The John T. Gorman Foundation is pleased to join the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, State of Maine, and numerous private partners in sponsoring the Maine Working Communities Challenge. The vision for this program is to advance local efforts that build strong, healthy economies and communities in Maine’s rural towns, regions, and smaller cities. Launched last month, the initiative will make grants available to design and implement collaborative plans to improve economic outcomes in priority communities across the state.
We believe this program – which has already shown impressive results in other New England states – has great potential for improving economic opportunities for low-income families and individuals, as well as reducing racial, ethnic, and other inequities. Moreover, we are excited about the collaborative, comprehensive, and results-driven conversations that this competition will spur in communities across the state.
Time is short to be included in the application process. Letters of interest are due December 1, and design phase applications are due January 31, 2021. Eight grants of $25,000 will be awarded next spring – of which five will be chosen later on for implementation grants.
The video above offers a great introduction to the program. Below are further resources and details on the program.
- Maine Working Communities Challenge website
- Handout with key dates and information
- Video recording of a recent Regional Information Session (Enter password Gxkm9N3G to access. Although this recording is of the meeting for Aroostook, Piscataquis, & Penobscot Counties, the information is relevant for all)
- Regional Information Session slides
Have further questions about the Maine Working Communities Challenge? After watching a Regional Information Session you are welcome to join the Boston Fed for an open house question-and-answer session on Friday, November 20 at 12 PM-1 PM. Drop by the virtual open house at this link.