: $10,000
• West Parish Congregational Church UCC, project support, to develop programming that supports teen well-being, builds their aspirations and which is sustained by an association of organizations working to address youth needs:         $10,000
• Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative, general support, to reduce addiction-related harm in underserved rural communities by offering accessible recovery programs, peer support, and critical connections to health, housing, and employment resources: $10,000

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 

Penobscot County

2025 GRANTS

Total applications received: 49
Grant dollars awarded: $244,777
Average award: $9,066
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 55%
Number of grants awarded by committee: 27
Additional grants by donors: 0

2025 Grants from the Penobscot County Committee:

• Andre Home Inc, project, to continue to provide tattoo (and brand/scar) modification services for survivors of human trafficking, exploitation, and related abuse: $10,000
• Atkins Memorial Library Association, general support, to restore library services by providing literacy programs, digital access, and a community space for all ages, bridging educational and social gaps in our hometown: $10,000
• Bangor Public Library Trustees, project, to put on programs and workshops that will increase community resilience through skill building and the implementation of sustainable practices: $1,775
• Bangor Region YMCA, project, for My Future in Maine, a program empowering at-risk teens exploring colleges and careers to expand their understanding of opportunities for success in Maine: $10,000
• Bangor Symphony Orchestra, project, to add a new component to our Bangor Symphony Youth Orchestras program - a Beginner's Guide to Composition workshop: $9,502
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid Maine, project, for our "Mentoring Hub" in Bangor, which seeks to match area children with caring, supportive mentors in one-to-one relationships: $10,000
• Boreal Theater, general support, to bring cultural enrichment and engagement to our local community through the performing and visual arts: $10,000
• Defend Our Health, project, to help Penobscot Nation patients and medical providers understand the health impacts of exposure to toxic chemicals, take health-protective actions, and advocate for their community: $10,000
• DIGNITY FIRST, general support, to continue our village master plan development and build organizational capacity to launch a large capital campaign to make Homeful Village a reality: $10,000
• Eastern Area Agency on Aging, project, to provide accessible, engaging arts and crafts programming for older adults and adults with disabilities at our Brewer community center, the Durgin Center: $5,000
• Food AND Medicine Jobs with Justice Education Fund, general support, to support organizing of our food access programs, including 35+ collective gardens in public housing, recovery centers and low-income communities, and the Solidarity Harvest meal box program: $10,000
• Friends of Baxter State Park, general support, to help sustain and expand our efforts to build a more vibrant, equitable, and resilient future for Baxter State Park and the Katahdin region: $10,000
• Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, project, to present Wabanaki cultural programming at Tekαkαpimək Contact Station and during Friends of KWW community events, encouraging visitors and community members to experience Tekαkαpimək: $10,000
• Heart of Maine Resource Center, general support, to support our food distribution program and increase our purchasing power to provide more nutritious foods for our community: $10,000
• Hirundo Wildlife Trust, general support, to strengthen Hirundo's capacity to engage individuals with nature - regardless of origin, age, abilities or financial resources: $10,000
• Literacy Volunteers of Bangor, general support, to implement actions from our strategic plan and serve more adult Mainers (including immigrants and refugees) with literacy barriers by engaging community volunteers: $10,000
• Maine MultiCultural Center, general support, to promote community enrichment and economic growth by attracting, retaining, and integrating immigrants to the greater Bangor community: $10,000
• My First Bookshelf, general support, to provide monthly books to 500 Penobscot County children under age five for a year: $7,800
• Our Katahdin, project, to bring business development and financial literacy curriculum to the Katahdin Region to expose students to and nurture an entrepreneurial spirit: $10,000
• Patten Lumberman’s Museum, general support, to improve website and informational handouts and hire additional staff to work to upgrade existing exhibits: $10,000
• Penobscot Community Health Center, project, for PCHC’s “Gaps in Care Fund” to provide essential healthcare items to low-income, uninsured or underinsured Mainers, improving health outcomes and well-being: $5,700
• Penobscot Nation, project, to conduct ‘Traditional Train the Trainer Teachings Workshops’ to train tribal citizens to teach cultural skills to tribal youth and community citizens: $10,000
• Purple Iris Foundation Inc, general support, to provide support and guidance to low-income individuals living in Maine and diagnosed with cancer: $5,000
• Save a Life Inc, general support, to provide community education on addiction and drug poisoning, recovery coaching and groups for individuals with substance use disorder, and support for affected others: $10,000
• St. Joseph Hospital, project, to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our healthcare workforce to improve the care of older adults in our community: $10,000
• Town of Millinocket, project, for a Summer Music Series in Veterans Memorial Park, featuring 8-10 free concerts for the Millinocket community: $10,000
• University of Maine Systems Inc, project, to provide free intensive English language classes in community locations to new immigrant adult learners in the greater Bangor area: $10,000

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 

Piscataquis County

2025 GRANTS

Total applications received: 21
Grant dollars awarded: $75,000
Average award: $9,375
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 38%
Number of grants awarded by committee: 8
Additional grants by donors: 0 (as of April 2024)

2025 Grants from the Piscataquis County Committee:

• Friends of Community Fitness, general support, to promote healthy lifestyles through physical exercise as well as social and educational opportunities for people of all ages and financial means: $5,000
• Guilford Historical Society, general support, to preserve and protect the town’s history: $10,000
• Helping Hands with Heart, general support, to facilitate a cross-sector team to address basic needs of residents impacted by multigenerational poverty, rural isolation, and a pervasive lack of in-county services: $10,000
• Little Schoolhouse Childcare, general support, to support operations of a licensed, affordable childcare center in the greater Greenville area: $10,000
• Moosehead Regional Land Trust, general support, to enhance conservation efforts, foster community engagement, and provide environmental education: $10,000
• Pine Tree Hospice, general support, to provide critical non-medical support, education and resources through a trained volunteer network: $10,000
• Piscataquis Regional Food Center, general support, to connect people to healthy food and stimulate the local agricultural economy: $10,000
• Town of Monson, project support, to host a traveling outdoor large-scale sculpture exhibition of the Schoodic International Sculpture Symposium to beautify and enrich the downtown: $10,000

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 

Southern Midcoast

2025 Grants

Total applications received: 39
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $146,547
Average award: $7,718
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 49%
Number of grants awarded: 19
Additional grants by donors: 2 totaling $10,000 (as of April 2025)

2025 Grants from the Southern Midcoast Committee to Lincoln County organizations

• Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, general support, a collaborative initiative where volunteers, school lunch staff, and students prepare nutritious take home meals for students at risk of food insecurity: $10,000
• Chip Inc, general support, to support community volunteers in making neighbors' homes safe, warm and dry by providing repairs for those who cannot otherwise afford them: $10,000
• Hearty Roots Inc, project support, to construct a pavilion for youth participants and intergenerational attendees as people get outside year-round to become good stewards of land, mental health and community: $10,000
• Jefferson Area Community Food Pantry, general support, to provide food twice a month in a market style shopping event in a no judgment zone: $8,000
• Lincoln County Historical Association, general support, to promote local history and heritage through innovative, accessible programs and exhibits that engage and educate people of all age: $5,000
• Lincoln County Television, general support, to provide all community members with access to government meetings, educational programming, business spotlights, sports, children's shows, community updates, emergency notices, and major events: $6,090
• Monhegan Associates, Inc., general support, to preserve for posterity Monhegan Island's wildlands while fostering collaboration with the island communities to sustain the beauty and viability of this iconic place: $5,000
• Old Bristol Historical Society, general support, to collect, preserve and share the Bristol region’s rich history and prehistory for present and future generations, by meaningfully interfacing with the students and public: $10,000
• Peace Gallery, general support, to showcase and support the works of veterans and provide a community resource for practices that support health, well-being, and mutual understanding: $10,000
• Rebuilding Together-Lincoln County, general support, to help our neighbors in need live in warm, dry, safe homes.
• Whitefield Library, general support, to replace the 2 exterior walls’ on our 140 year old building to preserve integrity of our two-story library structure: $10,000
• Waldoboro Food Pantry, general support, to eliminate food insecurity in the towns of Waldoboro, Bremen and Nobleboro: $7,557

2025 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds to Lincoln County organizations (as of April 2025):

• Bruun Studios, general support, to offer arts and humanities community-based programs that promote healing, build connectedness, and give voice to those affected by addiction, trauma, and loss: $5,000
• Midcoast Conservancy, project support, to support the building of a bridge on Kidney Pond Trail, to the benefit of nature lovers and local area students: $5,000

2025 Grants from the Southern Midcoast Committee to Sagadahoc County organizations:

• Bath Area BackPack Program, general support, to provide nutritious food to food-insecure and homeless children on weekends, when free school meals are unavailable, to address food insecurity: $5,000
• Bowdoinham Community Development Initiative, general support, to leverage local resources and facilitate collaboration among for-profit, non-profit, and government sectors to promote sustainable economic and community development: $10,000
• Brunswick Area Respite Care, general support, to support the caregivers of those with Alzheimer's, dementia, and other age related cognitive challenges: $5,000
• Midcoast Literacy, general support, to provide free literacy services to adults, children, and families through one-on-one tutoring, English classes, early childhood literacy sessions, and free books: $7,000
• Midcoast Wood Bank general support, to help solve fuel insecurity in our community by engaging volunteers to donate and process wood and deliver seasoned firewood: $10,000
• Midcoast Youth Center & Skatepark, project support, to craft a short film, in collaboration with the youth served, to educate the community about the needs of youth and resources available: $3,000

2025 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds to Sagadahoc County organizations (as of April 2025): None

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 

Waldo County

2025 Grants

Total applications received: 24
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $85,350
Average award: $7,759
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 46%
Number of grants awarded: 11
Additional grants by donors: 0

2025 Grants from the Waldo County Committee:

• Belfast Flying Shoes, general support, to build community and cultivate well-being through the joy of traditional, participatory music and dance, for people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities: $5,283
• Belfast Soup Kitchen, project support, to help support the Kindness Community Market, which provides free "shopping" to 300+ families/week for produce, meat, dairy, bakery, and deli items: $10,000
• But Still I Am One, general support, Support to empower 16–21-year-olds in Waldo County despite housing challenges, food insecurity, safety, and health constraints by providing financial and life skill resources: $10,000
• Friends of Lake Winnecook Inc, general support, we request MaineCF general support funding to strengthen our organization's capacity to deliver the ambitious, mission-critical Unity Pond Watershed Management Action Plan: $5,283
• Habitat for Humanity Waldo County, general support, HFHWC partners with people in Waldo County to help them build or repair a place they call home: $10,000
• Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County, general support, our trained volunteers provide free, confidential, non-medical services to patients and families dealing with life-limiting illness, and grief support for those who suffer loss: $10,000
• Niweskok, project support, to develop and install the first phase of a multigenerational outdoor classroom to support Wabanaki foodways & lifeways education: $10,000
• Timelines Community Inc, general support, ...funding to improve facilities to teach historic handcraft, year-round, in two locations: $3,500
• Torchlight Media, general support, to provide physical and digital hubs, as well as multimedia tools for amplifying and connecting local voices through storytelling, youth mentorship, and social advocacy: $5,284
• Unity Public Library, general support, Unity Public Library is an anchor in our rural community, providing access to education, arts, entertainment, and programs for social, health, business, and economic development: $6,000
• Waldo County Bounty, general support, WCB will improve operations, expand our community programming, and advance our mission to ensure that all Waldo County residents have access to fresh, nutritious food: $10,000

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 

Washington County

2025 GRANTS

Total applications received: 34
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $188,576
Average award: $9748
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 59%
Number of grants awarded: 20
Additional grants by donors: 3 totaling $25,000

2025 Grants from the Washington County Committee:

• Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, general support, to support transportation access to appropriate healthcare, resources, services, health information, screenings, treatment, recovery, and support services: $10,000
• Cobscook Institute, project, to enhance community well-being and resilience by strengthening food security and connection through community dinners, community gardens, and building local capacity for small-scale agriculture: $10,000
• Down East Hospice Volunteers, general support, to continue providing exceptional, cost-free, end-of-life care and companionship to the terminally ill in Washington County: $10,000
• Downeast Coastal Conservancy, general support, to improve access to DCC's conserved lands and recreational infrastructure, engage the local community in environmental stewardship, and offer new and exciting free education programs: $5,000
• Downeast Conservation Network, general support, to strengthen communities and land conservation through collaborative action in Downeast Maine by bridging ecosystem, geographic, organizational, and social boundaries: $10,000
• Downeast Innovation Network, general support, to continue innovative cross-sector, partnership-building with nonprofits, municipalities, and communities in Washington and Hancock counties: $10,000
• Downeast Rainbow Alliance, general support, provide education and outreach to build capacity within staff at schools & organizations, while hosting extracurricular programming to support LGBTQ+ youth: $10,000
• Eastport Arts Center, general support, to provide accessible community-centered arts programming to engage people of all ages and to be the place where creativity and community meet: $10,000
• Great Schools Partnership, Inc., project, to engage Maine tribal schools educators in facilitation and implementation of Professional Learning Communities to improve educator practice: $10,000
• Hand in Hand Mano en Mano, project, to support the development of Rayitos de Sol Bilingual Childcare specifically the after school program and summer program for elementary ages students: $5,000
• Harrington Library Association, general support, to add senior- and caregiver-appropriate options for activities and social gatherings, and to implement more robust marketing and evaluation programs: $10,000
• Island Readers and Writers An Initiative for Maine Children, project, to support IRW's art & writing for wellness programming in three IRW Washington County schools, including book giveaways, and a literacy night for families: $10,000
• Lubec Community Outreach Center, general support, to provide basic needs, and educational, social and emotional engagement programs that support their ability to thrive: $10,000
• Machias Area Food Pantry, general support, to distribute free healthy food to people in and around the Machias area: $10,000
• Machias Historical Society, general support, to promote the understanding and enjoyment of Machias history by providing educational and fun opportunities that engage the public and enrich their lives: $10,000
• Maine Academy of Modern Music, project, to expand youth development programming in Washington County: $10,000
• Porter Memorial Library Association, general support, to offer a free community space that supports the enjoyment of reading, the value of learning, and the exploration of ideas to Washington County: $10,000
• Quoddy Tides Foundation, general support, to support of TIMA during a crucial 5+ year transformational period while TIMA consolidates its gains and reaches a new level of operations and impact: $10,000
• Robbinston Historical Society, general support, to continue to expand access to Robbinston's shared history, preserve Grace Chapel, and to build and celebrate community in meaningful ways: $10,000
• Whispering Pine Equine Alliance Inc, general support, to expand equine-assisted therapies to reach the underserved people in this community, including people of Northern Washington County, Indigenous communities, or other at-risk populations: $8,576

2025 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds (as of April 2025):

• Hand in Hand Mano en Mano, project, to support the development of Rayitos de Sol Bilingual Childcare specifically the after school program and summer program for elementary ages students: $5,000
• Speaking Place, general support, to revitalize Passamaquoddy language by creating more speakers through indigenous-led immersive learning and documentation for intergenerational language transmission, ensuring the language thrives for future generations: $10,000
• Town of Machias, project, to provide the people of Machias and central Washington County with a safe and enjoyable skate park: $10,000

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 

Western Mountains

2025 GRANTS

Total applications received: 29
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $112,530
Average award: $7,502
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 52%
Number of grants awarded: 15
Additional grants by donors: (Farmington Public Library Association: $5,000) 1 totaling $5,000

2025 Grants from the Western Mountains Committee:

• Baker Mountain Ski Tow Club, general support, to promote skiing and snowboarding in the community and continue to build memories with many families.: $6,000
• Beth Brunswick Memorial Fund for Children, general support, to support families who cannot afford childcare, allowing parents to return to work, promoting business development/economic growth in Rangeley, and cognitive development for children.: $10,000
• Farmington Farmers' Market, general support,to expand access to fresh produce for more people in Franklin County, while supporting small farms and food producers: $2,000
• Farmington Public Library Association, general support, to purchase STEAM equipment (computers, 3D printer, building kits, etc.) for our Teen Room to increase educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and design: $5,000
• Food Cupboard of Jay Livermore and Livermore Falls, general support, to provide food assistance to the community of Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls: $6,000
• High Peaks Alliance, general support, The High Peaks Alliance ensures and enhances public access and recreation opportunities in Maine's High Peaks Region through conservation, stewardship, and collaboration: $10,000
• High Peaks Creative Council, general support, to provide creative educational enrichment in schools and community settings for all ages including for the very youngest as well as creative public programming: $10,000
• Literacy Volunteers, general support, to empower adults through learner-based tutoring in reading, writing, math and technology and to promote literacy in our community: $10,000
• Mission at the Eastward, general support, to enable the expansion of critical home repair service for individuals and families in Central Western Maine experiencing housing insecurity and at-risk of homelessness.: $10,000
• 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: $10,000
• Rangeley Region Health and Wellness Partnership, project support, to provide children’s enrichment programming with a special focus on literacy and reading to inspire and prepare youth for overall well-being and success: $10,000
• The Rangeley Lakes Region Historical Society, general support, to preserve Rangeley Region history and to engage the public through Historic Rangeley’s museums, collections, programs, exhibits, and events: $7,500
• Town of Avon, project support, to develop a recreational playground and gathering area for the greater community: $10,000
• Town of Bingham, project support, to help renovate our baseball/softball field, build a storage building, and create a new volleyball area: $8,000
• Western Maine Play Museum, general support, Western Maine Play Museum envisions a community that is engaged and empowered, nurturing the potential of children and the families who support them.: $4,030

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 

 York County

2025 GRANTS

Total applications received: 38
Grant dollars awarded by committee: $114,000
Average award: $8,143
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 37%
Number of grants awarded: 14
Additional grants by donors: 4

2025 Grants from the York County Committee:

• A Place to Start, general support, to support individuals with Alzheimer's and family caregivers. Offering at No Cost, hope, guidance, resources, and a supportive community to navigate the challenges of Alzheimer's: $5,000
• Acton-Shapleigh Historical Society, general support, to preserve the Mousam Lake Pavilion: $9,000
• Age Friendly Saco, general support, to serve older adults by helping to create programs and services needed to allow them to remain safely in their home community: $2,500
• Apex Youth Connection, general support, to provide a safe, inclusive third space for youth, offering no-cost hands-on programming, mentorships, and community connection that fosters personal growth: $10,000
• Fair Tide, general support, to provide permanent, affordable housing and supportive services for long-term stability and success: $8,470
• Footprints Inc., project support, to create respectful and dignified opportunities for connection, growth, and belonging through a free breakfast café, fostering inclusivity where everyone feels welcomed, nourished, and valued: $10,000
• Kids Free to Grow, general support, to provide abuse prevention programs for children and parents: $10,000
• Kittery Land Trust, general support, to support its work educating the youth, feeding those in need, and providing connections to the outdoors: $4,500
• My Place Teen Center, project support, to provide daily meals and restaurant job training skills to youth ages 10-18 in York County: $10,000
• Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, project support, to outfit the second floor with beds, pillows, bedding, to accommodate unhoused individuals displaced by the recent disbanding of Biddeford's tent encampment: $10,000
• The Dance Hall, general support, to build community by promoting, advancing and sponsoring live artistic endeavors, creative work and education in music, dance and film: $10,000
• York Land Trust, Inc., general support, to protect and care for significant natural lands and waterways in York for the benefit and well-being of the community and the environment: $4,530
• York Ready for Climate Action, general support, to continue urgent climate action locally: $10,000
• Youth Full Maine, general support, to address food insecurity in York County for students, families, and other community members in need, especially throughout rural and urban regions of York Count: $10,000

From donor-advised funds (as of April 2025):

• Age Friendly Saco, general support, to serve older adults by helping to create programs and services needed to allow them to remain safely in their home community: $2,500
• Museum of Art of Ogunquit, project support, to offer five free art classes for low-income adults and seniors, promoting equitable access and diverse artistic engagement in the community: $4,450
• Saco Meals Program, general support, to upgrade and expand cold storage capabilities to offer free community meals to those in need of food and socialization: $1,000
• Town of Lyman, project support, to revitalize Bunganut Park by improving ADA accessibility, restoring natural features, and expanding recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities: $5,000

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 

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