United Midcoast Charities Grant

United Midcoast Charities (UMC) is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the well-being of individuals and families in Midcoast Maine by empowering local nonprofits through financial support and guidance. UMC primarily focuses on four areas of community need: food, housing, health and safety, and economic security. The organization operates with the belief that a robust network of interconnected services is more impactful than any single initiative, and therefore, it supports nonprofits that align with its mission through a competitive grantmaking process. UMC provides both general operating support and program-specific grants to eligible nonprofits operating within Knox and Waldo counties. General operating support grants are intended for organizations whose entire mission aligns with UMC’s priority areas, allowing flexibility in the use of funds to meet organizational needs throughout the year. Program grants are aimed at nonprofits with broader missions that offer specific programs falling within one or more of UMC’s focus areas. In either case, applicants are encouraged to consult with UMC if they are unsure about which type of grant is more appropriate for their application. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or qualifying groups serving Knox or Waldo counties. The application window runs annually from March 1 to March 31. Applications must be submitted electronically through UMC’s online portal by 5:00 p.m. EST on March 31. Paper applications are not accepted. Applicants may refer to sample applications or request a Word version for preparation purposes; however, the final submission must be made through the designated online system. A Q&A session with Grants Committee members is held mid-cycle to support applicants in navigating the process. UMC's Grants Committee conducts a thorough review of all applications, assessing their alignment with focus areas, community impact, and overall feasibility. From April through July, the committee may conduct site visits and invite selected agencies to present additional details. The final funding recommendations are submitted to the UMC Board, which votes on awards by mid-August. Final decisions are typically communicated to applicants in early September. Grants awarded through UMC typically range from $1,000 to $25,000, depending on the proposal’s scope and UMC’s annual philanthropic budget. In 2024, the average grant size was $15,000. Final reports from previous grantees are due by June 30 of the following year. UMC does not fund capital campaigns, endowments, debt reduction, lobbying efforts, annual appeals, event sponsorships, conferences, seminars, or private schools. For questions or technical support during the application process, applicants can contact Rebecca at [email protected] or call 207-2367-2299. UMC emphasizes transparency and continuous improvement and will provide constructive feedback when possible to organizations that are not selected for funding.

Funding prioritizes strong alignment with focus areas. Consult UMC if unsure which grant type to apply for.