PORTLAND, ME — United Way of Southern Maine (UWSM) announced it will invest $6,769,279 into our community this year. 

Investments include Community Impact Grants of $3,127,863 to programs and innovative initiatives across Southern Maine. These grants reflect United Way’s priorities to advance equity and ensure alignment with our community’s shared vision to give kids a strong start, empower neighbors to thrive – not just survive, and help us all live longer, better.

“With deep local roots in Southern Maine, United Way sees how our community’s greatest challenges like food insecurity, housing instability, and lack of access to child care and health services are connected, and how we can bring people and resources together to address them,” said Liz Cotter Schlax, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Maine. “We could not do this without the extraordinary support of individuals and organizations working every day to create opportunities for all people.”

Included in the Community Impact Grants are member-directed investments through United Way’s giving circles, Emerging Leaders United (formerly Brick & Beam Society) and Women United, and United-Way led programming such as 211 Maine, CA$H Greater Portland, Biddeford Ready!, and the Greater Portland Workforce Initiative.

In addition to Community Impact Grants, UWSM will invest $730,000 through donor-directed contributions and $1,850,033 in United Way’s efforts to mobilize people and resources to quickly respond to emerging needs and tackle persistent community issues. UWSM also secured $1,039,058 this year through the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to support local individuals and families. United Way’s work includes public policy, community and volunteer engagement, evaluation and measurement, and programmatic leadership for Thrive2027.

Through community input, nonprofit partnerships, and strategic funding, United Way is continuing to foster a stronger, healthier Southern Maine region for us all.  “Using a comprehensive, collaborative approach, we increase the availability of high-quality child care, connect people with educational and employment opportunities, and improve access to better health services,” said Dan Coyne, Senior Vice President of Community Impact and Governance.

United Way relies on community members and subject-matter expert volunteers to make funding decisions and ensure grants are distributed to fill gaps in services, invest in proven solutions, and make the greatest impact.