United Way of Mid Coast has awarded $760,210 to programs throughout the region for 2021-2022 fiscal year. Many of the organizations that will be receiving funding this year are long time partners of United Way of Mid Coast Maine, and the programs that are funded have a significant impact throughout Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties, Brunswick, and Harpswell.

Awards were given to 45 programs at 36 agencies after applications were reviewed by volunteer community members who sit on fund distribution panels throughout the spring. The funds were distributed to agencies within four impact areas: $214,703 to Early Childhood, $152,480 to Healthcare & Safety, $218,746 to Healthy Community Connections and $174,281 to Meeting Basic Needs.

United Way will continue to fund programs like Prescription Assistance at Oasis, the SEARCH Program at Catholic Charities, and Community School and Site-Based Mentoring at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick and Mid-Maine, along with many others. The Midcoast Youth Center will be receiving funding to continue the Merrymeeting Youth Homelessness Program that United Way helped with limited funding for the initiative for the last two years. Becoming a partner agency will help ensure the program’s success moving forward. A complete list of 2021-2022 partner agencies and their funded programs are posted on the United Way website at www.uwmcm.org

The funding decisions were made by a diverse group of 37 volunteers. They reviewed dozens of applications and with the guidance of staff, the fund distribution panels made their funding recommendations to United Way’s Overview Committee, who presented it to the board. The funding was approved at the May board meeting. “These community members ensure the integrity of the process and make sure that each donor dollar is invested to have the maximum benefit in the community,” says Maria Hinteregger, Community Impact Director at United Way of Mid Coast Maine.

United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. You can learn more about how they achieve this by visiting www.uwmcm.org.