United Midcoast Charities has expedited its annual grants review process to award $442,000 to 32 nonprofits in Knox and Waldo counties earlier than usual to ease financial burdens brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to UMC, in a news release. The grants will help residents with needs in four focus areas: food, housing, health and safety, and economic security.

“It’s an honor and privilege to announce this year’s UMC grant awards three months ahead of schedule,” said United Midcoast Charities Board President Betsy Saltonstall, in the release. “This early release of funds will enable our nonprofit partners to meet the increased needs they’re encountering in our communities as they continue and expand their work.”

UMC’s grants committee accelerated its competitive evaluation process by conducting reviews, meetings, and discussions online. For a list of the 2020 grantee organizations and their funded work in Knox and Waldo counties, please visit unitedmidcoastcharities.org/our-grantees.

In addition to this regular round of funding, which targets local nonprofits’ abilities to make an impact in the four focus areas, UMC has awarded $39,000 in rapid-response grants so far this year. These additional grants, funded by the organization’s new Rapid Response Fund, are targeted toward increasing nonprofits’ near-term ability to meet basic needs arising from the pandemic.

To view a list of Rapid Response grants, apply for a grant, or donate to the Rapid Response Fund, visit unitedmidcoastcharities.org/rrf. Every dollar donated to UMC goes toward grantmaking.

United Midcoast Charities, founded in 1942, is a 501c3 community-supported nonprofit whose mission is to energize Midcoast Maine nonprofit agencies through finance and guidance, supporting a network of resources stronger than any single organization. UMC’s primary areas of focus are food, housing, health & safety, and economic security. In the last five years, UMC has awarded grants totaling $2.4 million to more than 50 agencies as part of their community-led competitive grants program. For more information, visit www.unitedmidcoastcharities.org.