The Peter Alfond Foundation has awarded $1.9 million in grants to support youth development organizations across Maine.
This year’s grants include multiyear commitments to three anchor partners that will provide facilitation, mentorship, technical assistance and training to 25 other organizations through a peer learning arrangement.
Recipients include Lewiston’s Tree Street Youth development center; OUT Maine, a statewide organization that aims to create more welcoming and affirming communities for diverse queer youth; and a youth development incubator called Rural Youth Institute.
In addition, funding was awarded to several capital projects that will provide critical space for youth and communities. Those awards include:
- Hearty Roots, for the purchase of a 400-acre campus for mindful adventure in Bremen;
- Mano en Mano, for the Rayitos de Sol Bilingual Childcare Center in Milbridge;
- Portland Community Squash, for its campus expansion including a new café and commons space; and
- Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness for the Wabanaki Youth and Cultural Center in Bangor.
“My father, Peter Alfond, had a vision to see the people of Maine and Puerto Rico flourish. This serves as a North Star to the work of the foundation,” said foundation trustee Kyle Alfond in Tuesday’s announcement. “Our work in Maine is anchored by the belief that investing in the state’s youth is the best way to secure its future.”
‘Meaningful, positive and direct impact’
The Peter Alfond Foundation, which was founded in 1993 and accepts applications for funding by invitation only, has a 2023 operating budget of around $4.4 million. The budget covers grants made in New England and Puerto Rico.
“The Peter Alfond Foundation is investing in innovative education and wellness opportunities that strengthen communities by promoting meaningful, positive and direct impact,” Adam Burk, the foundation’s New England executive director, told Mainebiz. “The organizations we are supporting across the state are furthering the mission of the foundation as they provide adaptive and innovative programming directly to young people in their communities. This is the direct impact that we speak of in our mission.”
Burke said while the foundation itself has zero employees on its payroll, international philanthropy covers financing for two full-time and four part-time staff members.
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