Islesboro’s Beacon Project among recipients of transportation grants for seniors
SAGE Maine members from across the state participate in a virtual empowerment self-defense class for older adults facilitated by Prevention Action Change. The class helped them combat the winter doldrums while learning physical self-defense skills and building community. (Photo courtesy Equality Maine)
SAGE Maine members from across the state participate in a virtual empowerment self-defense class for older adults facilitated by Prevention Action Change. The class helped them combat the winter doldrums while learning physical self-defense skills and building community. (Photo courtesy Equality Maine)
The Beacon Project, of Islesboro, has been awarded $5000 to provide residents with safe transportation from Islesboro to appointments on the mainland during the pandemic.
The grant is part of a larger $82,500 grant package by Maine Community Foundation’s Maine Charity Foundation Fund for funding transportation programs for older Maine people.
Eleven Maine nonprofit organizations are receiving the grants for their support of community-based transportation programs, including changes in response to the pandemic, and efforts to keep older 60+ community members socially connected during a time of physical distancing.
2020 Maine Charity Foundation Fund Grants
Beacon Project, Islesboro, to provide safe transportation for residents to appointments on the mainland from Islesboro during the pandemic: $5,000
- Catholic Charities Maine, Portland, to maintain and expand SEARCH, a companionship and transportation program for older adults, into unserved rural areas to reduce social isolation and improve connection to community: $10,000
- Downeast Community Partners, Ellsworth, to provide rides for older community members in Washington and Hancock counties: $5,000
- Equality Maine Foundation, Portland, to maintain SAGE Maine programming and statewide outreach efforts to keep LGBTQ+ older adults socially connected during a time of physical distancing: $8,000
- In Her Presence, Portland, to make stressful home environments safe for older immigrant women by increasing knowledge through public health education and providing cultural foods: $7,500
- Island Connections, Bar Harbor, to help make up for fundraising losses and support volunteer-based transportation program on Mount Desert Island: $7,500
- Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club, Indian Island, to provide culturally appropriate social connection opportunities for elders who live alone and far apart: $8,500
- People Plus, Brunswick, to help cover fundraising losses for expansion and increased capacity for growing Volunteer Transportation Network serving 566 homebound older adults in Brunswick region with rides, shopping, groceries/prescriptions: $10,000
- SeniorsPlus, Lewiston, to help fund the Community Help Line, a critical resource in heightened demand during the pandemic: $6,000
- The Opportunity Alliance, South Portland, to increase capacity of its Senior Companion Program to more adequately assist older adults and their caregivers to promote wellness and reduce isolation in Cumberland and York counties: $5,000
- United Way of the Tri Valley Area, Farmington, to forge new collaboration among diverse stakeholders to create new and improved options for transportation, focused on older adults of limited financial means and utilizing volunteers in Franklin County, Livermore, and Livermore Falls: $10,000
The next deadline for applications is September 15, 2021. For more details, visit www.mainecf.org or contact Director of Grantmaking Laura Lee at (207) 761-2440 or llee@mainecf.org.
Headquartered in Ellsworth, with additional personnel in Portland, Dover-Foxcroft, Rockport, and Mars Hill, the Maine Community Foundation works with donors and other partners to provide strong investments, personalized service, local expertise, and strategic giving to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.
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