MES Foundation is a private nonprofit organization located in Alfred, Maine. Established in 1992, it operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization classified as a private foundation. The foundation is primarily focused on expanding access to higher education for Maine students through scholarship programs and related educational services.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.8M
+4.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$216K
+5.0% YoY
Grant Count
45
+7.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$5K
-2.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission centers on expanding access to higher education for all Maine students by providing valuable college scholarship opportunities. Scholarship awards are made on the basis of demonstrated financial need and distinguished academic merit.
The foundation administers two primary scholarship programs:
- Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship
- Junior Achievement Scholarship
Additionally, the foundation provides services related to student loan servicing for Maine students.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
$5,000
Review Cycle
April 1
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grantmaking is concentrated exclusively in Maine. Grant recipients are concentrated within the state.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total assets: $4,838,218
- Total revenues: $443,675
- Total expenses: $327,562
- Number of employees: 1
Revenue Breakdown (FYE 12/2024):
- Investment income and dividends: $117,403
- Net gain from sale of non-inventory assets: $325,883
- Total grants and contributions: $389
Asset Growth: Total assets have grown from $2.8 million in 2011 to $4.8 million in 2024.
Previous Year Comparison (FYE 12/2023):
- Total revenues: $278,000
- Total expenses: $319,000
- Total assets: $4,630,000
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $4,838,218 | $4,627,835 | $3,983,199 |
| Revenue | $443,675 | $278,288 | $82,722 |
| Expenses | $327,562 | $319,305 | $297,796 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $290,514 | $278,095 | $257,052 |
| Net Investment Income | $404,085 | $241,580 | $49,000 |
| Distributable Amount | $233,782 | $211,828 | $207,341 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
210 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Kristie Hurlburt - President and Executive Director (compensation: $57,681 as of 2025)
The foundation is governed by 7 officers and trustees.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristie Hurlburt | President/Executive Director | 20 | $59,415 |
| Christopher Bell | Director | 1 | — |
| Guy Langevin | Director | 1 | — |
| Todd Cesca | Director/Chair | 1 | — |
| Scott Albert | Director/Vice Chair | 1 | — |
| Donald Reynolds | Director/Treasurer (end 7/2024) | 1 | — |
| Timothy Sabo | Director/Treasurer (start 8/2024) | 1 | — |
| Darren Hurlburt | Director/Secretary | 1 | — |
Contact Information
Address: PO Box 1296, Alfred, ME 04002-1296
Phone: (207) 791-3600
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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