Betterment Fund Priorities

Exhibit E:  Smaller Grant Categories

Creative Economy

The Fund recognizes arts and cultural assets as more than contributors to quality of life in a particular place, but as important economic drivers for the region and State.  We are more likely to fund organizations and projects that (i) impact a region of Maine rather than a particular locale, (ii) have a rural focus rather than an urban focus, (iii) feature significant collaboration among organizations and individuals working in related areas, and (iv) have a demonstrable connection to the economic life of Maine.

In most cases we are not able to fund a specific arts organization with a project that relates only to the development of its own organization.

Philanthropy

The Betterment Fund acknowledges responsibility to help other organizations in the philanthropic world of Maine, leading to improvements in grantmaking and the support of charitable organizations in Maine overall. We have supported the Maine philanthropic community itself with grants and active participation in programs with such organizations as the Maine Philanthropy Center, the Maine Association of Non-Profits and The Institute for Civic Leadership/The Board Network and by giving funds to organizations such as the Maine Community Foundation, Maine Initiatives, and Maine Humanities Council for regranting to smaller projects with a more local perspective.