Communication
When serious decisions regarding program and staff are being made, it is critical for nonprofits to know what they can expect from the Foundation. Our intention is to be as open and specific as possible about our grant-making plans.
- The primary vehicle for communicating our priorities, guidelines, and processes is the web site. Please check it regularly for updates.
- We want to hear about the issues that nonprofits are facing, and the responses being considered. We invite you to discuss these matters with Foundation staff.
Grant-making Budget
The Foundation is committed to continuing its support of the southern Maine community when help is needed most. For 2009 and 2010 we pledge that:
- The Foundation will honor all grant commitments
- The Foundation's total annual grant payments will be equal to or greater than the amount paid out in 2008
Grant-making Priorities and Guidelines
In 2009 and 2010, the Foundation will adjust its grant-making priorities and guidelines as follows:
- Give priority to nonprofit organizations with which the Foundation has an established working relationship and whose work aligns most closely with the Foundation's grant-making priorities. See Guidelines.
- Give priority to programs and projects that provide critical services to individuals living in southern Maine, e.g. food, shelter, medical care, job training.
- Give special consideration to requests for general operating support.
- Give special consideration to requests that build organizational capacity.
- Temporarily suspend the "consecutive year" rule that prohibits grant applications from organizations that received a grant in the previous year. (Before a new application can be considered, the Foundation will need to receive a grant report on any active grants.)
