The Portland-based John T. Gorman Foundation has announced a total of $1.2 million in grants to 77 nonprofits that provide food, shelter and other essential services.
Programs in all of the state’s 16 counties are receiving funding, with roughly half of the grants supporting efforts to address food insecurity and housing instability. Funding has also been awarded to nonprofits focused on issues of transportation, physical and oral health and household and hygiene needs.
“As conditions shift at both the state and national levels, many Mainers and the nonprofits serving them are facing growing uncertainty and need,” said Nicole Witherbee, president and CEO of the foundation.
“At this critical moment, the foundation is grateful for the tireless work of these organizations and proud to support their efforts to provide people across Maine with access to food, housing, and other essentials.”
Witherbee added that the foundation’s mission is to make Maine a more equitable place where all children and families can thrive. “This focus reflects the recognition of our founder Tom Gorman that his personal success and achievement were largely derived from the support provided to him by his family and community, as well as his desire to provide those with fewer advantages, opportunities to succeed.”
A few of the larger awards include:
- Bangor Housing, $30,000
- Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter in Waterville, $25,000
- Northern Lighthouse Inc. in Presque Isle, $25,000
- Piscataquis Regional Food Center in Dover-Foxcroft, $25,000
- Central Maine Agency on Aging in Augusta, $25,000
- Rumford Group Homes, $20,000
- Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center in Biddeford, $20,000
- Healthy Island Project in Stonington, $20,000
- Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association in Brunswick, $20,000
The full list can be viewed on the foundation’s website.