United Midcoast Charities will host its next LEARN@UMC professional development workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., at the UMC office in Camden. The session, Storytelling for Impact, will be led by award-winning journalist and audio producer Elaine Appleton Grant.

A veteran of NPR member stations WBUR, New Hampshire Public Radio, and Colorado Public Radio, Grant is a consultant to nonprofits, public media organizations, and entrepreneurs on effective storytelling, interviewing, and presenting. She is the founder of Podcast Allies, a production and training company that has worked with mission-driven institutions, including the Environmental Defense Fund and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Grant has led workshops for universities and foundations across the country, and her newsletter, Sound Judgment, is read by nearly 2,000 nonprofit leaders, editors, and producers worldwide, according to UMC, in a news release.

"UMC is committed to giving nonprofits the tools they need to thrive, which is why the organization is offering this workshop as part of its LEARN@UMC series," said UMC. "Storytelling is essential for connection and visibility, and this session will help local nonprofits feel more confident sharing the work they do every day."

The workshop will guide participants through understanding how audiences hear and feel stories, how to craft messages that reach hearts as well as minds, and how to communicate naturally in podcast, broadcast, or live settings. Attendees will leave with practical tools to strengthen their organizational storytelling and to feel more confident in interviews, presentations, and public conversations, according to the release.

Registration is now open. The workshop is free for current UMC grantee organizations and available to other area nonprofits for a $20 fee. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. To RSVP, call 207-236-2299 or email admin@unitedmidcoastcharities.org.

Upcoming LEARN@UMC Sessions:

● February 11, 2026 – Fundraising Tools to Use Now: Discover how to access free fundraising and donor research tools available at the UMC offices in Camden. This session is open to all nonprofits at no cost.

● March 11, 2026 – Open Q&A with the Grant Committee: Have questions about the 2026 Competitive Grant Call? Join our open Q&A session to get guidance directly from Grant Committee members before you submit your application. Free and open to all prospective applicants.