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 Androscoggin County Fund, part of the Maine Community Foundation’s Community Building Grants Program.

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

The Androscoggin County Committee is interested in funding projects that seek to build community connections, broaden and diversify leadership and community involvement, help communities to encourage civic involvement, increase trust across lines of difference and encourage people to do more with others rather than just for others.

In the most recent grant cycle, the committee received 16 proposals requesting approximately $76,000. With $21,000 available for grantmaking, the committee awarded seven grants with an average size of $3,000.

New guidelines for MaineCF’s Community Building Grant Program will go into effect in 2010. Organizations planning to apply for grants from the Androscoggin 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.