DOVER-FOXCROFT – 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 Piscataquis County Fund, part of the Maine Community Foundation’s Community-Building Grants Program.

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

The Piscataquis 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.

The Maine Community Foundation is a statewide organization with offices in Ellsworth, Augusta and Portland. For information, visit www.mainecf.org or call 877-700-6800.