The York County Committee of the Maine Community Foundation has awarded $65,548 in grants to eight recipients including the City of Biddeford, which will use its award to bring high-speed internet access to a low-income neighborhood.
Funds were awarded through the York County Fund, a permanent endowment that supports projects and nonprofits to strengthen communities in Maine’s southernmost county. The fund is built through donations from the community.
Applications go through the MCF’s Community Building Grant Program and are reviewed by a committee of local leaders.
The next proposal deadline is Feb. 15, 2020. Applications, guidelines and a list of recent grants are all available online.
Grant recipients and amounts
Engine Inc., to expand the Fringe Fest Performing Arts Festival to include youth, people living in poverty, racial minority groups, immigrants, and refugees: $10,000
Caring Unlimited Corp., to update its website to more effectively and efficiently engage community in work to end domestic violence: $5,000
Habitat for Humanity York County, to create a pilot program that will provide weatherization, aging-in-place modifications and minor home repair to improve the quality of life for older adults: $10,000
Southern Maine Boxing Club, to redesign the gym to serve members who don’t have the ability to pay: $5,000
Eastern Trail Alliance, to update, restore and revitalize current kiosks along off-road portions of the Eastern Trail: $10,000
United Way of York County, to increase the number of Biddeford children who are developmentally ready to learn and succeed in school the day they enter kindergarten: $10,000
City of Biddeford, to implement permanent high-speed internet access for a low-income neighborhood: $7,748
MaineHealth-Biddeford and Sanford Peer Support Centers, to train the Peer Center communities in restorative practices to improve communication and conflict resolution: $4,800