Nonprofit and public organizations seeking funding for projects that strengthen communities are encouraged to apply to the Maine Community Foundation’s Community Building Grant Program.

A volunteer committee of Knox County residents reviews grants and makes recommendations for funding. The deadline for applying is Feb. 15, 2018. Applicants should note that the grant criteria and application questions have changed. Application and guidelines are available at www.mainecf.org.

In 2017, the committee awarded nearly $25,000 in grants to seven nonprofits. They included:

• $2,000 to Twin Villages Foodbank Farm, to grow, distribute, and store nutrient-dense fresh food using organic practices for low-income residents of Lincoln County
• $5,000 to Lincoln County Dental, to improve access to treatment for dental pain and infection and replacement dentures (if needed) for people in recovery from opiate addiction
• $5,000 to Waldo Theatre, to provide capacity building and training in sustainable fundraising, historic preservation, and arts-focused economic development for its board and other community organizations.

Headquartered in Ellsworth, with additional offices in Portland, Dover-Foxcroft, and Mars Hill, the Maine Community Foundation works with donors and other partners to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.