Past Grant Awards
The following tables document projects funded by the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust in recent years.
The Trust funds Maine-based projects in culture, education, the environment, and preservation. Grants average around $10,000 and are distributed throughout Maine. With the exception of a group of organizations with which Dr. Morton Kelly had a long-term relationship, the Trust does not normally fund applicants for more than two consecutive years or make grants of more than $20,000.
The search box at the top of each year’s grant list can be used to search for keywords, grant amounts, or organization names.
2017 Grant Awards
| 2017 Grant Recipient | Project Description | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 240 Strings | to sustain and expand individual music instruction and community performance to disadvantaged children and families. | $5,000 |
| 317 Main Community Music Center | to increase access to music enrichment and education opportunities to people of all ages through the growth and improvement of financial aid and partnership programs. | $5,000 |
| A Company of Girls | in support of after-school art and theater programs serving girls ages 8-18 who face food insecurity, bullying, poor academic performance and social anxiety with a positive environment and mentorship. | $2,500 |
| Abbe Museum | in support of a three-day event, the Abbe Museum Indian Market, highlighting and supporting Wabanaki artists and the local economy. | $10,000 |
| Appalachian Mountain Club | in support of the Maine Woods Community Youth and Environment Program, which will touch every school in Piscataquis County, integrating environmental education, personal development and team building in concert with Maine's K-12 curriculum requirements. | $7,500 |
| Bay Chamber Concerts & Music School | to defray the costs of regular music lessons, group classes and performance opportunities for financially challenged Maine youth. | $5,000 |
| Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences | to support the BLOOM oceanography program which hosts Maine high school juniors and science teachers from across the state to study the role of the ocean and its microbial inhabitants in planetary health. | $15,000 |
| Bowdoin College | in support of the forthcoming Winslow Homer and the Camera: Photography and the Art of Painting exhibit (June 22 to October 28, 2018). | $10,000 |
| Brick Store Museum | to expand the Museum's role as a community education and cultural tourism center by providing family activities, after hours programs, hands-on learning areas, expanded Art Gallery and marketing. | $5,000 |
| Bridgton Historical Society | to expand and upgrade collections storage capacity. | $5,000 |
| Bristol Parks and Recreation | to assist with the preservation of the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. | $10,000 |
| Cancer Community Center | to support the expansion of free health and wellness educational programming for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers at the Center. | $5,000 |
| Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine | to provide two Junior Educator positions within the Junior Educator Project. | $15,000 |
| Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine | in support of the institution's campaign for the purchase, design and construction of a new building and location on Portland's Thompson's Point. (part of a multi-year grant) | $50,000 |
| Chocolate Church Arts Center (The) | to restore an outdated marquee for improved visibility at the organization's downtown Bath facility. | $5,000 |
| Community Financial Literacy | general operating support for classes and counseling in basic financial education for the refugee, immigrant, asylee, and low-income populations in Portland, Lewiston/Auburn and parts of York County. | $10,000 |
| Cornish Library Association | in support of Phase 3 of the Bonney Memorial Library Renovation and Expansion Project. | $10,000 |
| Downeast Salmon Federation | to defray dam removal costs in order to protect and restore Smelt Brook, a scenic, recreational and ecological resource in eastern Maine. | $10,000 |
| Eastern Trail Alliance | to complete a critical 1.6 mile segment of the Eastern Trail. The funds will go directly to the costs associated with building two bridges. | $20,000 |
| Eddington Clifton Civic Center | toward repairs of the Eddington Clifton Civic Center which serves as a center for a wide range of cultural and civil functions/ | $10,000 |
| Engine | to support Engine's core work, to foster and integrate the arts and design, education, and sustainable creative entrepreneurialism as an explicit community value and civic priority in Biddeford. | $10,000 |
| Falmouth Land Trust | to support the continuation of an outreach and education coordinator position. | $10,000 |
| Falmouth Memorial Library | in support of the Library's expansion project. | $10,000 |
| First Parish Preservation Foundation | to repair and restore the damaged steeple on Kennebunk's 18th Century First Parish Church. | $10,000 |
| Foundation for Maine's Community Colleges (The) | to continue scholarship support at Southern Maine Community College. | $15,000 |
| Freedom Community Historical Society | to restore Keen Hall, a National Register property, to be used as a year round home for the Freedom historical society and a community center. | $10,000 |
| Frenchman Bay Conservancy | in support of education center program development and related technology to educate and engage visitors at the Tidal Falls Preserve in Sullivan. | $5,000 |
| Friends of Casco Bay | to support the revamping of the Citizen Stewards Program which trains community member volunteers to collect water quality data to track the health of the Bay. | $9,000 |
| Friends of the Presumpscot River | to support project expenses associated with outreach and increased public awareness of the benefits of a restored Presumpscot River. | $5,000 |
| Gateway Milbridge | in support of a capital campaign to rebuild the Milbridge Theatre as a modern theatre and community arts center in rural Washington County. | $10,000 |
| Good Shepherd | to support the School Pantry program for five food insecure schools. | $10,000 |
| Good Will-Hinckley | in support of the Glenn Stratton Learning Center Program. | $10,000 |
| Greater Portland Landmarks | to engage children and families with educational activities to meet the growing demand for learning opportunities related to GPL's historic preservation mission. | $10,000 |
| Gulf of Maine Research Institute | a major grant to support reconstruction and reconception of the Institute's signature "LabVenture" program that serves more than 10,000 Maine students annually. (First of two installments) | $100,000 |
| Haystack Mountain School of Crafts | to expand upon the school's current fab lab programming and establish sustainable long-term vision for the program. | $5,000 |
| Herring Gut Learning Center | for program support for hands-on study and experience in aquaculture and marine science to encourage the preservation and economic development of coastal communities. | $7,500 |
| Historical Society of Wells & Ogunquit | to fund an advisory committee, exhibit designer and local contractor to refresh and re-interpret the Meetinghouse Museum. | $10,000 |
| Hope Acts | to assist immigrants in Portland's Parkside neighborhood by offering a comprehensive workshop focused on all aspects of job preparedness. | $5,000 |
| Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project | to help fund the 2017 Public Education and Outreach Initiative. | $5,000 |
| Johnson Hall | to help complete full historic rehabilitation of all three floors of Johnson Hall and bring the structure into active use as a performing arts facility. | $10,000 |
| Lakes Environmental Association | to help fund an environmental initiative to develop and implement "Lake School" courses at the Maine Lake Science Center in Bridgton. | $10,000 |
| Learningworks | in support of the EL/LP program, which provides immigrants and refugees tools needed to enter workforce and achieve financial stability through English Language and Literacy Programs. | $7,500 |
| Maine Audubon | for general education programs. | $10,000 |
| Maine Boys to Men | to increase the impact and further expand its Reducing Sexism and Violence Program (RSVP) by extending its train-the-trainer model to serve additional rural and underserved communities. | $5,000 |
| Maine Charitable Mechanic Association | to partially fund restoration of the Association's library, with a focus on floors and electrical improvements. | $5,000 |
| Maine Historical Society | to develop and implement a program designed to support local cultural organizations all across the state in responding to the needs of their communities and becoming catalysts for civic dialog. | $20,000 |
| Maine Humanities Council | to offer public humanities programming with at least 140 programs at rural libraries statewide. | $15,000 |
| Maine Island Trail Association | to support the stewardship programs of the Maine Island Trail Association to ensure that Maine's wild islands remain pristine and accessible. | $5,000 |
| Maine Jewish Film Festival | to create programs based on girls coming of age, immigrant experience and the global Jewish experience themes. | $5,000 |
| Maine Seacoast Mission | to sustain the EdGE after-school program at Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School in Machias. | $10,000 |
| Maine Tree Foundation | to support the LEAF Program, and environmental and forestry eduction program for teachers. | $5,000 |
| Maine Troop Greeters | to support construction of a museum at Bangor International Airport to tell the story of how local volunteers spent more than 14 years meeting and greeting over 1.5 million troops. | $10,000 |
| Maine Women's Policy Center | in support of education and leadership development program "Girls Day at the State House." | $5,000 |
| Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center | to support the 2018 Maine National Education for Women (NEW) Leadership Institute. | $10,000 |
| Mayo Street Arts | to expand staffing to increase programming capacity at this community arts organization in East Bayside, Portland. | $10,000 |
| Midcoast Conservancy | to expand and conserve the recreational lands surrounding Lake St. George State Park which will support fish habitat on the Sheepscot River and economicand recreational benefits to Waldo County. | $10,000 |
| Millinocket Memorial Library | to support the Katahdin Think Tank, a multi-purpose, public access conference room for the Katahdin Region being constructed in the public library. | $10,000 |
| Mt. Agamenticus to the Sea | in support of the final year of a three-year capital campaign to conserve an additional 1,500 acres in the MtA2C focus area. | $10,000 |
| Olympia Snowe Women's Leadership Institute | general operating support for this program, which matches advisors with high school girls identified as having potential but in need of support and training. | $10,000 |
| Pejepscot Historical Society | to replace the problematic 1980's era entrance porch and accessibility ramp on the west side of the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum. | $10,000 |
| Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation Dist | to purchase eductional equipment for a water quality education program that will travel to libraries and to schools throughout Piscataquis County. | $5,000 |
| Portland Museum of Art | to support installations in The Workshop, a hands-on, interactive space, promoting creative problem solving, relaxation, social relationships, flexibility and spontaneity. | $20,000 |
| Portland Public Library | to support the PeaksnIsland Branch renovation. Funds will be earmarked for a new Library circulation desk, Library tables and other furnishings. | $15,000 |
| Portland Stage | to fund the Directors Lab, an Educational initiative for middle and high school students designed to introduce students to classic text and the impact of interpretation. | $10,000 |
| Portland Symphony Orchestra | to support PSO music education programs: KinderKonzerts, Youth Concerts, Discovery Concerts, Instrument Petting Zoo and PSO Explorers | $10,000 |
| Preble Street | for Preble Street Emergency Food Programs, operating three soup kitchens at the Resource Center, Florence House and Teen Center. | $25,000 |
| Roil, Inc. d/b/a Maine Inside Out | in support of community arts programming for formerly incarcerated young people in Maine. | $7,500 |
| Royal River Conservation Trust | in support of Riverfront Woods Preserve project. purchasing 24 acres of Royal River, Yarmouth frontage connecting two existing preserves to total one half mile of protected shoreline. | $10,000 |
| Saco River Theatre | to maintain low ticket prices using "pay-what-you-can nights" for the 2018 theater performances and music events. | $5,000 |
| Saint Joseph's College | to sponsor "State of the Lake Summit", training 2 STEM students in water quality measurement and work with teachers to integrate data gathered from Sebago/sensing buoy to science lessons and courses. | $3,500 |
| Sanford Springvale Mousam Way Land Trust | in support of the Blanchard Project to purchase and preserve 79 acres for the enhancement of habitats and trails in which to explore, study and observe. | $10,000 |
| Somali Bantu Community Association | to support the Kasheekee Telling Room, a year-round program serving 160 youth, offering classes free of charge. | $5,000 |
| Southern Maine Agency on Aging | in support of a marketing outreach efforts for the Agency's Stewart Adult Day Center in Falmouth which supports caregivers, families and individuals living with dementia. | $15,000 |
| Space Gallery | to fund architectural/engineering surveys and assessments to redesign the façade to reflect the organizations' contemporary attitude, unify the building and honor the historic architecture. | $6,000 |
| Stonington Public Library | to replace the oil furnace with a high efficiency, direct-vent gas furnace. | $10,000 |
| Tate House Museum | to cover the cost of roof replacement of the historic Means House on the Tate House Museum campus. | $10,000 |
| Telling Room (The) | to support annual Anthology Project costs: program staffing, including contracted Telling Room Teaching Artists and two book productions. | $10,000 |
| TEMPOart | to support educational outreach for public art exhibits in Portland. | $5,000 |
| Tree Street Youth | for capital funding towards Phase II of building construction and renovation to the youth development center, a key anchor in the revitalization of Lewiston's downtown. | $10,000 |
| Trekkers | in support of the LEAP program to help students research career options and gain hands-on experience and training through internship opportunities in their communities. | $5,000 |
| Troy Union Church | in support of interior restoration work on the 1840 building. | $5,000 |
| Trust for Public Land (The) | to acquire land in Bethel to create a community-owned forest for close-to-home, four-season recreation to encourage residents to get outside and seek healthy activity. | $10,000 |
| Victoria Mansion | in support of A Century of Change, a series of classroom lessons that use history to explore contemporary subjects as diverse as art, science, literature and math. | $2,500 |
| Wabanaki Cultural Preservation Coalition | to purchase and protect access to significant tribal owned land, protecting 1500 feet of Penoscot River frontage which is the focus of conservation effort to restore sea-run fish. | $15,000 |
| Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts | to expand outreach efforts of the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts through a collaboration with Pots on Wheels reaching underserved neighborhoods with the supplies needed for hands-on projects. | $4,000 |
2016 Grant Awards
| 2016 Grant Recipient | Project Description | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 317 Main | to assist in providing high quality group music instruction to 500 young students who otherwise would not have access. | $5,000 |
| Appalachian Mountain Club | to purchase kayaks, PFDs, paddles and paddle boards to provide environmental education programming at Medawisla Wilderness Lodge and Cabins. | $7,500 |
| Association Culturelle et Historique du Mont-Carmel | to support the planning and development of a permanent folklore exhibition about the St. John Valley in northern Maine. | $10,000 |
| Bangor Symphony Orchestra | in support of the Know your Orchestra voucher program. | $5,000 |
| Bates Dance Festival | to support the 2017 Youth Arts Program. | $5,000 |
| Bay Chamber Concerts | to provide access to deserving youth to music lessons and live performance experiences at the Bay Chamber Music School. | $5,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine | to support Academic Success programming through the end of the 2017 school year. | $5,000 |
| Center for Grieving Children | To provide continued support for the Intercultural Peer Support Program, which works with a vulnerable population of students. | $10,000 |
| Chestnut Street Baptist Church | to support restoration of their church steeple. | $10,000 |
| Child and Family Opportunities, Inc. | in support of the "Family Futures Downeast" program which offers a whole-family approach that supports-low income parents in finding pathways out of poverty through education and workforce training. | $10,000 |
| Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine | for architecture services, fundraising consultantation and exhibit design services to create a clear budget and plan for a new facility. | $15,000 |
| Chocolate Church Arts Center | to fund strategic improvements: ticketing system, fundraising database, graphic designer and equipment to improve performance experience and at-door sales. | $12,000 |
| Choral Art Society/Friends of Kotzschumar Organ | to support a joint operating and management collaboration between the Choral Art Society and Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ. | $5,000 |
| Cobscook Community Learning Center | to assist in finalizing the development phases of a major educational initiative to address the impact of childhood trauma and poverty. | $10,000 |
| Downeast Salmon Federation | for installation of an elevator at the east Machias Aquatic Research Center to enable handicapped students, faculty and visitors to visit the lab located on the second floor. | $15,000 |
| East Raymond Chapel | for restoration of a Church steeple. | $5,000 |
| Eastport Arts Center | in support of the second phase of building renovations with a focus on upgrade to the kitchen and energy efficiency measures throughout the building. | $5,000 |
| Ecology School | to support the ecological assessment, site analysis and stewardship plans for River Bend Farm, which will become the new home of The Ecology School. | $10,000 |
| EdGE Program | in support of the High School Staffing Program, where students in the EdGE Program assist in delivering programming and serve as role models to the younger EdGE participants. | $10,000 |
| Elder Grey Meeting House Cemetery Association | to partially fund restoration of the historic Meeting House on Chadbourne Ridge in North Waterboro. | $7,500 |
| Falmouth Land Trust | to support the establishment of a half time outreach & education coordinator position. | $12,000 |
| Farnsworth Art Museum | to assist with the repair and preservation of the Olson House's thirty-six badly deteriorated windows. | $15,000 |
| Foundation for Maine's Community Colleges | to continue the Morton-Kelly Scholars at Southern Maine Community College. | $15,000 |
| Friends of Casco Bay | to support the Casco Bay Curriculum project. | $7,500 |
| Friends of L.C. Bates Museum | to develop learning opportunities for 3rd and 4th graders in 36 classrooms and their families, including outreach programs, free family marine science programs, summer day camp & a marine life guide. | $4,000 |
| Friends of Lincoln Park | to support the restoration and conservation of Portland's historic Lincoln Park fountain. | $10,000 |
| Game Loft | to design/implement a pilot assessment/evaluation tool to tie the "Coming of Age in America" historical after school programming for youths in greater Belfast. | $5,000 |
| Gedakina, Inc. | to support Braiding Sweetgrass Initiative, a multi-generational mentoring and support system to nurture and encourage all women and girls in the community. | $10,000 |
| Georges River Land Trust | to support the creation of a public sculpture preserve, including improvements and development of a Master Plan. | $7,000 |
| Good Shepherd | to support the School Pantry Program. | $10,000 |
| Greater Portland Landmarks | To support of 2017 public and school programming in preservation and history. | $10,000 |
| Hampden Historical Society | in support of construction of a climate-controlled and fireproof archival wing and additional repairs to the main building. | $15,000 |
| Haystack | to support increased community access to the "fab lab" at Haystack's Center for Community Programs. | $5,000 |
| Herring Gut Learning Center | to support the Sustainable Seaweed Program. | $7,500 |
| Hope Acts | to fund programming that educates and empowers asylum seekers so they can thrive socially and economically. | $5,000 |
| Iris Network | to cover renovation costs, including window replacement, wheelchair accessible lift and replacement of fire escape at the State Street dormitory. | $10,000 |
| Island Readers & Writers | to implement a "Literary Links to Science" project, using literature, activities and presentations to enhance children's understanding of the ocean and its importance to the earth's ecosystem. | $5,000 |
| Islesford Boatworks | in support of a third level of youth programming in response to increased enrollment. | $5,000 |
| Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) | to support conservation-based educational programming, the Estuary Connection Program, in the Kennebec Estuary region. | $5,000 |
| Lubec Community Outreach Center | in support of integrated community projects serving Lubec community members living in poverty and at-risk youth programs. | $5,000 |
| Maine Boys to Men | to support the Reducing Sexism and Violence Program (RSVP) beyond Greater Portland by partnering with 8 schools outside of Portland. | $5,000 |
| Maine Charitable Mechanic Association | to match a $16,500 grant from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission to fund a Historic Structure Report. | $10,000 |
| Maine Historical Society | to support the direct expenses of mounting the exhibition "All Blood Runs Red: World War I and the Maine Experience". | $15,000 |
| Maine Humanities Council | for public library programming to serve more than 50 communities throughout the state. | $15,000 |
| Maine Inside Out | to support "outside" arts-based programming for youth coming home after incarceration. | $7,500 |
| Maine Maritime Museaum | toward the construction and installation of a permanent exhibit, titled "Into the Lantern: A Lighthouse Experience". | $12,500 |
| Maine Mineral & Gem Museum | in support of the creation of an interactive exhibit to be the Museum's centerpiece which will be a two-story geological cross-section diorama of Maine. | $10,000 |
| Maine NEW Leadership | to support the 2017 Maine National Education for Women (NEW) Leadership Institute. | $10,000 |
| Maine Preservation | to fund the Field Services program which supports communities to revitalize buildings, downtowns and public spaces. | $10,000 |
| Maine Robotics | in support of an initiative to increase the number of Maine girls and young women participating in statewide programs promoting engineering and comuter science. | $10,000 |
| Maine Tree Foundation | to support the LEAF Program for teachers of environmental education about the forest. | $5,000 |
| Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program | to support the installation of new, environmentally sensitive siding for the Training Center. | $10,000 |
| Maine Women's Policy Center | in support of education and leadership development program "Girls Day at the State House." | $5,000 |
| Medomak Valley Land Trust | to support the organization by investing in communications, marketing materials, road signs and organizational software. | $5,000 |
| Monhegan Museum of Art & History | to fund the preservation of historic windows in the Keeper's House. | $10,000 |
| Natural Resources Council of Maine | to support the "Sustainable Maine" program encouraging communities and the state to adopt practical/effective measures that balance natural resource protection, public health with economic develpment. | $10,000 |
| North Deering Gardens | to provide school supplies to students in an affordable housing complex in Portland. | $300 |
| Patten Free Library | to help develop a new, state-of-the-art Teen Space. | $10,000 |
| Penobscot East | to support and enhance the resources in educational programming at the educational annex located on Stonington's working waterfront. | $10,000 |
| Penobscot Marine Museum | to support development of an exhibit addressing how human innovation and technology have proven to be too successful for the health of our fisheries and our coastal ecosystems entitled "The Net Result: Our Evolving Fisheries". | $5,000 |
| Penobscot Theatre Company | to support critical building improvements which will increase the efficiency of the Bangor Opera House and improve the audience experience. | $5,000 |
| Portland Chamber Music Festival | to fund expansion and increased access to the Salon Series, which provides a year-round series of concerts for a classical music audience unable to attend the August Festival. | $5,000 |
| Portland Stage | in support of a second year of funding for The Director's Lab an interactive K-12 Program focused on deepening students' ability to analyze, synthesize and think critically. | $10,000 |
| Portland Symphony Orchestra | to support the Symphony's wide-ranging education programs. | $10,000 |
| Preble Street | in support of programs to meet the urgent needs of the most underserved individuals in Greater Portland. | $25,000 |
| Riding to the Top Therapeutic Riding Center | to support an Experiential Learning Program for Youth with Disabilities that incorporates equine assisted activities with environmental learning. | $5,000 |
| Rippleffect | to support expansion of the Rippleffect Outdoor Leadership Education (ROLE) program to be implemented in the 2016/17 school year. | $5,000 |
| Saco River Theatre | in support of 2017 programming including hiring professional theater artists to lead Saturday teen workshops and to supplement ticket pricing. | $5,000 |
| Saint Joseph's College | in support an Artist Residency program which would bring a photographer and bookmaker from Maine Media Workshops&College in Rockland to present an evening talk, work shops and visit two local schools. | $2,500 |
| Scarborough Land Trust | in support of initiative to improve public outreach and community engagement, building trails, update website, integrate digital communications, street signs, projection and sound equipment. | $15,000 |
| Schoodic Arts for All | support for signature annual event, the Schoodic Arts Festival. | $10,000 |
| Schoodic Ferry Environmental Partnership Program | in support of a program to combine ferry service between the Schoodic Peninsula and Mount Desert Island while collecting data supporting transect-based oceanographic assessments of Frenchman Bay. | $10,000 |
| Schoodic Institute | in support of a new initiative to partner with Sumner Memorial High School to provide science experiences for students in the Pathways program. | $10,000 |
| Skowhegan Free Public Library | to support construction of a Library elevator addition. | $10,000 |
| Southern Maine Agency on Aging | to support a a year-long marketing initiative to build census at the recently opened Sam L. Cohen Adult Day Center supporting caregivers, families and individuals living with dementia. | $15,000 |
| Spring Point Ledge Light Trust | in support of work to re-establish weather-tightness, repair water damage and relocating the original windows of the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse project. | $10,000 |
| St. Lawrence Arts | to install a handicap lift to the Parish Hall Theater. | $5,000 |
| St. Luke's Cathedral | to restore and repair the lancet windows on the east wall of the sanctuary. | $12,500 |
| Stockton Springs Community Library | to rebuild the chimney, replace clapboards and paint two sides of the library building. | $6,000 |
| Sweetser | to support art programming at the Sweetser School in Saco. | $3,500 |
| Tempoart | to support the organization's work of providing and interpreting temporary, place-based outdoor sculpture in Portland. | $7,500 |
| Tides Institute & Museum of Art | in support of repurposing the 1819 Free Will North Church Building for exhibitions, performances and multi-media presentations. | $5,000 |
| Town of Falmouth | to support the Falmouth 300 tercentennial Mural Project. | $3,500 |
| Tree Street Youth | in support of capital campaign for the renovation and expansion of a youth development center in Lewiston which offers academic programming for youth living at or below poverty level. | $10,000 |
| Trekkers | in support of the pilot year of the Outing Club program. | $5,000 |
| Tri-County Literacy | to support and expand Literacy Volunteers program which fosters increased literacy among adults through free tutoring. | $5,000 |
| Union Hall Restoration Committee | for the purchase and installation of rear and side stage curtains. | $5,000 |
| Union Meeting House | to fund Phase II of the historic building preservation project, which includes replacement of the floor substructure under the sanctuary and narthex. | $10,000 |
| University of New England | in support of the Ocean Food Systems Group's Applied Sea-Vegetable Aquaculture Project | $10,000 |
| Upstander Project | to complete the Independent Documentary "Dawnland" and develop learning resources and teacher workshops throughout New England. | $5,000 |
| Victoria Mansion | to help fund the full restoration of the historically and artistically important painted wall and ceiling decoration of the Mansion's Reception Room Suite. | $15,000 |
| Waterfall Arts | in support of its 2017 programming including exhibitions, classes/open studio, youth and family outreach program and performances. | $7,500 |
| Western Maine Play Museum | Support to complete renovations necessary to install exhibits and open a children's museum serving Western and Central Maine youth. | $7,500 |
2015 Grant Awards
| 2015 Grant Recipient | Purpose | Grant Award |
|---|---|---|
| A Company of Girls | In support of a girls' creative arts program focusing on building independence, problem solving, optimism & social connections for high-risk teens. | $2,500 |
| Androscoggin River Watershed Council | In support of funding to make improvements to the Androscoggin River Trail by improving outreach and stewardship information through digital media and trail signage. | $6,200 |
| Animal Refuge League | In support of construction of a new facility to serve animals in need. | $20,000 |
| Bangor Symphony Orchestra | In support of a Young People's Concert program. | $5,000 |
| Bates Dance Festival | In support of increased scholarships and ticket subsidies associated with the expansion of the 2016 Youth Arts Program | $5,000 |
| Bath Swedenborgian Church | In support of a preservation project to correct a moisture problem in this historic building. | $5,000 |
| Beals Historical Society | To aid in developing a permanent educational space/cold-storage building for preservation and display of an historical lobstering exhibit. | $10,000 |
| Bicycle Coalition of Maine | In support of the "Imagine Bikes Here" project, to demonstrate in concrete form how infrastructure like bike lanes or safer crosswalks on city streets will look and work. | $10,000 |
| Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences | In support of the "BLOOM" program, connecting students from each Maine county, K-12 science educators, and Bigelow scientists. | $15,000 |
| Bowdoin College | To expand the O.O. Howard Papers Digitization Project to include the papers of Charles Henry Howard and Rowland Bailey Howard. | $15,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine | In support of academic success programming for 2,700 school-aged Club members. | $5,000 |
| Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust | To protect Cathance River frontage, establish access for hand carry boats, and significantly expand opportunities for recreation and nature study. | $10,000 |
| Cancer Community Center | To enhance and strengthen the Wellness & Healthy Living Education Program. | $5,000 |
| Coastal Enterprises Inc. | To support personalized business advising and workshops for Maine women who are starting, growing or financing a business | $10,000 |
| Coastal Mountains Land Trust | In support of the Mirror Lake Conservation Easement Project which will conserve sections of land on Ragged Mountain in the Camden Hills, Georges Highland Path/Round the Mountain Trail, and Grassy Pond | $10,000 |
| Cobscook Community Learning Center | In support of the early stages of an initiative to improve the effectiveness of rural schools while targeting low-achieving schools and addressing the problem of poverty as a detriment to learning. | $10,000 |
| Cultivating Community | In support of the organization's alternative education Youth Leadership Development Programming: The Youth Leadership Intensive, Youth Growers, Alumni Mentors, Culinary Crew and Grow. | $7,500 |
| Deer-Isle-Stonington Historical Society | To help conclude the capital campaign to build a boat shed to provide protection for a lobster boat and permanent display for the Fisherman's Hall of Fame gallery. | $5,000 |
| Downeast Institute | To support marine science education activities. | $20,000 |
| Eastbrook Town House Preservation Committee | To fund a pre-construction evaluation to assure that the rehabilitaton of the Eastbrook Town House/Library Building is consistent with National Registry standards. | $3,600 |
| Eastport Arts Center | To launch an income-producing retail operatio, including ticket sales counter, inventory for resale, training and operational support. | $5,000 |
| Engine | To support its Marble Block preconstruction budget and planning for a capital campaign to benefit this community cultural/economic organization. | $20,000 |
| Falmouth Memorial Library | To support the oConstruction Documents Phase of the library expansion project. | $10,000 |
| Francis Small Heritage Trust, Inc. | To support the position of a half-time Executive Director and to provide support for organizational strategic development. | $10,000 |
| Friends of Casco Bay | To support monitoring, research, advocacy and a public education campaign on the issue of acidification of Casco Bay's Waters and Clam Flats. | $5,000 |
| Friends of L.C. Bates Museum | To support the Creative Ecology project, engaging students and families in artistic explorations of the natural world. | $4,000 |
| Gedakina | To support Pathways to Social and Environmental Justice for Maine's Indigenous Peoples initiative focusing on literacy & education, environmental & social justice, and employment opportunity. | $5,000 |
| Good Shepherd | In support of the Food Pantry Program | $5,000 |
| Good Will-Hinckley | In support of the College Step Up Program, assisting young people who are on their own, often homeless, without family support, to attend college. | $10,000 |
| Great Cranberry Island Historical Society | To support a collecitons management strategy, complete the archiving of donated items, purchase shelving and flat file units, provide technology upgrades, and to purchase a dehumidifier for basement storage. | $5,000 |
| Greater Portland Landmarks | To support 2016 educational programs | $10,000 |
| Harpswell Heritage Land Trust | In support of conserving a 29 acre parcel in the Otter Brook which is part of the 12 focus areas identified by the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust Open Space Plan | $5,000 |
| Island Readers & Writers | In support of literature-based science, technology, engineering, art, Mathematics (STEAM) programming for children living in low-income island and coastal communities | $5,000 |
| Kennebunk Land Trust | To support conservation of an 111-acre parcel of land with a mile of river frontage along the Mousam River to be used for recreational and educational purposes | $10,000 |
| Lakes Environmental Association | To support the start-up costs of the Maine Lake Science Center, which will focus attention on a strong knowledge-to-action initiative to avert further damage to Maine's lakes | $10,000 |
| Lawrence Public Library | Support for replacement of the library's slate roof. | $10,000 |
| LearningWorks | To support the English Language Program for new immigrants and refugees, imparting job readiness skills that lead to meaningful, sustainable employment and better lives. | $5,000 |
| Literacy Volunteers of Bangor | To support community outreach and recruitment, provide tutor training and to purchase books and literacy learning materials. | $5,000 |
| Lubec Community Outreach Center | To hire a consultant to assist in developing a business plan (center originated to focus on high school recreation and after school programs), a strategic plan and board and staff development | $5,000 |
| Maine Aububon | In support of expanding the environmental literacy of teachers and students through hands-on environmental education, teacher development and teaching resources | $10,000 |
| Maine Early Learning Investment Group | In support of the Elevate Maine Early Childhood Education replication project in Skowhegan. | $10,000 |
| Maine Fiberarts | In support of three collaborative exhibitions which will include reception and artist talks and hands-on workshops | $4,000 |
| Maine Film Center | To build on last year's successful pilot program expanding access for local youth to alternative, independent film and education programs. | $5,000 |
| Maine Historical Society | In support of "My Maine Stories" initiative, telling Maine history using exhibitions, public programs, and outreach | $15,000 |
| Maine Humanities Council | In support of 2016 programming designed to specifically meet needs expressed by Maine's librarians. | $25,000 |
| Maine Huts & Trails | To maintain the existing investment in the biking trail system to help the organization transform from a skiing-based organization into a year-round outdoor resource. | $5,000 |
| Maine Island Trail Association | To support island stewardship efforts, including efforts to map and manage invasive plants | $5,000 |
| Maine Maritime Acacemy | In support of deck replacement and systems upgrades to MMA's vessel "Bowdoin" used for educational and training purposes. | $20,000 |
| Maine Preservation | To support Maine Preservation's Field Services and related education and preservation projects | $10,000 |
| Maine Science Festival | To support the development of the 2016 Maine Science Festival | $5,000 |
| Maine Sea Coast Mission | In support of EDGE Summer Literacy Camp - summer camp for students kindergarten through second grade who are identified by their schools as having reading deficits. | $10,000 |
| Maine Tree Foundation | To support the LEAF Program of environmental education, including Teachers' Tours of Maine's Forests and Mills and educational activities at Holt Research Forest in Arrowsic | $5,000 |
| Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center | In support of Maine New Leadership 2016 - an intensive, six-day nonpartisan public leadership institute offered to college women from across the state of Maine. | $10,000 |
| Mayo Street Arts | To support renovations to the performance hall and to support aftershool and summer programs | $10,000 |
| McLaughlin Garden & Homestead | To provide for a new roof for the McLaughlin Homestead, which serves the community with free garden access, educational programs and family oriented events. | $10,000 |
| Mt. Agamenticus to the Sea | In support of a campaign to conserve an additional 1,500 acres of land in the Mt. Agamenticus region which supports nature and wildlife; people and the community; and the economy. | $10,000 |
| Natural Resources Council of Maine | In support of project Creating Sustainable Maine Communities to educate, engage, inspire Maine people to take individual and community-wide actions for more sustainable Maine communities | $10,000 |
| Northeast Historic Film | To complete the flooring and wall covering in the entryway and staff work spaces of the offices of the moving image archive facility at the Alamo Theatre in Bucksport, ME | $10,000 |
| Oratorio Chorale | To support "Harriet: A Portrait" , a commissioned work for chorus and small orchestral ensemble by composer Elliott Schwartz, and a visual presentation that will accompany the music. | $5,000 |
| Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra | In support of "Maine Composers: World Premiere of Three New Works", a project that highlights new works by Maine composers. | $5,800 |
| Penobscot East Resource Center | To strengthen a program of public outreach as well as communication on fishing and fisheries issues. | $10,000 |
| Penobscot Theatre Company | To support the production of "Transformer Tales: Origin Stories of the Penobscot Nation", a summer educational program for Bangor-area youth | $5,000 |
| Portland Conservatory of Music | General Operating Support for Conservatory, which offers musical instruction to students of all ages, abilities and financial circumatances and over 75 public concerts annually. | $2,500 |
| Portland Museum of Art | In support of "Your Museum, Reimagined" new mobile tour in conjunction with the museum's 2017 reopening. | $52,000 |
| Portland Stage | In support of the workshop, "Director's Lab", for middle and high school students designed to introduce students to classic texts and the impact of interpretation. | $10,000 |
| Portland Symphony Orchestra | In support of year two of the Musical Explorers, a progam for early elementary students that uses an arts-integrated curriculum to advance children's literacy, numeracy and social skills. | $10,000 |
| Preble Street | For general operating support in service of reducing hunger and homelessness in greater Portland. | $25,000 |
| Project Grace | In support of weatherization projects serving low income families. | $2,500 |
| Schoodic Arts for All | To support a new intern program, which includes summer staff mentoring and programming. | $10,000 |
| Schoodic Institute | In support of scholarships for grades 4-8 to attend 3-day Adventure Program in partnership with National Park Service offering students field experiences designed build science literacy/enthusiasm. | $10,000 |
| School Ground Greening Coalition / Portland Trails | Providing logistical support, leadership training & seed funds to Portland schools to create green school ground features & launch an online "Virtual Tour" of the project. | $5,000 |
| Somali Bantu Community Association of Lewiston | In support of the basket weaving cottage industry project, which generates income for Somali women. Funds will go toward staff training, maintaining inventory, purchase of materials, marketing and travel. | $5,000 |
| Southern Maine Agency on Aging | To provide specific furnishings and equipment for the new Biddeford Adult Day Center. | $25,000 |
| Strive | In support of a Capital Campaign to purchase and renovate the STRIVE Center, which serves 11-25 year olds with intellectual and developmental disabilities. | $10,000 |
| Sweetser | To purchase ten iPads for their Belfast school in order to to meet Sweetser's goal of incorporating technology into classrooms | $4,000 |
| Telling Room | To support the 2015-16 Anthology Project, a yearlong themed writing and art project that engages over 2000 students attending their Writing Center | $10,000 |
| The Center for Grieving Children | In support of the Multicultural Peer Support Program. | $10,000 |
| The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine | To support Written in the Stars: Greek Constellation Stories Come to Life, a theatre program. | $10,000 |
| The Choral Art Society | To present a concert of opera arias and choruses in collaboration with Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ | $3,500 |
| The Foundation for Maine's Community Colleges | To continue scholarships at Southern Maine Community College. | $15,000 |
| The Iris Network | To support start up of a new Rehabilitation Center, specifically renovations to a dormitory to house program participants for up to 12 weeks. | $10,000 |
| Tides Institute & Museum of Art | In support of energy efficiency improvements including a wood pellet boiler and radiant heating system. | $5,000 |
| Town of Limerick, Maine | In support of Old Limerick Town Hall's preservation project | $10,000 |
| Tri-County Literacy | To support and expand the Literacy Volunteers program | $5,000 |
| University of New England | In support of a monitoring project on the endangered shortnose and Atlantic Sturgeon population in the Saco River using new tracking technology to track movement and feeding patterns. | $10,000 |
| Upstander Project | To complete "Dawnland" --an independent film documenting the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission. | $8,000 |
| Wayfinder Schools | In support of two core high school programs: a 9-month residential program for at-risk youth and a home based high school diploma program for teen parents. | $5,000 |
| Western Foothills Land Trust | To support a Conditions and Rehabilitation report for the Pike-Roberts farmhouse at Roberts Farm to restore facades and rehabilitate the interior for low-impact public use | $5,000 |
| YMCA of Southern Maine | To implement an energy efficiency audit on their historic 1926 building. | $10,000 |
2014 Grant Awards
| 2014 Grant Recipient | Project Description | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 317 Main Community Music Center | 2014-15 outreach program partnering with other organizations throughout greater Portland to provide music education to those who may not otherwise have access | $5,000 |
| A Company of Girls | In support of a girls' creative arts program focusing on building independence, problem solving, optimism & social connections for girls of low-income, high risk or in need of emotional/social support | $2,500 |
| Appalachian Mountain Club | To support four native brook trout habitat restoration projects in Maine | $7,000 |
| Bicycle Coalition of Maine | In support of the Community Spokes Program engaging citizens in the civic process making their local communities more walkable, bikeable and more enjoyable places to live | $10,000 |
| Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences | BLOOM Program which brings a student from each of Maine's 16 counties to the Laboratory for 5 days to work with scientist on a research cruise in the Gulf of Maine | $15,000 |
| Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library | Funding to install an elevator to 2nd floor where most of programming will occur | $15,000 |
| Bowdoin College | In support of Hawthorne-Longfellow Library's manuscript holdings related to Oliver Otis Howell | $15,000 |
| Camp Susan Curtis | To fund 5 tuitions for disadvantaged teens to attend a 2-week session | $6,000 |
| Cancer Community Center | To support a free community education program with an emphasis on cancer awareness, prevention and survivorship, creative expression and wellness | $5,000 |
| Casco Bay High School | To provide scholarships for economically disadvantaged students to participate in the school's Quest programs | $15,000 |
| Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine | In support of "Shakespeare's Stories" a literacy project using the original language of William Shakespeare | $10,000 |
| Cultivating Community | In support of the organization's alternative education program and environmental initiative, The Youth Leadership Intensive | $10,000 |
| Denmark Arts Center | To support a collaborative filmmakng venture for young adults to produce an original, full-length (60 minute) portrait of the Town of Denmark | $3,000 |
| engine | Restoration of Marble Block into the cornerstone/center of a new arts economic industry for the City of Biddeford and as the home of this organization to promote cultural tourism | $25,000 |
| First Congregational Church of Searsport | Restoration of three more of the church's nine century-old leaded stained glass windows | $5,000 |
| Fort Williams Park Foundation | To build and plant a children's garden at the Park to reverse damage done by invasive species, restore wildlife habitat, create open space, enhance outdoor experience | $15,000 |
| Foundation for Maine's Community Colleges (The) | To fund scholarship support in 2014-15 academic year to 20 students enrolled full-time in their second year at SMCC | $15,000 |
| Friends of Baxter State Park | To fund the Community Engagement and Education Initiative | $5,000 |
| Good Shepherd Food-Bank | In support of the School Pantry program to provide healthy food to at-risk kids | $5,000 |
| Good Will-Hinckley | In support of capital campaign to secure a permant home for the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences | $25,000 |
| Great Cranberry Island Historical Society | To be used toward capital improvements to the Cranberry House and support the work of the museum's archivist | $10,000 |
| Greater Portland Landmarks | In support of Landmarks' 2015 educational programs | $10,000 |
| Herring Gut Learning Center | In support of "The Port Clyde Fisheries Project". Students will create an interactive map of places meaningful to the maritime history of the region and integrate into a self-guided tour | $5,000 |
| Island Institute | In support of Energy for US environmental education program and development of outreach materials to share the model of the program | $15,000 |
| Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (The) | To support Estuary Connection Program and KELT Kids. KELT, focusing on environmental education, works to protect land, water and wildlife along the lower Kennebeck River. | $5,000 |
| King Middle School | In support of the K-PAC and K Big programs (6th grade) with a goal of raising academic, social and personal success whose objective is to offer consistent academic support and learning habits | $5,000 |
| L.C. Bates Museum | To implement and evaluate a program for 4th grade children that supports their school studies and long-term learning | $5,162 |
| Landing School (The) | To support the purchase of computer numerical control (CNC) used to leverage technology to design boat molds. The Landing is a post-secondary school preparing students for careers in marine industry | $13,970 |
| Laudholm Trust | To support a series of winter and spring Preschool Story Hours, craft activities and nature walks for 130 students and families from 10 Head Start education providers in York County | $3,000 |
| LearningWorks | To sustain programs focused on education and mental health programs for at-risk youth, the immigrant community, and low-income families | $5,000 |
| Maine Academy of Modern Music | To continue/expand its successful scholarship program providing music education for disadvantaged, rural students in Downeast Maine | $5,000 |
| Maine Charitable Mechanics Association (The) | Restoration of Mechanic's Hall to meet safety code in order to provide space for creative and educational activities in the center of Portland's Arts District | $9,323 |
| Maine Film Center | To expand access for local youth to alternative, independent film and film education programs | $5,000 |
| Maine Historical Society | To help fund the costs of moving and rehousing the collections into the new facility | $25,000 |
| Maine Humanities Council | In support of implementing a model developed to assist Maine libraries with scholar-facilitated, quality programming to increase library audiences and excite their communities | $25,000 |
| Maine Huts & Trails | Fund guided trips for guests particularly during the non-winter months | $10,000 |
| Maine Irish Heritage Center | To help pay for a structural assessment of the building | $10,000 |
| Maine Island Trail Association | Recruiting and training the next generatiion of Monitor Skippers who educate island visitors in Leave No Trace recreation, checking island conditions and use, facilitating special projects | $5,000 |
| Maine Maritime Museum | Re-design and renovation of the Lobstering and the Maine Coast Exhibits | $10,000 |
| Maine Science Festival | To support the 2015 Maine Science Festival | $5,000 |
| Maine Sea Coast Mission | In support of Edge Credit Recovery Program - programs to keep young people engaged and successful in school | $10,200 |
| Maine Women's Policy Center | Girl's Day at the Statehouse | $5,000 |
| Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center | In support of Maine New Leadership 2015 - an intensive, six-day nonpartisan public leadership institute offered to college women from across the state of Maine | $10,000 |
| Mayo Street Arts | Restoration of Mayo Street Arts Center (historic former Danish church). Repoint brick foundation, renovations, improvements to the performance hall | $10,000 |
| My Place Teen Center | For building renovation needs | $10,000 |
| New England School of Metalwork | In support of Artists-In-Residence (A-I-R) Program (a total of 20 workshops focusing particularly on advanced blacksmithing techniques and the craft of bladesmithing) | $5,000 |
| Northern Forest Center | In support of the Center's Skilled Workforce Initiative to upgrade current worker skills and attract young people to woodworking as a career | $10,000 |
| Opportunity Alliance (The) | To purchase a complete kit for "Opening the World of Learning" (OWL) curriculum for their Head Start classroom | $3,100 |
| Otisfield Historical Society | To complete structural renovations to the Old Town House consisting mainly of interior spaces | $5,500 |
| Penobscot Marine Museum | In support of 2015 Exploring the Magic of Photography: Painting with Light exhibit which will showcase photographic images in multiple venues on Searsport campus as part of state-wide photo project | $5,000 |
| Portland Museum of Art | In support of the Coast & the Sea: Marine and Maritime Art in America exhibition | $25,000 |
| Portland Stage | To purchase Patrol Manager, a new customer relationship management software that will connect the entire organization in one system | $10,000 |
| Portland Symphony Orchestra | In support of PSO Musical Explorers progam for early elementary students that utilize an arts-integrated curriculum to advance children's literacy, numeracy and social skills | $10,000 |
| PORTopera | Expand the Youth Artist Program (YAP) by holding two performances instead of one in-town Portland and a performance at a site outside of Greater Portland | $5,000 |
| Preble Street | In support of the social work services provided including crisis intervention, assessment, employment services and case management for the most underserved individuals in Greater Portland | $25,000 |
| Presque Isle Historical Society | To procure four (4) 4-legged hinged display cases as part of the current restoration of the Maysville Museum project | $7,000 |
| Riding to the Top | To support special education students participating in equine assisted learning/therapeutic riding during 2014/2015 | $5,000 |
| Rippleffect | In support of Rippleffect Outdoor Leadership Education for Mahoney Middle School in South Portland | $2,500 |
| Scarborough Land Trust | To help fund the first two start-up years of the part-time Stewardship Coordinator position and support to create handicapped access to one of the new trails at the Benjamin Farm | $25,000 |
| Scarborough Public Library | To fund the preservation of the Library's local newspaper collection | $20,690 |
| School Ground Greening Coalition | Supporting programming dedicated to the transformation of school grounds into vibrant community-designed natural spaces providing opportunities for education, recreation and environmental stewardship | $10,000 |
| Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance | To acquire two properties in the Sheepscott River headwaters. Planned uses of properties include recreation, education and ecological study | $10,000 |
| Skowhegan Free Public Library | Restoration including a hot water heater, lighting fixtures and plumbing fixtures | $10,000 |
| Southern Maine Agency on Aging | To provide specific furnishings and equipment for the new Stewart Center day care center for people living with Alzheimer's | $25,000 |
| St. Lawrence Arts | Theater lighting, including stage and performance lighting as well as public spaces and security as well as conversion to LED lighting | $5,000 |
| Tate House Museum | To support your preservation project. Grant funds will be used to upgrade an aging oil burner with natural gas furnace and to bury the electric power lines | $8,700 |
| Telling Room (The) | To support the year-long themed writing and art project that engages over 2000 students at their Writing Center and in local schools | $10,000 |
| The Grand | To assist in the historic preservation of the building | $5,000 |
| Trekkers | To support the Fiscal Year 2015 expansion of educationally focused, experimental learning program for local youth | $5,000 |
| Trust for Public Land (The) | In support of the Knight's Pond and Blueberry Hill Community Conservation Project located in Cumberland/North Yarmouth for recreation and wildlife habitat | $5,000 |
| Union Hall Restoration Committee | Stage curtain replacement | $5,000 |
| Wabanaki Health and Wellness | To support the Health and Wellness Coordinator whose job is focused on supporting Wabanaki education and cultural traditions | $10,000 |
| Waldoborough Historical Society | Renovation of the Hauck Building to include upgrades to lighting, air quality and temperature of original building | $5,000 |
| Wayfinder Schools | In support of two core high school programs: nine-month residential program for at-risk youth and a home based high school diploma program for teen parents | $7,500 |