Several community advocacy organizations in the Midcoast have been awarded Maine Community Foundation grants that have been distributed throughout the state to better assist COVID-19 response efforts. 

In total, the Foundation is providing $500,000 in grants across the state to Maine organizations that are providing critical basic needs to at risk populations. This includes organizations that offer services such as health, nutrition, housing, energy assistance and childcare.

In the Northern Midcoast region, Waldo Community Action Partners, in Belfast, was awarded $15,000; and Knox County Homeless Coalition, in Rockport, is getting $4,400.

In the Southern Midcoast, Midcoast Maine Community Action, in Bath, has been allocated $20,000; and Tedford Housing, in Brunswick, is assigned $3,200.

The foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund (COVID-19 Fund) supports community-based organizations working with the viral outbreak and its consequences, according to the Foundation, in a news release. Maine nonprofit organizations that received grants include area agencies on aging, community action programs, homeless shelters, and other community-based organizations that are providing food to those in need.  

“While this is a challenging time for all Maine people, it’s a matter of actual survival for some. If ever there was a time to help our vulnerable neighbors, this is it,” said Steve Rowe, Maine Community Foundation president and CEO, in the release. “There are many ways to help. You can give directly to nonprofit organizations responding to human hardships in your community. You can also donate to the COVID-19 emergency response funds at the Maine Community Foundation and at your local United Way organization.” Funding for the COVID-19 grants came from an unrestricted fund at the Maine Community Foundation, a MaineCF fund dedicated to food security, and additional contributions from donor-advised funds. The grants were awarded proactively and not through an application process.

Donations to the foundation’s COVID-19 Fund may be made online at www.maincf.org.

“Thank you for caring and sharing,” Rowe said. “We offer special thanks to those currently serving on the front lines to protect vulnerable residents in communities throughout Maine.”

Headquartered in Ellsworth, with additional personnel in Portland, Dover-Foxcroft, and Mars Hill, the Maine Community Foundation works with donors and other partners to provide strong investments, personalized service, local expertise, and strategic giving to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. 

To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.