ELLSWORTH – The Maine Community Foundation’s Androscoggin County Committee is seeking proposals from nonprofit and public organizations for projects that draw on the strengths of the community and foster collaboration between community groups.

Grants are made from the Androscoggin County Fund, a permanent fund restricted to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax status and public organizations serving Androscoggin County.

The deadline for submitting grant applications is Jan. 15, 2008. Applicants will be notified in late March. Application, guidelines and a list of recent grants can be found at www.mainecf.org.

The Androscoggin County Committee seeks to fund new initiatives or start-up projects, rather than on-going support. Proposals should focus on building on the strengths of the community.

Due to a challenge grant from the Betterment Fund, the Androscoggin County Committee has an opportunity to increase its grantmaking. The committee will receive $1 for every $2 it raises, up to $100,000. The committee invites Androscoggin County residents to consider a gift to help meet the challenge, which lasts until October 2008.

A statewide organization with offices in Ellsworth, Portland and Augusta, the Maine Community Foundation works in partnership with donors and community groups to strengthen Maine communities. For more information, call toll free 1-877-700-6800.