A Powerful Start to LEARN@UMC in 2026

January 16, 2026By

Our January LEARN@UMC workshop, Storytelling for Impact, led by journalist Elaine Appleton Grant, was an inspiring and highly engaged session. Participants showed up ready to work, share, and reflect, and they gave it their all. The conversation was interactive from start to finish, with thoughtful questions, honest discussion, and real-time practice that pushed everyone to think more deeply about how they tell the story of their mission.

The workshop was informative and enlightening, offering practical guidance that participants can immediately apply to their communications and fundraising. Most importantly, it reinforced the power of storytelling as a way to connect with others in meaningful, heartfelt ways. We are grateful to everyone who participated and helped make the session such a success.

The LEARN@UMC series continues with upcoming opportunities to learn together:

Feb 11: Fundraising Tools to Use Now, a hands-on session exploring free fundraising and donor research tools at UMC

Mar 11: Open Q&A with the Grant Committee, offering guidance for organizations preparing for the 2026 Competitive Grant Call

Workshops are free for UMC grantees and $20 for other area nonprofits. We look forward to continuing to learn alongside you as we strengthen the nonprofit sector across our region.

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Unlocking Fundraising Success: UMC’s October LEARN@UMC Workshop with CCS Fundraising

October 16, 2025By

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.

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UMC Holds Waldo County Volunteer Recruitment Expo

October 14, 2025By

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.

 

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Agency Events

Permission to Pause: A Different Kind of LEARN@UMC

June 25, 2025By

On June 18, we tried something new.

Instead of another skills-based training or panel discussion, LEARN@UMC invited nonprofit leaders across Knox and Waldo Counties to do one radical thing: intentionally practice self-care.

It was a 90-minute window set aside for intentional self-care—no Zoom link, no agenda, no to-do list. Just time to be.

The work of caring for our communities never lets up. As funding shifts and need grows, nonprofit professionals are often the ones holding everything together. But that kind of responsibility takes a toll. So we created space to breathe.

Ten people RSVP’d and five followed through with the full 90-minute experience. And the stories they shared afterward? Honest, grounded, and deeply human.

Some chose movement—walking outside or joining a virtual wellness program. Others connected with loved ones or allowed themselves a slower morning. Each reflection was a powerful reminder that small, intentional acts of self-care are not just restorative—they’re essential.

To encourage participation and celebrate everyone who made time to care for themselves, we offered a special incentive: each person who submitted a reflection was entered into a drawing to win a 60-minute massage gift certificate. A small gesture, but one that underscores just how much rest and restoration matter—especially for those doing hard work in service of others.

Below, we’ve gathered participant photos and reflections. We hope they inspire you to carve out your own moments of rest and reflection in the days ahead. Because you can’t pour from an empty cup—and you shouldn’t have to try.

Thank you to all who participated. And congratulations to our massage gift certificate winner!

👇 See how your fellow changemakers spent their time.

In between the raindrops, I got to weed a section of my front patio, while listening to a self-help podcast. I also purchased one of many flowers that will be planted this weekend in our yard. It was a nice respite from budget emails and meetings and I could take my stress out on pesky weeds!

 

 

Even though my morning was full of interruptions and demands, I stuck to my commitment of self-care. As I walked down a path on our campus I was being watched by a doe. Her presence centered me as she stood still, as if she was giving me permission to find my stillness.

My time was finally used for joining an online yoga, nutrition, and healthy choices tracking app with a 24/7 coach who helps keep me accountable with electronic journaling of daily health related activities. I’m already noticing more energy from healthier food and exercise choices. Who knew?!

 

 

Spending extra time with my 94‑year‑old mother provides invaluable emotional support to us both. These moments also honor her life’s story and wisdom, while creating shared memories that enrich both her sense of purpose and my own.

Today as I practiced what I was preaching. . . I turned off my alarm and woke up when my body naturally wanted to and still gave myself time to exercise. So often I choose between waking up early to exercise or catching a few extra zzzz’s today I got to do both! Self-care and boundaries are so important. For years I’ve coached employees, friends, family that if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t have what it takes to successfully care of anything else this world throws at you.

 

 

 

 

I was on vacation for this event. [Taking care of myself!] Being in the woods after a motorcycle ride is so freeing. There’s nothing like it.

10 Easy Self-Care Ideas You Can Do at Your Desk

If a full 90-minute break feels out of reach, try one of these 10-minute resets during your day:

  1. Breathe deeply – Try a simple 4-7-8 breathing exercise to reset your nervous system.

  2. Stretch it out – Stand up, reach for the sky, and roll your shoulders. Your body will thank you.

  3. Make a real cup of tea or coffee – Step away from your screen while it brews, and sip it slowly.

  4. Write a gratitude list – Just 3 things. It shifts perspective fast.

  5. Listen to one favorite song – Really listen. Maybe even dance in your chair.

  6. Go outside for fresh air – Even a few minutes in nature can calm your mind.

  7. Look at something beautiful – Art, photos, or a plant. Let your eyes rest on something you enjoy.

  8. Do a 10-minute guided meditation – Use apps like Insight Timer, Headspace, or Calm.

  9. Journal one page – Dump your thoughts or answer a simple prompt like “How do I feel right now?”

  10. Reach out to a friend – Send a quick message just to say hi. Connection is care.

You deserve time to care for yourself—at work and beyond. Let this be your reminder.

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Public Events

UMC Hosts Successful Volunteer Recruitment Expo

March 17, 2025By

On Tuesday, March 11 United Midcoast Charities brought the community together for its Volunteer Recruitment Expo at the Flanagan Center in Rockland.  Community members interested in volunteering were greeted by representatives from dozens of local organizations looking for support. Attendees explored how their passions and skills could best align with volunteer opportunities while engaging directly with representatives who were there to answer their questions.

“A big thanks to UMC for arranging the Volunteer Expo,” said Alan Kearl, Executive Director – AIO Food and Energy Assistance. “For some people, it is too intimidating to call or to walk into AIO off the street. The Volunteer Expo created a level playing field where community members could learn about several possible places to volunteer in a common space without the pressure of committing to volunteer at any one before they are ready. “

Beyond connecting with the community, participating businesses benefited from the rare chance to network with their peers, fostering collaboration and camaraderie. The energy of having everyone gathered in the same space made the event a tremendous success for all involved. So successful, in fact, that UMC has already begun the planning of a Waldo County Volunteer Expo. Stay tuned for more details!

Thank you to our event sponsors, The City of Rockland, 106.9 Frank FM, and 105.5 The Wolf.

Check out a short video of the expo here!

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Giving out grants at the grantee breakfast

UMC Grant Application Window Open March 1 – March 31

February 28, 2025By

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.

 

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Baking for a Better World

June 27, 2024By

Three Camden Rockport Middle Schoolers baked numerous tasty treats and held a bake sale in Camden over the weekend. They raised more than $200 through their bake sale to support long-time United Midcoast Charities grantees Midcoast Habitat for Humanity, Homeworthy and AIO Food & Energy Assistance.

This was part of their 7th grade “Solutionaries Project”, a project based learning collaboration between Social Studies and Language Arts classes and required students to think critically about the problems they face in the world and what they can do to solve them. Students did research around challenges that were connected to their own personal values and then narrowed in on one specific problem they wanted to focus on. From there they researched causes and impacts of that problem and met with local stakeholders and experts to brainstorm possible solutions. It is great to see these young change makers in action!

 

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News

United Midcoast Charities Welcomes New Executive Director

May 24, 2024By

CAMDEN, Maine – UMC announces the hiring of Becca Gildred as executive director, effective April 1. Becca brings a wealth of experience in the nonprofit world. For the last 8 years she was Chief Development Officer of Knox County Homeless Coalition. Becca comes with a wealth of knowledge in development, fundraising, marketing, communications, grant writing, and public relations. These key ingredients will building upon our past successes. We look  forward to become a stronger support to our partner agencies and community.

Guided by Becca’s leadership, UMC eagerly anticipates increasing funding and support to local nonprofits. Becca wholeheartedly embraces our mission and vision. She is already positively impacting the organization. We are enthusiastic about working together to further our mission and make an impact in Midcoast Maine. Welcome, Becca!

 

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Focus Areas

2024 Grant Applications to Open at United Midcoast Charities

February 12, 2024By

CAMDEN, Maine – UMC is pleased to announce that starting March 1, our annual grants application process begins. Nonprofit organizations providing services to Knox and Waldo County residents in UMC’s four focus areas of food, housing, health and safety, and economic security are strongly encouraged to apply. This application is the first step in UMC’s thoughtful months-long review process by the UMC Grants Committee and Board of Directors.

“As a relatively young nonprofit, we embarked on the grant application process last year with many uncertainties,” said Neva Allen, Founder & President of But Still I Am One, a Waldo County nonprofit supporting young adults ages 16-21 who are unhoused or home insecure. “The guidance and assistance we received from United Midcoast Charities proved to be invaluable. Their expertise helped us to navigate the complexities, and we were thrilled to secure a grant.”

The application window ends on March 31, so be sure to get your application in by that date.  To apply, visit our website at https://unitedmidcoastcharities.org/our-grant-program/apply-for-a-grant/. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 207-236-2299.

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2023 UMC Days of GivingEvents

United Midcoast Charities’ Annual “Day of Giving” Sets New Record!

December 15, 2023By

CAMDEN – United Midcoast Charities’ annual “Day of Giving” was held this past Saturday, December 9, and a record-setting 88 local retailers and restaurants from Thomaston to Belfast donated part of the day’s proceeds to support more than 40 agencies in Knox and Waldo counties providing essential services in UMC’s focus areas of food, housing, health and safety, and economic security. Thanks to the support of sponsors, participating retailers, and community members who came out in droves, UMC’s grants program will continue to grow and thrive in the new year!

“As a locally owned family business operating since 1975, we take pride in being able to support the local community,” said Sierra Dietz, owner of The Grasshopper Shops and longtime supporter of Day of Giving. “UMC provides incredible assistance for so many area nonprofits and we are happy to be able to support the work they are doing.“

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