Western Mountain Committee grants awarded in Franklin, Somerset counties

PHOTO: Blair Marvin leads a workshop at the Kneading Conference. (Maine Grain Alliance photo)

ELLSWORTH – The Western Mountains Committee of the Maine Community Foundation has awarded $72,613 in grants to 12 nonprofit organizations in Franklin and Somerset counties.
MaineCF donors made an additional four grants totaling $32,500 from donor-advised funds.
Western Mountains Committee grants:
Farmington Public Library Association, for equipment to safely provide the community with free, reliable internet access during COVID-19: $4,870
Friends of L. C. Bates Museum, to use new museum resources to provide natural science learning opportunities: $1,600
Greater Franklin Development Council, to help administer a county-wide COVID Relief Fund to provide grants up to $5,000 to small businesses allowing them to keep people employed: $3,000
High Peaks Creative Council, to expand the barn quilt trail into southern Franklin County: $10,000
Literacy Volunteers of Franklin and Somerset counties to improve foundational literacy with community education programming: $3,557
Main Street Skowhegan, to create a resilient Skowhegan by empowering local entrepreneurs, maximizing assets, and building a foundation for growth and prosperity for all community members: $10,000
Maine Grain Alliance, to support essential workers in grain-based businesses to survive and thrive through and beyond the disruptions of the 2020 worldwide pandemic: $2,500
MaineHealth, to support the telephonic outreach support network of the Community Care Transitions Program focusing on isolated seniors: $9,923
MSAD 12, to revitalize the Community Leadership Team: $1,000
Phillips Public Library, to expand youth and adult library resources to the outdoors in a safe public setting under a tent: $6,843
Rangeley Lakes Region Historical Society, to improve exhibits on indigenous peoples and educational programs at the Outdoor Heritage Museum: $9,300
Town of Strong, to rebuild a bridge and create a multi-use trail to provide safe outdoor space: $10,000
2021 Grants from Donor-Advised Funds:
Children’s Center Early Intervention and Family Support, to complete renovations at the Farmington location: $10,000
Maine Grain Alliance, to support essential workers in grain-based businesses: $2,500
Mission at the Eastward, to renovate McCleary for transitional housing for the homeless around Farmington: $10,000
Rangeley Region Health and Wellness Partnership, to support ongoing work with families in need, seniors, and people with disabilities: $10,000
The Western Mountains Fund is a permanent endowment supporting projects and nonprofits that strengthen communities in Franklin and Somerset counties. Proposals are submitted through MaineCF’s Community Building Grant Program and are reviewed by a committee of local leaders.
The next proposal deadline is Feb. 15. Application, guidelines and a complete list of 2021 grants can be found at www.mainecf.org .
The Western Mountains Fund is built through donations from the community. For more information, contact Senior Foundation Officer Laura Reed at 207-564-3236 or lreed@mainecf.org.