ELLSWORTH — 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.

The next deadline for applying for grant is Friday, Jan. 15. Organizations will receive notification in late March.

In the most recent grant cycle, the Oxford County Committee received 12 proposals requesting approximately $37,000. The committee awarded five grants totaling $16,100, with an average size of $3,200.

New guidelines for the Community Building Grant Program will go into effect in 2010. Organizations planning to apply for grants from the Oxford County Fund should visit the “for nonprofits” section at www.mainecf.org to review the new guidelines, download the new application and register for an informational Webinar.

For questions or for more information about the Maine Community Foundation, visit www.mainecf.org or call 1-877-700-6800.