BAR HARBOR, Maine – Children’s programs at the Maine Sea Coast Mission are getting a $2 million boost.
A $1 million grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation will support in-school, after-school and summer enrichment programs in Down East Maine, according to a news release from the mission.
As a part of a challenge from an anonymous foundation, the gift will be matched dollar for dollar, resulting in $2 million for the children’s program, known as EdGE, the release says.
“This is a wonderful gift to the children of Washington County,” said Scott Planting, president of the Maine Sea Coast Mission. “EdGE offers young people hope for the future and tools for success. We are profoundly grateful to the Harold Alfond Foundation.”
EdGE serves more than 700 children in fourth through eighth grade in 17 communities in coastal Washington County, a region of Maine where about 30 percent of children live in poverty and have few structured enrichment opportunities.
Planting said the EdGE program costs about $900,000 annually to operate. The mission plans to use the interest from the $1 million gift as an endowment to fund some of the operating costs. The rest will come from traditional fundraising.
“We work really hard. We raise money every year,” Planting said.
EdGE, named for Ed Greaves, began in 2002 and is specifically designed to encourage youth to stay engaged in school, aspire toward and attain higher levels of achievement, and develop personal skills that enable them to achieve success in school and beyond.
“The Harold Alfond Foundation is committed to expanding opportunities for Maine’s youth,” said Greg Powell, chairman of the foundation. “We felt this was an excellent opportunity to support an effective and innovative program.”
The Harold Alfond Foundation, based in Portland, furthers the legacy of Harold Alfond by investing in education, health care, youth development and other philanthropic charitable causes that hold the promise of making enduring transformative contributions to the community and the state of Maine.
The Maine Sea Coast Mission provides outreach services, health and youth development programs in coastal and island communities from midcoast to Down East Maine.