United Way of Southern Maine will channel $6.6M to community organizations
File Photo / Tim Greenway
Liz Cotter Schlax is president and CEO of United Way of Southern Maine.
The United Way of Southern Maine on Tuesday said it has awarded a total of $6,595,877 for its coming fiscal year to nonprofit organizations and community programs working to improve the lives of Mainers.
The funding comes from thousands of businesses, other nonprofits and individuals, and includes three major areas of focus, according to a news release.
A total of $3,940,854 in strategic investment grants will go to 56 programs, including nine new ones, at 38 nonprofits. These grants support UWSM’s “Thrive2027” goals of promoting education, financial stability and health for members of the community.
The United Way of Southern Maine is also investing $239,173 through its Racial Equity Fund in local nonprofits led by and serving people of color, while advancing the work of the Thrive2027 campaign. Recipients include eight new programs and encompass a range of local organizations within Cumberland County.
The UWSM also will invest $2,441,850 into the community through donor-directed contributions, policy work, community and volunteer engagement, and other initiatives.
Among funding recipients, investments range from those of a few thousand dollars to $289,718 for the Critical Needs Programs at Preble Street, a regional social service organization working to alleviate homelessness and hunger.
“The past year has reinforced our interconnectedness. Our community needs us now more than ever to help recover and rebuild a more equitable community,” said Liz Cotter Schlax, president and CEO of United Way of Southern Maine.
“There is no simple answer to giving people the opportunities to thrive but there are many proven solutions. That is why United Way funds programs and initiatives that address the roots of complex challenges holding people back.”
The United Way of Southern Maine was formed in June by the merger of two United Way organizations, based in the Portland area and in York County. Cotter Schlax previously headed the Greater Portland chapter, and is a 2019 Mainebiz Woman to Watch.
In the merged organization, more than 40 community volunteers helped make funding decisions, collectively spending over 450 hours evaluating requests and ensuring grants were distributed to make the best use of donated funds, according to the release.
"As a volunteer for the past four years, I continue to be inspired by the community solutions, particularly at how they get more and more innovative each year,” said Cassandra Cote Grantham, a volunteer investment review who works as director of child health programs at the MaineHealth Center for Health Improvement.
"I’m proud to play an active role in supporting these thoughtful, strategic investments that will help our community recover and rebuild from setbacks created by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
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