The John T. Gorman Foundation has awarded 77 grants totaling $1.2 million to support nonprofits providing food, shelter and other essential services to Mainers in need. Distributed through the Foundation’s 2025 Direct Services Grant Program, the funding will reach all 16 counties in the state.

Several Midcoast organization will benefit from the grants, including Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust/Twin Villages Foodbank Farm, Alna, $15,000; Midcoast Community Alliance, Bath, $15,000; Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, Brunswick, $20,000; Oasis Free Clinics, Brunswick, $20,000; Veggies to Table, Newcastle, $20,000; Area Interfaith Outreach, Rockland, $15,000; and Knox County Homeless Coalition, Rockland, $20,000.

“As conditions shift at both the state and national levels, many Mainers — and the nonprofits serving them — are facing growing uncertainty and need,” Nicole Witherbee, president and CEO of the John T. Gorman Foundation, said in a prepared release. “At this critical moment, the foundation is grateful for the tireless work of these organizations and proud to support their efforts to provide people across Maine with access to food, housing and other essentials.”

This year, approximately half of the foundation’s Direct Services Grants are supporting efforts to address food insecurity and housing instability among Mainers experiencing poverty. Other major areas of funding include transportation, physical and oral health, and household and hygiene needs.

The John T. Gorman Foundation is a private foundation based in Portland with a mission to make Maine a more equitable place where all children and families can thrive. This focus reflects the recognition of founder Tom Gorman that his personal success and achievement were largely derived from the support provided to him by his family and community, as well as his desire to provide those with fewer advantages opportunities to succeed.