The Maine Community Foundation serves thousands of people who share a common mission: improving the quality of life in our state.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create charitable funds that help Maine meet the challenges of changing times. Maine Community Foundation grants cover the full range of nonprofit undertakings, with a special focus in the areas of education, the environment, arts and humanities, and social and community services.

Known for its innovative grant programs, financial strength, and prudent investment strategies, MaineCF is a public charity incorporated in Maine and governed by a statewide volunteer Board of Directors.

The Maine Community Foundation depends on volunteers to help review grants and build philanthropic resources. In 1986, MaineCF established its County and Regional Program to help with grantmaking in more rural regions of the state. These county and regional funds, now numbering 11, are a highly effective way to build community capacity.

MaineCF manages more than 400 scholarship funds benefiting students in every county in Maine. MaineCF scholarships support students pursuing music, journalism, teaching, horticulture, technology, the liberal arts, and many other fields. They are available for students attending secondary, post-secondary, and graduate schools, as well as non-traditional programs.

A professional staff works in three program areas: grantmaking and program initiatives; resource development and philanthropic services; and finance and investments.

Since opening its doors in 1983, the foundation has awarded more than $123 million in grants and scholarships. Today, the Maine Community Foundation manages more than 800 charitable funds established by individuals, families, businesses and nonprofit organizations.

MaineCF’s mission: To strengthen Maine by working in partnership with donors and community groups.

We accomplish our mission by providing leadership and support to address community issues; connecting donors to organizations and programs they care about; and building and stewarding philanthropic resources.

For more information, please visit our website at http://mainecf.org.