Annual Competitive Grants - General Operating Support

General Operating Support

Funding that can be used in any way the organization needs, allowing grantees to nimbly meet challenges throughout the year and apply funding as needed to accomplish their mission.

Geographic Scope: Knox and Waldo counties, Maine

Focus Areas:

• Food
• Housing
• Health & Safety
• Economic Security

Eligibility:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofits and groups
• Located in Knox and Waldo counties, Maine
• Mission must fulfill needs of individuals or families falling within one or more of the four focus areas

Funding Range:

• Minimum: $1,000
• Maximum: $25,000
• Average award (2024): $15,000
• Varies based on proposal, focus area, and available philanthropic budget

What UMC Does NOT Fund:

• Capital campaigns
• Endowments
• Debt
• Lobbying
• Annual appeals
• Event sponsorships
• Conferences
• Seminars
• Private schools

Review Process:

• Applications reviewed by UMC's Grants Committee
• Committee performs initial review and makes recommendations
• UMC Board of Directors discusses and votes on final recommendations

Notification Timeline:

• Usually notified on or around beginning of September

Contact Information:

• Phone: 207-236-2299
• Email: admin@unitedmidcoastcharities.org
• Address: 87 Elm St, Ste 205, Camden, ME 04843

Additional Notes:

• Competitive grant process
• Total requests exceed available grant funds
• Constructive feedback provided when possible
• Final grant reports due June 30 for previous year funding recipients

Application Process

Timeline:
1. March 1: Grant application period opens
2. March 14: Q&A with Grant Committee Members (9-10:30 a.m. at 87 Elm St)
3. March 31: Application period closes at 5 p.m. EST
4. April 10 - July 31: Board reviews, site visits, and selected agency presentations
5. August 18: UMC Board votes on final award recommendations
6. September: Results letters sent

Application Requirements:

Required Materials:

Useful Resources:

Support: