Our mission is simple and focused: Provide the necessities to at-risk kids in Maine. The MainStreet Foundation awards grants for projects that impact the essentials, like food, security, shelter and education. We strive to positively impact the lives of the most vulnerable youth so they may have a supportive and safe environment.
MainStreet Foundation
MainStreet Foundation Addresses COVID-19
The mission of Androscoggin Bank's MainStreet Foundation is to provide our most vulnerable at risk youth with life's essentials: food, shelter and security. During this unprecedented time, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impaired the ability of organizations to provide these basic necessities. In response, Androscoggin Bank and The Foundation made the decision to utilize the $25K for Kids funds to provide immediate relief to 12 organizations who are helping those in our community that have been financially impacted by the pandemic. As a result, our $25k for Kids program will not be accepting applications for 2020. We appreciate you understanding and encourage you to submit an application for our quarterly grants which will continue throughout 2020.
Midcoast Hunger Prevention
Gray Community Food Pantry
High Street Food Pantry
Trinity Jubilee
Lisbon Area Christian Outreach
L/A Boys and Girls Club
Preble Street Resource Center
Safe Voices
YWCA
Turner Food Bank
New Beginnings
Opportunity Alliance
Who We Are
The MainStreet Foundation’s board is comprised of Androscoggin Bank employees, members of the Bank’s Board of Directors, Bank Corporators and community members. The MainStreet Board is made up of individuals who care about our community and who understand the importance of creating a stable childhood in the development of Maine as a place to live and work. Board membership is limited, and by invitation only.
History of Giving
The MainStreet Foundation was started by an investment from Androscoggin Bank in 1997, and issued its first grants in 1998. The Foundation works separately from Androscoggin Bank, but uses resources and in-kind support provided by the Bank.
Recently, we’ve awarded grants to the following organizations:
- ArtVan: Art Therapy ($2,250 given)
- YWCA Central Maine: Summer Food Program ($3,500 given)
- Girl Scouts of Maine: Girl Scout Leadership Experience ($5,000 given)
The following organizations have received the coveted $25K for Kids award:
- New Beginnings, Inc; 2018
- Mary’s Nutritional Center: 2017
- Preble Street Teen Center: 2016
The $25K for Kids award means that we will be able to more than triple the number of meals we can provide, as well as helping up to 65 youth transition to permanent housing and stability in ways we couldn't before. We are grateful to the MainStreet Foundation for partnering with us to provide the opportunity to improve and expand the existing services and-with input from the youth themselves-try new strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of the youth we serve.
25k for Kids
Once a year we collect applications for the $25K for Kids grant. After applications are submitted, the Board meets and selects three finalists to make a presentation. From the finalists, one organization receives the special $25,000 award.
Please note: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic $25k for Kids grants have been reallocated for 2020. Please see our communication above.
Quarterly Grants
We award quarterly grants up to $5,000. Please note our rolling deadlines; we accept applications throughout the year for the upcoming deadline, regardless of when it is submitted. After submitting your application, we may request more information from your organization.