United Way of Mid Coast Maine is accepting applications for new funding partnerships with Midcoast nonprofit agencies that work to improve people’s lives in the core building blocks of education, financial stability and health.

“United Way is committed to positively improving local people’s lives and strengthening the quality of life throughout all of our communities,” said Dennis Unger, the 2013-14 chairman of United Way’s board of directors. “This commitment is realized through building and sustaining partnerships with a wide array of local agencies. We welcome new and current partners with highly effective, well managed programs to inquire about our funding process.”

There is a two-step process to apply for United Way funding for a two year cycle starting July 1, 2015, and going through June 30, 2017. New agencies must first apply to become eligible for funding, and this application deadline is noon, Monday, Dec. 1, 2014.

During this first step, United Way volunteers review the agency’s finances and financial control systems, how well the agency is governed, and how well the agency will account for funds donated during United Way’s annual Campaign.

Once an agency is found to be eligible for funding, then the agency may apply in February to one of United Way’s four Community Solutions Councils for specific program funding.

Volunteers review applications and meet with program representatives in the spring to determine how well this particular program addresses one or more of the 23 community goals identified by United Way in a community outreach and strategic planning initiative. The volunteers make specific program funding recommendations to United Way’s local board of directors.

Organizations interested in applying for partnership should contact John Washburn, director of finance and administration at United Way of Mid Coast Maine, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, ME 04530, 207-443-9752, immediately for a copy of the Partnership Agreement and Eligibility Application.

Meetings or telephone conversations to explore partnership feasibility are welcome. These applications must be completed and returned by noon, Monday, Dec. 1 to be eligible for consideration of funding during the two year cycle beginning July 1, 2015.