Nonprofit organizations in Cumberland County may be eligible for grants from the Maine Community Foundation’s (MaineCF) Community Building Grant Program.
The grant program invests in local projects and organizations that help build strong communities. In 2023, 16 Cumberland County nonprofit organizations were awarded grants totaling $150,350. Donors with advised funds at MaineCF awarded five additional grants totaling $31,500.
The Community Building Grant Program supports projects and organizations that invest in people, engage with the people served, and strengthen community resources. Applicants must identify how the organization or project invests in people’s skills, knowledge and/or well-being. They will also be asked to explain how they engage the people served in the design, delivery and/or evaluation of the work. The grantmaking committees are also interested to learn which community resources are being strengthened.
Last year’s grantees included:
- Furniture Friends, to provide essential household furniture to low- and no-income individuals and families in southern Maine
- 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
- Memorial Middle School, to expand the Check and Connect Mentoring program, which connects mentors with vulnerable students.
For a full list of 2023 Community Building grants by county, visit www.mainecf.org/recentgrants.
The Community Building Grant Program is MaineCF’s largest grant program. It is one of the only grant programs in the state that supports a broad range of interest areas, including arts, education, environment, economic development and human services.
The grant program offers two types of funding: project grants and general support. Project grants are only available to larger organizations for new projects. General support grants are geared towards smaller organizations and this flexible funding may support new, expanding or ongoing programs as well as operational needs.
Learn more about Community Building Grant Program qualifications and the application process at www.mainecf.org/communitybuilding.
The Maine Community Foundation brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise and strong investments. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.