United Midcoast Charities (UMC) has earned a 2020 platinum seal of transparency from GuideStar, a leading source of information about nonprofit organizations.

Having received gold seals in 2018 and 2019, UMC this year earned the highest level of transparency on the GuideStar directory. A nonprofit organizations earns Guidestar seals by providing information about its vision, mission, leadership, finances, goals, and strategies. To receive a Platinum seal, an organization must also share metrics that demonstrate its progress in fulfilling its mission.

“Receiving the highest level of certification from Guidestar is testament to the tireless work of our staff, board and volunteers throughout the Midcoast,” UMC Executive Director John Viehman said, in a news release. “We’re equally honored and humbled by the recognition.”

Millions of people use GuideStar, the world’s largest source of information about nonprofit organizations, to help them make intelligent decisions about supporting the social sector. 

United Midcoast Charities, founded in 1942, is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to energize Midcoast Maine nonprofit agencies through finance and guidance, supporting a network of resources stronger than any single organization. Through a yearly grant application and review process, UMC funds agencies that benefit residents of Knox and Waldo counties.

So far in 2020, the organization awarded grants totaling $534,000 to more than 34 agencies. Applications for 2021 grants will become available in February.

More information is available at www.unitedmidcoastcharities.org.