Quick Summary
Name: United Way of Southern Maine (formerly United Way Inc) Status: Active Grant Maker
Key Facts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Giving | $5-6.6 million |
| Grant Range | $10,000 minimum - $151,427 (2024 highest) |
| Average Grant | $23,000 - $27,000 |
| Application Method | Fixed Deadline |
Contact Details
Address: 550 Forest Avenue, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-874-1000
Email: info@uwsme.org
Website: https://uwsme.org
Geographic Focus
Southern Maine, specifically:
- York County
- Cumberland County (excluding Brunswick and Harpswell)
Funding Priorities
United Way of Southern Maine aligns funding with their Thrive2027 initiative focusing on three ten-year goals:
- Kids getting a strong start - Educational success and youth opportunity
- Neighbors empowered to thrive - Financial security and stability
- People living longer, better lives - Health and well-being
Specific areas of focus include:
- Child care access
- Food insecurity
- Housing instability
- Mental health services
- Community resilience
- Racial equity initiatives
Programs must demonstrate commitment to racial equity, collaboration, and sound fiscal management.
What They Don't Fund
- General operating expenses
- Capital campaigns
- Previously incurred expenses
- Religious activities or services
- Promotion of religious beliefs
- Activities restricted to church or religious group membership
- Political activities or lobbying for specific candidates (advocacy for legislation aligned with Thrive2027 goals is allowed)
Application Method
Community Investment Process - Fixed deadline cycle, typically opening annually. The funding period July 2025-2027 application process is now closed.
Additional Programs:
- Capacity Building grants (information released December 2026)
- Giving Circles (Women United, Emerging Leaders United) - applications open Spring 2026
- Racial Equity Fund
Organizations must:
- Request minimum $10,000
- Serve residents of York or Cumberland County (minus Brunswick and Harpswell)
- Endorse Thrive2027's three ten-year goals
- Complete volunteer-led review process
References
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