Changing with Maine

Since 1983, Maine Community Foundation has stayed true to its roots – bringing people and resources together to build a better Maine. That enduring mission continues to grow through initiatives that reflect changing needs and anticipate future opportunities.

The foundation partners closely with local and statewide organizations that are working to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. We invest in their capacity, award grants to community-based programs, support networks and collaboration and advocate for progress.

Local leadership is the heart of our community outreach and grantmaking programs. Committees of community members are MaineCF’s ambassadors for County and Regional Program funds throughout Maine.

Grants from those funds are distributed through MaineCF’s largest single statewide program, the Community Building Grant Program. Community Building supports a broad range of projects and organizations across the state, from the arts to youth development.

MaineCF’s commitment to education is bolstered by the generosity of individuals, community organizations, and businesses. What started with one scholarship fund in 1984 has grown to nearly 700 scholarship funds that award more than $3 million every year.

The community foundation supports a wide range of projects related to protecting the environment, including supporting efforts to address climate change.

In 2023, MaineCF awarded more than $62 million in grants and scholarships.