AUGUSTA – Nonprofit and public organizations seeking funding for projects that draw on the strengths of the community and foster collaboration are encouraged to apply to the Oxford County Fund, part of the Maine Community Foundation’s community-building grants program.

Jan. 15, 2009, is the next deadline for applying for grants. Applicants will be notified in late March. Applications, guidelines and a list of recent grants can be found at www.mainecf.org. Grants are made from a permanent fund, restricted to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax status and public organizations serving Oxford County.

The Oxford County Committee, which oversees the fund, prefers proposals for new initiatives and projects as opposed to requests for ongoing support. Applicants are encouraged to build partnerships between and among community groups to plan, advance and evaluate a proposed project, including involving people they hope to serve in its design and implementation.

A statewide organization with offices in Ellsworth, Augusta and Portland, the Maine Community Foundation has been partnering with donors and nonprofits to strengthen Maine communities for 25 years. For more information, visit www.mainecf.org or call 1-877-700-6800.