Elsie & William Viles Foundation Donation Grant

The Elsie & William Viles Foundation, established in 1990, continues the philanthropic legacy of William and Elsie Viles in Augusta, Maine. It supports charitable organizations, primarily in the Capital Region, focusing on preserving open spaces, caring for animals, supporting education, and promoting Maine's history and culture. Organizations seeking funding must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and based in Maine, with donations capped at $5,000 to ensure broad community support.

The Viles family managed logging and timber businesses in Maine dating back to the 1700s. William and Elsie made generous philanthropic commitments to the people of Maine and the city they called home, Augusta. When her beloved husband William Payson Viles passed away in 1986, Elsie continued their legacy of philanthropy and 3 years later formed the Elsie & William Viles Foundation in 1990.
In keeping with the generosity and legacy created during their lifetimes, the Elsie & William Viles Foundation is committed to supporting charitable organizations with preference given to organizations in Maine; primarily in the Capital Region.
The purposes of the Foundation are: For such charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes as are permitted to organizations exempt from federal income tax and described in section 501(c)(3) of the code, including without limitation, projects and organizations that:

• Preserve open spaces and conservation of forest lands.
• Care for and protect animals.
• Support children and education.
• Promote and preserve Maine History and culture.
• Elsie & William Viles Foundation Donation

The Elsie & William Viles Foundation provides two categories of funding, one of which is termed Donations and the other Grants. Donations and Grants have separate application processes. Funding requests for Donations are for organizations requesting less than $5,000.

Eligibility

Organizations exempt from federal income tax and described in section 501(c)(3) of the code.Organizations in Maine, primarily in the Capital Region.