Local Giving Circle Catalyzes $15,000 in Support for Midcoast Youth Center & Skatepark, Clinching Year End Match

Midcoast Youth Center (MYC) announces an impactful donation initiated by 100+ Women Who Care Midcoast Maine (100+WWCMM), resulting in $15,000 in total support through member donations and matching grant funds. This gift wrapped up an extraordinary end of year matching campaign where all donations were doubled up to $60,000 by two generous MYC donors.

The giving circle’s members responded enthusiastically to a presentation by volunteer Sarah Savard about MYC’s mission and impact. Through their innovative collective giving model, the group generated nearly $10,000 in initial donations. This generous support was further amplified when members Cynthia Marsh, Erin Scott, and Kelly Lebel successfully leveraged the Richard M Schulze Foundation’s Power of 100 matching grant program.

“This extraordinary show of support demonstrates the power of collective giving,” said MYC Executive Director and Founder Jamie Dorr. “When community members come together with purpose, their impact grows exponentially. These funds will directly support our comprehensive youth programs that serve hundreds of young people annually.”

The 100+WWCMM donation and matching campaign will support MYC’s vital programs serving Midcoast youth including: Compass Afterschool and Summer programs at the Teen Center, the Bath Skatepark @ MYC,  Merrymeeting Support Collaborative and Bath’s first-ever Step Up Transitional Housing program for young adults, Waypoint @ MYC, and the launch of Maine’s pilot Strengthening Families: Parents and Youth 10-14 program. More information about these programs and their impact is available at midcoastyouth.org.

100+ Women Who Care Midcoast Maine represents a new model of community philanthropy. As part of a network of 650 Women Who Care groups nationwide, the local chapter meets quarterly for one-hour sessions where members learn about and vote on local nonprofits to support. This efficient approach has helped Women Who Care groups channel hundreds of millions of dollars directly to community organizations across the country.

In September’s inaugural meeting the region’s new 100+WWC chapter selected Mid Coast Literacy (MCL) as their first-ever recipient. The fledgling giving circle’s generosity translated to more than $12,000 in support of MCL programs to help kids and adults in Midcoast Maine improve their literacy. The award was made possible in part by MCL volunteer Bree Candland who “pitched” the program as part of the organization’s nomination and voting process.

 

**About 100+ Women Who Care Midcoast Maine**

100+ Women Who Care Midcoast Maine is part of a national network of giving circles that gather quarterly to support local nonprofits through collective giving. For more information about joining this impactful group, visit 100WomenWhoCareMidcoastMaine.com or email info@100womenwhocaremidcoastmaine.com.

 

**About Midcoast Youth Center**

Midcoast Youth Center & Skatepark is a dedicated nonprofit organization serving youth in Sagadahoc County, Brunswick and Harpswell. The center provides critical support services, educational programs, and resources to help young people thrive. To learn more or to sign up for the MYC newsletter, visit www.midcoastyouth.org.