MaineCF Awards COVID-19 Fund Grants

PORTLAND & ELLSWORTH—The Maine Community Foundation has awarded nearly $500,000 in grants to assist COVID-19 response efforts across the state.

The foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund (COVID-19 Fund) supports community-based organizations working with the viral outbreak and its consequences. 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.  [A complete list is attached to this email.]
 
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.
 
“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.  “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.  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.”
 
Donations to the foundation’s COVID-19 Fund may be made online at www.maincf.org.

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.

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Andrea Nemitz
Communications Director
(207) 412-2018