ELLSWORTH – The Oxford County Committee of the Maine Community Foundation recently awarded $12,300 in grants to four Oxford County nonprofit organizations.

Among the funded organizations is the Norway Memorial Library, which is organizing the fourth annual One Book, One Community program for the Oxford Hills area. The program includes purchasing books, book discussions and related activities for people of all ages.

Other grant awards went to:

Child Health Center, Norway, to develop a resource center, which will include a lending library to support parents in learning about and practicing good parenting.

Oxford County Agricultural Society, Oxford, to organize and offer ongoing demonstrations on the agricultural arts practiced on small farms in Oxford County.

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

The Oxford County Fund supports projects that 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 Oxford County Fund, a permanent endowment, is built from donations from individuals and businesses. If interested in learning more about the Maine Community Foundation or in supporting the fund, contact Ann Bartoo at 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.