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!

READ MORE
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.

 

READ MORE
News

UMC Hosts Nonprofit Grant Writing Workshop

February 28, 2025By

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.

READ MORE
Day of Giving Participating locationEvents

8th Annual Day of Giving

January 24, 2025By

On Saturday, December 21, local businesses from Searsport to Thomaston and community members came together in the spirit of generosity and cooperation during UMC’s annual Day of Giving. On this special day, participating businesses pledged a portion of the day’s sales to support UMC’s Grants Program. The event not only bolstered our fundraising efforts but also highlighted the incredible power of community solidarity.

We are deeply grateful for the support of the local businesses and the enthusiastic participation of everyone who shopped, dined, and contributed to this event. Together, we are making a difference.

See all participating businesses here.

Photo above shows 2024 Day of Giving collection box at Winifred and Evalyn in Rockland.

READ MORE
Boys with Wasses Hot Dog Stand Gingerbread HouseEvents

2nd Annual Gingerbread Contest

January 24, 2025By

During Camden’s festive “Christmas By The Sea” weekend, our Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibition drew in a crowd of enthusiastic participants and visitors. In its second year, the event saw a remarkable doubling in attendance, as families and friends gathered to marvel at the creativity on display and vote for their favorite gingerbread creations. Beyond the fun, and monies raised for UMC’s Grants Program, this event provided an excellent opportunity to educate the community about the critical needs UMC addresses.

    • 1st Place Adult Amateur & People’s Choice Award – Jessica Bailey
    • 2nd Place Adult Amateur – Barbara Bauldaman
    • 3d Place Adult Amateur – Justin Cristiansen
    • 1st Place Youth Amateur – James Kivel
    • 2nd Place Youth Amateur – Victoria Mason
    • 3rd Place Youth Amateur – Nataly Turner-Watts
    • 1st Place Professional – Stephen Watts
READ MORE
Public Events

12 Days of Giving

January 12, 2025By

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

 

READ MORE
Capacity Building

New Tools Provide More Than $250,000 in Added Value for Grantees

October 17, 2024By

Nonprofits can now access Foundation Directory Pro (FDP) and GuideStar Pro through the Candid Community App at the United Midcoast Charities (UMC) offices in Camden.  As a Funding Information Network Location, UMC can help nonprofits access hundreds of thousands of potential funders. Previously, those without a pro subscription would have to go to Portland to access this information. 

Utilizing FDP, nonprofits gain comprehensive and current insights to drive their searches. The extensive profile of each grantmaker provides valuable insights into their past grants, the causes they fund, how much they typically give out, and who is connected to each organization. This helps identify and prioritize the most suitable funders. Since 90% of U.S. foundations lack websites, finding funders through a standard internet search is nearly impossible. FDP connects nonprofits with philanthropists eager to support their missions.

GuideStar Pro is the most comprehensive source of nonprofit information available, with access to 1.8 million+ nonprofits. With the most advanced search and analysis tool for researching nonprofits, organizations can search and filter by organization, type, size and location, detailed cause areas and populations served, and see in-depth organizational financial information.

New to Foundation Directory? The staff at UMC are trained to assist organizations in getting started. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, email admin@unitedmidcoastcharities.org, or call the UMC office at 207-236-2299.

A recent workshop was held for 2024 Grantees to be introduced to the tools with opportunity for hands on experience. Thirteen grantees attended this first L.E.A.R.N. @ UMC event and left saying things like “`Many thanks to you for a super enlightening morning!” and “It was a great workshop! I am excited to take advantage of all these resources!!”

READ MORE
Grantee BreakfastAgency Events

2024 Grantees Announced

September 18, 2024By

United Midcoast Charities this year distributed $630,000 in grant funding to 42 agencies providing the basic needs of food, housing, health & safety, and economic security to residents of Knox and Waldo counties.

“Of all the households in Knox and Waldo counties, 42% are working and make too much to qualify for government assistance but not enough to cover the cost of living on their own. They rely on the many partner agencies we fund to make ends meet,” said UMC Executive Director Becca Gildred. “I’m so glad that we can help bolster the vast majority of organizations in this region that make up the nonprofit portion of the safety net.”

UMC’s board of directors celebrated the grantees at the annual grantees’ breakfast sponsored by the Samoset Resort on September 11.

This year’s recipients grouped by focus area include:

FOOD

  • AIO Food Pantry
  • Belfast Soup Kitchen
  • Come Spring Food Pantry
  • MCH Inc. – Meals on Wheels
  • No Greater Love Food Pantry
  • St. Bernard Soup Kitchen
  • Waldo County Bounty*

HOUSING

  • Homeworthy (fna) Knox County Homeless Coalition
  • Midcoast Habitat for Humanity
  • Midcoast Recovery Coalition

HEALTH & SAFETY

  • American Red Cross
  • Belfast Public Health Nursing
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • Camden Area District Nursing
  • Coastal Family Hospice Volunteers
  • Coastal Opportunities
  • Coastal Recovery Community Center*
  • Finding Our Voices
  • Knox Clinic
  • Maine Youth Alliance – Game Loft
  • Maine Family Planning
  • Maine HealthCare at Home
  • New Hope Midcoast
  • Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County
  • OUT Maine
  • Pine Tree Society*
  • Rockland District Nursing Association
  • Sexual Assault Support Services
  • Soap Closet
  • Southern Harbor Eldercare Services
  • Spectrum Generations
  • St. George Community Development Corporation*
  • Trekkers, Inc.
  • Waldo County Dental Care
  • Waldo County Woodshed

ECONOMIC SECURITY

  • Belfast Area Child Care Services
  • But Still I Am One
  • Penobscot Bay YMCA
  • Penquis CAP – DVIP
  • Waldo CAP
  • Waldo County YMCA
  • Waterman’s Community Center

Agencies listed with (*) denote new grantees for 2024.

READ MORE
Agency Events

Advocating for Hope & Kindness

September 5, 2024By

United Midcoast Charities Annual Grantee Breakfast to Participate in Live, Virtual Global Conversation on Advocating for Hope and Kindness

On September 11, during National Compassionate Leadership Week, author and philanthropist Donato Tramuto, of the TramutoPorter Foundation, will host a live conversation at United Midcoast Charities’ Annual Grantee Breakfast Celebration sponsored by the Samoset Resort in Rockport. Tramuto, speaking from Maine, will be joined virtually by 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi, who will participate via Zoom from India. This conversation, held on the anniversary of September 11, will examine the crucial role of compassion in leadership and its healing power. Community members can register for the free virtual event here: https://tramutofoundation.com/compassion/2024-summit/

National Compassionate Leadership Week honors leaders who use empathy to drive success in business, education, and community. This week highlights the proven benefits of compassionate leadership and its positive impact on all areas of life. “Our goal is to create a movement that brings more compassion into every part of life,” said Tramuto. “By honoring those who lead with compassion, we aim to build momentum and make a lasting impact.”

UMC is proud to partner with the TramutoPorter Foundation as the host of what is being recognized as a major highlight of the week’s agenda.

This year, United Midcoast Charities is distributing grants totaling $630,000 to 42 agencies providing the basic needs of food, housing, health & safety, and economic security to residents of Knox and Waldo counties. We couldn’t think of a more inspiring topic for an event dedicated to leaders who are committed to compassionate leadership within their own organizations.

About Donato J. Tramuto

Donato J. Tramuto is the former CEO of Tivity Health®, Inc. (Nasdaq: TVTY). He is widely recognized for his commitment to social change and transformational leadership in healthcare innovation, which led the New York Times to deem him “a global health activist.”

Tramuto is also the founder and chair of The TramutoPorter Foundation, which advances young people’s rights to education and healthcare access and combats human rights violations. He launched the foundation in memory of his two friends and their three-year-old son, who lost their lives on 9/11 when United Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower. Tramuto had planned to be on that flight; however, he never joined his friends due to a toothache. Since the foundation’s launch, over 100 young adults have received a TramutoPorter Foundation Scholarship to pursue their dream of a College Education. Many organizations have received financial and partnership support, helping them deliver on their promise to make the world a more equitable place.

His three-decade commitment to social change and innovation has earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope (2014) and the RFK Embracing His Legacy Awards (2016). He also received the PharmaVoice RedJacet award presented to leaders in the Life Sciences Industry who have shown what it means to be an inspired leader for their teams, their companies, their communities, and the industry at large.

Tramuto currently serves as a member of the board of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and is chairman of its Leadership Council, where his foundation has committed to funding a three-year, $1 million grant to address workplace bullying, leading a national initiative to address workplace dignity and inclusion in the U.S. and Europe.

To learn more about Donato Tramuto visit https://www.tramutofoundation.org

About Kailash Satyarthi

2014 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Kailash Satyarthi is a human rights activist from India who has been at the forefront of the global movement to end child slavery and exploitation since 1980, when he gave up a lucrative career as an electrical engineer to initiate a crusade against child servitude. As a grassroots activist, Kailash and the grassroots movement he founded, Bachpan Bachao Andolan (English: Save Childhood Movement), have liberated more than 83,000 children from exploitation and developed a successful model for their education, rehabilitation, and reintegration into mainstream society. As a worldwide campaigner, he has been the architect of the largest civil society network for the most exploited children, the Global March Against Child Labour, a worldwide coalition of children’s rights organizations, teachers’ unions, and trade unions. His efforts led to the adoption of ILO Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labor in 1999. He is also the founding president of the Global Campaign for Education, an exemplary civil society movement working to end the global education crisis, and GoodWeave International, which raises consumer awareness and positive action in the carpet industry.

For more on Kailash Satyarthi and his passionate work over the years, visit https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2014/satyarthi/biographical/

READ MORE
Board and staff at Belfast BoathouseEvents

Eat, Drink & Be Generous

August 28, 2024By

United Midcoast Charities’ Eat, Drink & Be Generous Event Honors Volunteers, Donors, and Grantees

On August 22, a quintessential Maine summer day featuring everything from bright, sunny skies to a sudden downpour and a stunning double rainbow, United Midcoast Charities gathered with friends and supporters to celebrate the organization’s grantee organizations, honor its Community Champions, present the Award for Philanthropic Excellence to Karen Foxwell, and launch its 2025 fundraising campaign.

Partygoers at the Belfast Yacht Club & Event Center took in breathtaking views of Belfast Bay, enjoyed delicious food and drink, participated in an engaging silent auction, and won unique door prizes. The prizes included a one-of-a-kind plein-air painting created by Mary Ann Heinzen-Hackett during the event.

“We were delighted to honor the individuals who tirelessly carry out our mission and to celebrate the generous supporters who make our work possible,” said UMC Executive Director Becca Gildred.  “The evening was a beautiful blend of recognition and gratitude. I am incredibly proud of the impactful work UMC does to amplify the efforts of our partner agencies throughout the Midcoast region.”

Cellardoor Winery, Rockport Steel, O’Hara Corporation, and Front Street Shipyard generously sponsored the event.

Local businesses supported the event by donating silent auction items. Contributors include 250 Main Hotel, 40 Paper, Ada’s Kitchen, A Morning In Maine, Acadia Ebike Adventure, Allagash Brewing Co., ALLPLaY Family Entertainment Center, American Flatbread, American Ghost Walks, Amy Jenner, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., Bay Chamber Concerts, Bay View Collection, Bears Den Billiards & Trapt Escape Rooms, Beaver Lodge, Bistro La Cave, Blue Barren Distillery & Restaurant, Boston Red Sox, Camden Conference, CedarWorks, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Christine’s Framing Gallery, City Drawers, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Colburn Shoe Store, Delvino’s Grill & Pasta House, Dot’s Market, Dry Dock Restaurant, Farnsworth Art Museum, Flowers by Hoboken, Front Street Pub, Goose River Golf Club, Graffam Bros. Seafood Market, The Grasshopper Shop, Hey Sailor, House of Logan, Jess’s Market, Jesse Tobias Designs, L.L. Bean, Leonard’s, Loyal Biscuit Co., The LimeRock Inn, Maine Island Trail Association, Maine Mariners, Maine Media, Maine State Credit Union, Mainely Gallery & Studio, McLaughlin Seafood, Midcoast Recreation Center, MountainSea Expeditions, Once A Tree, Pen Bay YMCA, Planet Toys, Nina June, RAYR – The Wine Shop, Rockland Golf Club, Sailing Vessel Owl, Strand Theatre, Symmetree Base Camp, The Craignair Inn by the Sea, The Everyman Repertory Theatre, The Pour Farm, The Samoset Resort, The Smiling Cow, The Waterfront Restaurant, The Wharf at Lyman-Morse, TOPO Gallery, Waldo County YMCA, Winifred & Evalyn, and Wooden Alchemy.

For more details on this year’s event click here.

 

READ MORE