ELLSWORTH — The Maine Community Foundation’s Community Building Grant Program recently awarded $58,054 to 12 nonprofits in Franklin and Somerset counties.

Franklin County area recipients include:

* Franklin County Children’s Task Force, to support Active Parenting Now, an evidence-informed, video-based education program targeted to families with substance abuse issues who want to improve their parenting skills.

* Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, to use for the expansion of the EcoVenture program.

* Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services, to present Add Verb’s program, “You the Man,” to Franklin County young adults.

* Stratton/Eustis Food Pantry, to enhance the services provided to the community.

* The Trust for Public Land, for land protection and conservation in the High Peaks (Western Mountains) region.

* Town of Kingfield, to renovate the Town Park to accommodate year-round community building activities.

* Western Mountains Foundation, for salary support for a new marketing and communications director.

Other grant awards went to:

* Maine Grain Alliance, which will use the funds to design and implement hands-on educational baking workshops for school children.

* Baker Mountain Ski Tow Club, to update and replace equipment related to community development.

* History House Association, to update the organizational and operating structure to increase visibility and relevancy.

* Main Street, Skowhegan, to purchase a set of street pole banners to build brand identity of the downtown area.

* Mercer Community Club, to purchase sports equipment to increase physical activity.

A volunteer committee of residents and business leaders from Franklin and Somerset counties reviews grants and makes recommendations for funding. The next deadline for applying is Feb. 15, 2012. Application and guidelines will be available this fall at www.mainecf.org.

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