ELLSWORTH — Nonprofit and public organizations seeking funding for projects that strengthen communities are encouraged to apply to the Maine Community Foundation’s Community Building Grant Program.

A volunteer committee of Franklin and Somerset county residents reviews grants and makes recommendations for funding. The deadline for applying is Thursday, Feb. 15. Applicants should note that the grant criteria and application questions have changed. Application and guidelines are available at www.mainecf.org.

In 2017, the committee awarded nearly $81,000 in grants to 13 nonprofits. They included:

• $8,000 to 4-H clubs and affiliated 4-H organizations, to help youth pursue career aspirations in forestry and agriculture in Maine;

• $10,000 to Maine Early Learning Investment Group (MELIG), to elevate quality early childhood education and effective parent engagement to break the cycle of poverty; and

• $7,000 to Western Maine Play Museum, to purchase a rocket launcher station and makers-space materials for the invention room exhibit.