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.

The statewide fund supports organizations pursuing multi-county projects and organizations in Kennebec and Sagadahoc counties, which currently do not have their own county or regional fund. The community foundation’s flagship grant program serves the entire state and covers a broad array of interest areas, from animal welfare to youth development.

County and regional committees, composed of local leaders with local knowledge and a commitment to philanthropy, review the applications. 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 fund awarded more than $181,000 in grants to 21 nonprofits. They included:

• $3,000 to Tri-County Literacy, to provide educational support services for older adults in Lincoln, Sagadahoc and northern Cumberland counties to improve reading comprehension, fluency, writing development and foster enjoyment in literacy-related activities

• $9,800 to Kids First Center, to expand programs to an online format that can support children and families in transition across Maine, including rural communities; and

• $10,000 to New Ventures Maine, to continue strengthening education and workforce services that help adults statewide succeed in education and the workforce.

Headquartered in Ellsworth, with additional offices in Portland, Dover-Foxcroft and Mars Hill, the Maine Community Foundation works with donors and other partners to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.