Welcome to United Midcoast Charities

Welcome to United Midcoast Charities.

Our main areas of focus are:

FOOD

Affordable, accessible, safe, and healthy food is essential for physical, mental, spiritual, social, and emotional well being.
Maine ranks third among states for the rate of hunger. Nearly 16 percent of its households — more than 200,000 people — experience food insecurity, unable to afford enough food throughout the year.

HOUSING

Statistics from the Maine State Housing Authority show that the average monthly rent in Knox and Waldo counties is unaffordable to more than half the population. The report also states that 53% of Knox County and 54% of Waldo County residents cannot afford to buy homes. The only homeless shelter in the two counties can shelter just 5 to 10% of their caseload.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Health and poverty are inextricably linked. When people are healthy and safe, they have a better chance of moving out of poverty. Poor health and unsafe conditions reduce a family’s work and educational productivity. Access to health care in Knox and Waldo counties is below the state average. Key factors are the high cost of care and insurance.

ECONOMIC SECURITY

Only two-thirds of Maine’s workforce of 620,000 people earn a living wage. The ability of individuals, households and communities to cover their essential needs sustainably and with dignity is crucial to their well-being. Financial security depends in large part on access to education, job skills training, transportation and childcare.

WHO BENEFITS?

100% of UMC donations are awarded as grants to more than 50 nonprofit agencies in Knox and Waldo counties each year. UMC funds its grants program through individuals and private foundations.

OUR GRANTEES

WHO WE ARE

United Midcoast Charities, founded in 1942, is a 501c3 nonprofit. UMC's 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 primarily benefit residents of Knox and Waldo counties.

MORE INFO

UMC BY THE NUMBERS - Thanks to you!

NON-PROFIT GRANTEES IN KNOX & WALDO COUNTIES THIS PAST YEAR

PEOPLE SERVED BY UMC THIS PAST YEAR IN KNOX & WALDO COUNTIES

GRANTED BY UMC IN THE PAST 35 YEARS

OF YOUR DONATION SUPPORTS OUR GRANT PROGRAM

CONSIDER INVESTING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

If you’re an individual, a foundation, town, or business, UMC can help you invest in your community. Our wide network throughout Knox and Waldo counties and our deep knowledge about the issues facing our communities mean we can help you leverage your donation, grant, sponsorship or time to increase your impact.

FEEDBACK FROM VOLUNTEERS, DONORS AND RECIPIENTS

I have supported UMC financially for many years and will continue to do so, as I know every dollar is used to strengthen our community.

--Jeanne from Owls Head

UMC benefits every community member, from donors to clients, students to patients, businesses, and social groups. Its reach is unequaled, and its presence is essential.

--Joe from Rockland

I can honestly say without UMC, many vital services in the Midcoast would not be available through so many worthy organizations.

--Martha from Camden