What we Do

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Join Heart of Maine United Way in bringing meaningful change to our region. As trusted catalysts for over 85 years, we invite you to be part of our mission to improve lives in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington counties.

From Strategic Investment Grants empowering organizations to meet community goals, to the Innovation Fund fostering collaboration, and the Response Fund addressing unforeseen needs – our grant programs provide diverse avenues to support your work. Mobilize the caring power of people and communities as we collectively address critical issues, align with our Opportunity 2028 Bold Goals, and make a difference in the lives of individuals throughout our six-county region. 

Consider applying to be a catalyst for change, striving to meet basic needs, promote self-sufficiency, prevent, treat, and support recovery from Substance Use Disorder, and ensure quality early learning experiences.

Your partnership with Heart of Maine United Way is a step toward building stronger, more resilient communities.

Heart of Maine United Way’s Strategic Investment Grants serve as the primary vehicle for funding programs that align with our community goals across our 6-county region. These grants, distributed every three years, play a pivotal role in driving positive changes in the lives of 1 in 3 individuals across our six-county service area: Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington Counties. With a commitment to transparency, community involvement, and multi-year support, these grants empower organizations to address pressing issues, choose shared community indicators, and contribute to our Opportunity 2028 Bold Goals. The introduction of the FAST TRACK grant program further streamlines the process, encouraging participation from a diverse range of organizations to collectively build a stronger and more resilient community.

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At Heart of Maine United Way, the Innovation Fund is our beacon for critical collaborations, initiatives, and programs outside of the three-year Strategic Investment Grants cycle. Designed to support innovation aligned with our mission to mobilize the caring power of people and communities, the Innovation Fund focuses on our core Opportunity 2028 Bold Goals: ensuring all children have quality early learning experiences, preventing, treating, and supporting recovery from Substance Use Disorder, and meeting basic needs to promote self-sufficiency for all. This fund allows us to pioneer creative solutions, fostering collaboration and pushing the boundaries of conventional approaches. As we strive for positive and lasting change, the Innovation Fund stands as a testament to our commitment to building a future where everyone has equal access to opportunities.

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Heart of Maine United Way created the Response Fund as a nimble and essential resource designed to swiftly address the unexpected needs of existing nonprofits within our community. This fund is tailored to sustain and execute programming efforts in the face of unforeseen challenges, including unplanned purchases, facility or equipment damage, and other critical scenarios not part of normal operations. With a commitment to providing immediate support when it matters most, the Response Fund reflects our dedication to adaptability, ensuring that vital services continue without interruption. By responding to the dynamic needs of nonprofits, we aim to fortify the resilience of our community and reinforce our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals across our region.

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In response to the pressing need for heating and utility assistance in our six-county service area – Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington Counties – Heart of Maine United Way has established the Fuel Assistance Fund. Donations to this fund are directly channeled to organizations supporting local residents in need of extra help during the winter months. Recognizing the difficult choices individuals must make between heating their homes and meeting basic needs, HoMEUW collaborates with United Ways of Maine partners and NEWS CENTER Maine for the annual Project Heat Telethon.