John T. Gorman Foundation awards $1.2M for food and housing needs across Maine
PORTLAND – The John T. Gorman Foundation has awarded $1.2 million in grants to support nonprofits that provide food and shelter to Mainers in need through its 2026 Direct Services Grant Program. This year’s program distributed funding to 70 nonprofit organizations in all 16 Maine counties.
Area recipients are Central Hall Commons of Dover-Foxcroft, $15,000 to provide general operating support to the Helping Hands with Heart/Maine Highlands Integrated Response Network.
Eastern Area Agency on Aging of Brewer, $30,000 to provide support for Eastern Agency on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program.
Heart of Maine Resource Center of Dexter, $10,000 to provide general operating support.
Piscataquis Regional Food Center of Dover-Foxcroft, $25,000 to provide general operating support.
“Food and housing are foundational to the health and well-being of our communities, but as costs continue to rise and assistance is cut, these essentials are becoming increasingly out of reach for many Maine people,” Nicole Witherbee, president & CEO of the John T. Gorman Foundation, said. “These grants will support nonprofits across the state as they respond to growing demand and work to ensure that as many Mainers as possible have food on the table and a safe place to call home. The John T. Gorman Foundation is grateful for their efforts.”
In response to rising needs, this year’s Direct Services Grant Program focused on supporting organizations in providing food, shelter, or both to the populations they serve. In addition to the $1.2 million, the foundation also provided $100,000 grants to both Preble Street and Good Shepherd Food Bank earlier this year to support their statewide work in these critical areas.
Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap data shows that hunger in Maine is on the rise. The study estimates that more than 203,000 people in Maine, including nearly 50,600 children, experience food insecurity. Maine’s child food insecurity rate – more than 20% – remains the highest in New England.
In addition, sharply rising housing costs have contributed to housing insecurity in Maine. From 2021 to 2025, the state’s median home price increased 37%; from 2019 to 2024, median rent rose 33%.
The John T. Gorman Foundation is a private foundation based in Portland, with a mission to make Maine a more equitable place where all children and families can thrive. This focus reflects the recognition of our founder Tom Gorman that his personal success and achievement were largely derived from the support provided to him by his family and community, as well as his desire to provide those with fewer advantages opportunities to succeed.