United Way Southern Maine has awarded $3,940,854 in strategic investment grants to 56 community programs at 38 nonprofits in Greater Portland, including 9 new programs.  Included in the total are $276,000. of member-directed investments through United Way’s own giving circles, Brick & Beam Society and Women United.

These grants reflect strategic investments in our community’s shared vision, Thrive 2007, three 10-year goals for a measurably better community: Give kids a strong start; ensure our neighbor thrive – not just survive; and help people live longer lives.

More than 40 volunteers helped make funding decisions, collectively spending over 450 hours evaluating requests and ensuring grants were distributed objectively to make the best use of donated funds and have the greatest impact on the community-developed Thrive 2027 goals.

United Way recently announced the merger of United Way of Greater Portland  and United Way of York County to create United Way of Southern Maine, expandidng its impact across Southern Maine.