ELLSWORTH – The Androscoggin County Committee of the Maine Community Foundation recently awarded $12,500 in grants to four Androscoggin County nonprofit organizations.

Among the funded programs is the Lots to Gardens project, under Sisters of Charity Health System, that addresses hunger in Androscoggin County. The project engages young people in gardening and provides education on creating gardens and preparing the produce grown for healthy meals.

Other grant awards went to:

Maine People’s Alliance, for the Everyone Deserves a Home project, which engages low-income leaders from Lewiston-Auburn in a statewide collaboration with affordable housing organizations.

Portland Symphony Orchestra, for the KinderKonzerts concert series in Androscoggin County, an educational classical music experience that brings musicians into area schools.

Turner Center for the Arts, to support artists so that they may participate, free of charge, in a series of four juried exhibitions.

The Androscoggin County Fund supports projects that build and strengthen communities in the county. A committee of local residents and business leaders reviews grants and makes recommendations twice a year. The next deadline for applying is Jan. 15, 2008.

The Androscoggin County Fund, a permanent fund restricted to nonprofits serving Androscoggin County, is built through donations from the community. Those who wish to donate to the fund should contact Ann Bartoo at 207-353-0600 or [email protected].

A statewide organization with offices in Ellsworth and Portland, MaineCF helps to strengthen Maine communities by working in partnership with donors and community groups. For more information, visit www.mainecf.org or call 1-877-700-6800.