Recipients gather in Belfast for networking breakfast

United Midcoast Charities (UMC) marked the awarding of $500,000 of grants this year to more than 50 nonprofit organizations in Knox and Waldo counties with a networking breakfast at the Belfast Boathouse on September 29. The Breakfast for Champions was generously sponsored by Allen Insurance and Financial and Bangor Savings Bank.

Representatives of organizations receiving grant funding enjoyed meeting each other and hearing Pecha Kucha presentations about the work of Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County, MCH Meals on Wheels and Midcoast Habitat for Humanity. The celebratory event included a tribute to UMC’s outgoing grants committee chairman, Peter Horch. 

“Peter has done so much to help UMC expand our engagement in Waldo County and strengthen our overall grantmaking process,” said UMC President John Viehman. “Grants are at the heart of everything we do at UMC, and Peter’s tireless efforts have truly enriched the process. We are deeply grateful for his service.”

Debbie Mitchell of Belfast will succeed Horch as chair of the grants committee. Other board members serving alongside Mitchell and Viehman are Betsy Saltonstall, 1st Vice President; Jill Lang, 2nd Vice President; John Burgess, Secretary; Tom Rodman, Treasurer; Lori Alexander; Chris Beebe; Sani Fogel; Jay Foster; Leni Gronros; Lucile Hanscom; Tyler Jones; Elinor Klivans; Peter Palermo; Joan Phaup; Eric Waters; and Jamie Weymouth.

UMC Executive Director Megan Williams congratulated the grant recipients and noted the value of bringing nonprofit leaders together for networking and collaboration. “We are pleased to celebrate the work being accomplished by these nonprofits to make a stronger, more resilient community here in Midcoast Maine. We look forward to supporting their hard work in more ways by providing learning and sharing opportunities in addition to funding.”

For the list of 2017 Grantees, please click here.