Author Archives: Eileen McGuigan

This December, United Midcoast Charities was thrilled to see a longtime tradition take new shape with our reimagined 12 Days of Giving. Expanding our former Day of Giving created more opportunities to shop local, give local, and support the Midcoast nonprofits and neighbors who rely on a strong community safety net.

Twenty-six local businesses participated, each giving back in their own way — from donating a portion of sales to matching customer gifts and offering special promotions. A big thank-you to The Green Store in Belfast, which kicked things off by donating 32% of sales during its anniversary weekend, and to all our partners who kept the momentum going throughout the event.

We’re deeply grateful to every participating business, every customer who chose to shop local, and our generous 12 Days of Giving sponsor, Allen Insurance & Financial. Together, you helped strengthen our local economy while supporting food access, housing stability, health and safety, and economic security across Knox and Waldo Counties.

And we’re not stopping there — in 2026, we’re expanding to 25 Days of Giving, opening the door to even more local businesses and even more community impact.

Thank you to the local participating businesses and to everyone who shopped locally, helping strengthen the local economy and support our community during the 12 Days of Giving.

United Midcoast Charities successfully hosted its October LEARN@UMC workshop, Unlocking Success: Choosing the Right Fundraising Counsel for Your Organization, bringing together nonprofit leaders, board members, and development staff for a highly engaging and practical learning experience.

Led by Sarah Emerson, Senior Vice President at CCS Fundraising, the session provided attendees with clear, actionable guidance on how to evaluate and select the right fundraising consultant for their organization. Participants walked away with a stronger understanding of when and why to engage outside counsel, how consultants can complement in-house development teams, and what criteria matter most when assessing organizational fit.

The workshop was widely praised for its interactive format and real-world relevance. Emerson shared concrete examples from her extensive career, helping attendees connect strategic concepts to the everyday realities faced by small and mid-sized nonprofits. Her approachable and thoughtful presentation style created a welcoming environment that encouraged questions, discussion, and peer learning throughout the session.

Nonprofits in attendance reported gaining practical tools and increased confidence to make informed decisions that support long-term fundraising success. The session reinforced the value of strategic partnerships and underscored how the right guidance can strengthen sustainability and impact.

This workshop was part of UMC’s ongoing LEARN@UMC series, which is designed to provide timely, high-quality professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of nonprofits serving Midcoast Maine communities.

United Midcoast Charities successfully hosted the Waldo County Volunteer Recruitment Expo at the Waldo County YMCA in Belfast, bringing together nonprofit organizations and community members eager to get involved and give back.

The free, public event created a welcoming space for attendees to meet directly with nonprofits serving Knox and Waldo Counties, learn about a wide range of volunteer opportunities, and explore ways their interests, skills, and availability could support critical community needs. From one-time commitments to ongoing roles, the expo highlighted the many ways volunteers strengthen local organizations.

Nonprofits participating in the expo valued the opportunity to connect face-to-face with potential volunteers and share the impact of their work. Community members appreciated the accessible, one-stop format, which made it easy to ask questions, gather information, and discover causes that resonated with them.

The success of the expo also drew local media attention, with WABI TV 5 covering the event and highlighting it as a “one-stop shop” for community engagement. The coverage helped amplify the importance of volunteerism and the vital role local nonprofits play across Knox and Waldo Counties.

Watch the WABI TV 5 segment here: https://www.wabi.tv/2025/10/14/volunteer-expo-presents-one-stop-shop-community-engagement/

United Midcoast Charities extends sincere thanks to all of the nonprofits and community members who participated, as well as event sponsors Waldo County YMCA, 106.9 Frank FM, and 105.5 The Wave, whose support made the event possible.

United Midcoast Charities (UMC) is excited to announce our annual grant application window opens on March 1. Nonprofit organizations serving the residents of Knox and Waldo County in the areas of food, housing, health and safety, and economic security are invited to apply.

“I’m honored to be stepping into the role of Grant Committee Chair at such a pivotal time,” said Larrain Slaymaker, the newly appointed chair of UMC’s Grant Committee. “We’re eagerly looking forward to receiving applications from organizations dedicated to making a real difference in our community. Our drive remains steadfast—to support initiatives that provide essential services, drive positive change, and enhance the quality of life for Knox and Waldo County residents.”

For nonprofits planning to apply for a UMC grant this year, you are invited to attend a Q&A with UMC staff and members of our Grants Committee at our Camden office on March 12 from 9-10:30am. Registration is required as space is limited. Please email admin@unitedmidcoastcharities.org to register.

The application window closes at 5:00 p.m. on March 31, so make sure to submit by then. Visit unitedmidcoastcharities.org/apply-for-a-grant/ for more details and to apply.