United Midcoast Charities (UMC) awarded a record-setting $686,300 in grants to 40 nonprofit organizations serving Knox and Waldo counties during its Annual Grantee Breakfast, sponsored by the Samoset Resort in Rockport. 

The annual event brought together nonprofit leaders, community partners, and UMC’s Community Grant Reader volunteers to celebrate the impact of local philanthropy and the organizations working every day to strengthen the Midcoast region through services focused on food security, housing, health and safety, and economic security.

This year's grantmaking also marked a significant milestone, according to UMC, in a news release. For the first time, UMC fully funded every food pantry request and every childcare gap-funding request that advanced through its grant review process, helping address two critical areas of community need. 

The breakfast served as both a celebration and a gathering space for nonprofit partners to reconnect, build new relationships, and share ideas. Maine humorist Gary Crocker entertained attendees.

"This year's grants reflect UMC's ongoing commitment to addressing the region's most pressing needs by supporting organizations that provide direct services and create pathways to greater stability and opportunity for Knox and Waldo County residents," said UMC.

For a complete list of UMC's 2026-27 grantee organizations, please visit unitedmidcoastcharities.org/2026-grantees/.

United Midcoast Charities plays a pivotal role in providing financial support, strategic guidance, and tangible resources to Midcoast nonprofits working in our four focus areas: food, housing, health & safety, and economic security. UMC strengthens these community-focused organizations so they can achieve their missions more effectively and have a greater impact.