News

On Wednesday, February 12, UMC partnered with Rebecca Green of Amplify Nonprofit Consulting in Waterville, Maine to present a workshop on Grant Writing for Nonprofits.

Rebecca is an experienced administrator, educator, and writer who combines versatile communication skills with an insider’s knowledge of successful nonprofit management. She has experience working with social services, youth development, and arts organizations. She co-founded the nonprofit Elm City Music School in 2024 and has served as a city councilor in Waterville since 2020. Rebecca will share her expertise in proposal writing – including budget development and program design – and discuss developing systems for organizing grant submissions and reports.

The workshop was a resounding success, drawing a diverse group of participants eager to learn and engage. The well-attended event provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of crafting compelling grant proposals, with expert guidance and interactive discussions. Attendees had the opportunity to ask pertinent questions, leading to a dynamic exchange of ideas and practical tips. The positive feedback received underscores the importance of such initiatives in empowering local organizations and fostering community growth. With UMC’s Grant Submission window opening on March 1, this timely topic could not have come at a better moment, preparing participants for the upcoming grant application process.

CAMDEN, Maine – United Midcoast Charities recently announced the addition of Larrain Slaymaker to its Board of Directors. Larrain has lived in Hope Maine for over forty years and has worked with a wide range of businesses, non-profits, government, and community organizations over her career. She has operated several marine businesses and currently owns and operates NorthPoint Yacht Charters. In addition, Larrain has served on numerous Boards including the National Resources Council of Maine, and was Chair of the Knox Local Case Resolution Committee under the Maine Children’s Cabinet. Larrain has strong personal interests in working with entrepreneurs, sustainable economic development, social capitalism, creative economies, and social justice.

We look forward to Larrain’s contributions, with a focus on Grants and Development. Welcome Larrain!

We’re pleased to announce that the board of United Midcoast Charities (UMC) has selected John Viehman as its new executive director.

Viehman has had a long publishing and broadcasting career while also engaging in many community activities. His magazines and two PBS series, “Trailside” and “Anyplace Wild,” received multiple National Magazine Awards and Emmy nominations, and he has frequently provided expert testimony to the U.S. Congress in support of outdoor recreation and wilderness preservation. In recent years, he has been a sales representative for the Courier Publications and VillageSoup network of news outlets.

Viehman joined the UMC board in 2014 after serving for six years on its communications committee. He was UMC’s board chair and president from 2015 through 2019. During that time, the organization undertook a strategic planning process to develop its explicit vision, mission, values, goals, and supportive work plans. As part of that process, UMC hired Williams, who worked closely with Viehman to create comprehensive policies and procedures.

Viehman serves on the boards of the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Rockport Library Foundation, and on the Rockport Planning Board. He is a past mentor and Midcoast coordinator for the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs’ “Top Gun” business mentoring program and belongs to the West Bay Rotary Club.

UMC President Betsy Saltonstall welcomed Viehman’s appointment:

“John’s firm devotion to that mission, his deep experience as a UMC volunteer, and his skills as a professional communicator have already contributed greatly to our progress during the past several years. We are delighted to know that he soon will be leading us as executive director.”

Viehman, who will assume his new role on November 5, said, “Taking on the role of executive director is one of those rare opportunities where I can apply the best practices and skillsets I’ve honed throughout my professional career and merge them with my passion for improving the welfare of our community. It really is a dream job for me.”

OUR MISSION
Identifying needs. Supporting solutions.
United Midcoast Charities energizes Midcoast Maine nonprofits through finance and guidance, supporting a network of resources stronger than any single organization. Our focus areas are food, housing, health & safety and economic security.

For more information, visit UnitedMidcoastCharities.org

UMC has convened a Local Board and applications are now open for Federal Emergency Food and Shelter (EFSP) funding. Knox County was awarded $29,912 through the current EFSP and CARES funding cycle to provide resources to local organizations that meet emergency food and shelter needs.

EFSP and CARES funding will support special emergency assistance in the areas of food, shelter, or rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to be used by May 31, 2021. EFSP funds are intended to provide assistance over and above those services already provided through agencies’ annual budgets. The minimum award amount for these phases is $5,000.

UMC will provide administrative support for Knox County EFSP and CARES distribution. Funding decisions are made by the Local Board of community volunteers, under the guidance of the State Set-Aside Committee of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

To be eligible for funds, an organization must: hold a 501c3 tax designation; have adequate accounting and information systems to support required documentation; practice nondiscrimination; demonstrate the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter services in Knox County; and document a current valid volunteer board.

The application will be available soon at unitedmidcoastcharities.org or by calling 207-236-2299. All interested agencies are encouraged to consult Local Board chair Kelly Carey by phone or at kelly@unitedmidcoastcharities.org for support in crafting a strong application. Applications are due by 5 pm, Sunday August 23^rd.