ROCKLAND—Twelve years after making its first donation of $500 to OUT Maine, a donor advised fund at the Maine Community Foundation has decided to pay out its entire value to OUT Maine through a $139,000 disbursement meant to benefit programs serving LGBTQ+ youth in Maine, according to a news release from OUT Maine.

“Now is the time,” said Caroline Pryor, one of the fund advisors, “because OUT Maine’s work is more important than ever as the LGBTQ+ community faces increased discrimination and hostility including from elected officials here in the state and at the federal level.”

The Fund was established two decades ago by a bequest from Jonathan Stein of Mount Desert and was intended to be given over time to mission-driven organizations that could benefit most from the funding, especially conservation and climate-focused causes as well as LGBTQ+ organizations. Stein, the fund’s late namesake and source, wanted his estate to provide resources and support organizations like OUT Maine that did not exist when he was young, the release said.

The Fund granted more than $465,000 through MCF to dozens of organizations over the last two decades and had been awarding an average of $10,000 to OUT Maine annually for the last several years. The grants have historically gone towards funding youth retreats, in person and online programs, and support groups.

With funding cuts and policy changes in Washington in recent months, the three advisors to the Fund informed Maine Community Foundation that they wished to send out all of the remaining grant money to OUT Maine, the release said. The funds will be used to continue funding annual youth retreats and regular programming, and it will also enable the organization to expand several programs as well as implement new ones across the state.

“All of our young people should be able to be who they are and feel safe, loved, and supported," said OUT Maine’s Executive Director. Sue Campbell. "And that’s the work that we’re trying to accomplish. We’re spending a lot of time trying to make sure that the laws here in Maine stay strong, while also running our direct youth programming, parent and family supports, and work in schools and other community-based organizations. We’re building spaces where youth can be and feel safe so they can truly thrive. In this critical time, none of this would be possible without the generosity of donors who make these programs a reality. We are especially grateful to the Jonathan Stein Fund for helping make Maine a more inclusive and affirming place for LGBTQ+ youth.”