STATE — Grants from the Maine Community Foundation’s (MaineCF) Animal Welfare Fund are available to organizations that advance animal welfare in the state.

Last year, the Animal Welfare Fund awarded $343,500 in grants to 25 nonprofit organizations, including general support for the Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, Fryeburg, and Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills, in Paris.

For more information and to apply, visit www.mainecf.org/animalwelfare. The application deadline is June 1.

MaineCF also seeks volunteers to review proposals to the Animal Welfare Fund. Grant proposal reviewers provide comments to applicants, and recommend funding based on the program criteria and priorities. Volunteers must commit to attend a one-hour virtual training session in early June and review six to eight proposals by July 10.

Reviewers will receive a $350 stipend in appreciation for their time and contribution to the Animal Welfare grant program decision-making process. For more information about volunteer requirements, visit www.mainecf.org/animalwelfare or contact Program Officer John Ochira, jochira@mainecf.org or 207-412-0837.

An anonymous donor established the Animal Welfare Fund in 2007 and MaineCF has awarded more than $1 million in grants since the program began. It is further supported by the Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee, and the George F. Lyman and Ernestine Lyman Trust.

The Maine Community Foundation brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise, and strong investments. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.