Grant Program Information

UMC provides grants to local nonprofits for general operational budgets and programming. Program grants are reviewed on an annual basis. We do not fund capital projects, debt service, endowments, or private schools.

The grant application period usually occurs in early spring and this year opens March 1 and closes March 31, so applications for 2022 are no longer being accepted.

UMC’s competitive grant process is open to 501(c)(3) organizations and groups with fiscal sponsorship. United Midcoast Charities’ grantmaking is focused on making maximum impact in Knox and Waldo counties in our focus areas of Food, Housing, Health and Safety, and Economic Security. Of special interest are proposals that take a coherent approach to making a lasting difference in a social problem, and those where the service population is part of program design and implementation.

As grant writers know, not all grant applications are successful and there are many reasons why a grant may not be funded. We will provide constructive feedback when we can.

While we aim to fully fund proposals making an impact in our focus areas, please recognize that the total requests for funding still exceed our available grant fund.

Sample qualified programs by focus area*

Food

  • Soup kitchens
  • Home food services
  • After school and summer nutrition programs

Housing

  •             Affordable housing
  •             Homeless shelters
  •             Homeless youth services

Health and Safety

  •             Healthcare
  •             Dental care
  •             Mental health services
  •             Domestic violence services
  •             Sexual assault services
  •             Addiction recovery, support & education
  •             Family planning

Economic Security

  •             Personal finance education
  •             Reentry and restorative services
  •             Affordable childcare
  •             High school completion
  •             Literacy training
  •             College completion
  •             Transportation

*This list is meant to be illustrative and is in no way comprehensive, nor does it in any way guarantee funding.

United Midcoast Charities offers an open competitive grant application process. To view the 2023 schedule, click here.

When unexpected needs arise outside of the grant cycle, UMC offers an Urgent Needs Grant. If you have a pressing need that falls outside of our regular grant cycle please contact UMC Executive Director John Viehman at 207-236-2299 or by email (John@UnitedMidcoastCharities.org) for more information and to find out if your need qualifies for this program.