MAINE, USA — About the TEGNA Foundation
The TEGNA Foundation is a corporate foundation sponsored by TEGNA Inc. Through its Community Grant Program, TEGNA Foundation empowers the people we serve by supporting nonprofit activities in the communities in which TEGNA does business. Through its other programs, the Foundation invests in the future of the media industry, encourages employee giving, and contributes to a variety of charitable causes.
This year's new TEGNA Grant recipients were awarded for their selfless contributions to Maine communities. This year's focus is on nonprofit organizations that address food insecurity and help Mainers who are faced with or experiencing homelessness, or who are already unhoused.
A small non-profit organization formed in 2014 by three local cancer survivors. Their mission is to embrace anyone affected by cancer in a community that offers hope and care through support, education, and concepts in healthy living. Whether helping with financial challenges, addressing food shortages, sponsoring exercise classes, or providing assistance with travel to medical appointments—no one should have to face cancer alone. They will address the immediate and long-term nutritional needs of cancer patients and their families while addressing the challenges of food insecurity. These objectives collectively contribute to enhancing the quality of life and overall health outcomes for cancer patients in the community.
Established in 2015, the Garry Owen House has been instrumental in providing transitional shelter. Where homeless veterans can find hope for the future through a fellowship with other veterans dedicated to helping them link up with the opportunities they have earned in the service to our country in an atmosphere of safety, dignity, and respect. The Garry Owen House provides an opportunity for peace and warmth in solidarity with other veterans. As of December 2021, they have successfully helped over 49 veterans right here in Maine.
Every year, thousands of Mainers struggle to heat their homes. And with heating oil prices in the state up nearly 50% from last year, people are in dire need of support throughout the winter. They're faced with the choice between heating their homes and basic needs like food and medicine to keep them going. The reliance on oil to heat homes is critical in keeping people and their homes warm during the cold winter. That's where the Keep ME Warm Fund comes in. Created in 2008, it’s a partnership between the seven United Ways in Maine and 12 Community Action Agencies. It is the only statewide fuel assistance fundraising effort in the state. With funds distributed to Community Action Programs and United Ways as well as 211, this organization helps Mainers at home or in shelters to afford their heat and stay warm through the winter.
The Orono Health Association has assisted their community with health-related needs for over 50 years. From loaning medical equipment to yearly scholarships for graduating Orono High School students, their volunteers and their hundreds of hours of hard work every week are crucial for the success of this nonprofit. With the help of their patrons and their donations to the Thrift Shop, The Orono Health Association aims to ease the strain of food insecurity with their local pantry and organically grown food. With a new dedicated food pantry in Orono, those struggling through the winter and beyond will be relieved to know they have support within their community—with the support of the TEGNA Grant, food will be easier to restock and maintain.
Thank you to all the wonderful nonprofit organizations supporting Mainers everywhere. Stay tuned for next year's 2024 applications.