FREEPORT — The L.L. Bean board of directors recently approved the 2012 Charitable Giving Program of $1.5 million in community grants. The gifts, ranging from $500 to $25,000, will be dispersed to more than 200 nonprofit organizations before the end of L.L. Bean’s fiscal year in February.

The majority of the giving is to national, regional and local conservation organizations with a focus on environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation with a particular interest in engaging young people in the outdoors. Additional areas of giving in Maine include donations to health and human services, education, and arts organizations, including such groups as United Way, Jobs for Maine’s Graduates, Portland Stage and L/A Arts.

“We are pleased to provide funding to so many worthy organizations,” said Leon Gorman, L.L. Bean’s chairman of the board. “These groups share the values and traditions of L.L. Bean including healthy outdoor living, a respect for our natural environment and a focus on getting youth actively engaged in the outdoors.”

Over the last 10 years, L.L. Bean has donated close to $30 million to nonprofit organizations. Groups receiving community grants include the Appalachian Mountain Club, American Canoe Association, Nature Conservancy, Maine Audubon, Maine Island Trails Association, and sporting groups.