Areas of Interest
The Gloria C. MacKenzie Foundation is committed to strengthening the future of Maine by investing in the people, programs, and institutions that make its communities thrive. Guided by our founder’s vision and values, we support initiatives that expand educational opportunity, build a skilled workforce, enhance public non-profit services, and foster civic pride—particularly across Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Aroostook counties. Through strategic grants and collaborative partnerships, we work to create lasting, meaningful impact for current and future generations of Maine residents.
Through its Mission and Vision, the Gloria C. MacKenzie Foundation hopes to improve economic growth and enhance the quality of life for the people of Maine.
Education
In order to provide a viable future for Maine residents, investment in quality education is crucial. We strive to instill in children and young adults throughout Maine a desire to develop a core set of values that include: exceeding expectations, a commitment to leadership, an emphasis on diverse learning, and self-accountability both in personal and professional aspects. Some examples of the types of programs the Foundation seeks to assist are:​
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Purchasing updated curriculum
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Reinstating or expanding arts, music and cultural programs
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Expanding science, math and language arts programs
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Sponsoring educational experiences such as field trips
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Funding improvements to educational facilities
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Supporting professional development programs for teachers
Technical Training Programs
A well-prepared, highly skilled workforce is essential to Maine’s economic future. The Foundation supports technical training programs that equip individuals with practical skills aligned with Maine-based industries.
Our goal is to ensure that residents have access to pathways that lead to stable careers, support local business growth, and improve overall quality of life. We welcome proposals that advance industry-focused training, certifications, and workforce readiness initiatives.
Improvements for Public Non-Profit Development
Vibrant communities depend on strong, innovative public-serving organizations. The Foundation supports forward-thinking projects that strengthen public non-profits, particularly in rural areas where resources can be limited.
We consider requests from programs that:
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Demonstrate innovation and long-term impact
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Strengthen or expand essential community services
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Collaborate with town, state, or national partners
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Improve organizational capacity and sustainability
Our aim is to help non-profits better serve the communities and meet evolving local needs.
Civic Pride Grants
The Gloria C. MacKenzie Foundation offers Civic Pride Grants ranging from $100 to $500 to support small, community-driven initiatives that enhance local pride and quality of life. These grants are available January 1 through December 1 each calendar year.
To begin the application process, fill out the Civic Pride Grant Application.
Geographic Priorities
Honoring the founder’s wishes, the Foundation prioritizes projects that improve the quality of life for residents of Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Aroostook counties.
While these counties remain our central focus, we may also consider state or national programs that operate within Maine and meaningfully complement our work in these communities.
