August 28, 2011

Quimby foundation gives nonprofits $1.3 million

From staff reports

The Quimby Family Foundation granted $1.3 million to 70 Maine nonprofit organizations that focus on conservation, education, sustainable agriculture, and the visual and performing arts. The foundation hosted a gift-giving celebration Friday at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport.

It's the seventh year that the foundation board, made up of members of the family of Roxanne Quimby, co-founder of Burts Bees, presented awards that ranged from $2,600 to $50,000 to Maine organizations.

Groups throughout Maine received gifts for specific programs. Organizations receiving support ranged from southern Maine cities to remote rural northern communities. Recipients included Maine Farmland Trust, Maine Huts and Trails, Maine Rivers, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, and the Downeast Salmon Foundation.

Portland groups awarded funds included The ICA at the Maine College of Art, Cultivating Community, Friends of Casco Bay, the Maine Jewish Film Festival, Friends of the Eastern Promenade, Portland Arts and Cultural Alliance, Portland Ballet and the Portland Chamber Music Festival.

The Center for Maine Contemporary Art received a $50,000 gift. The center nearly closed two years ago, and reopened last year under new leadership.

"The support of the Quimby Family Foundation has been critical to CMCA's rebuilding this past year," Suzette McAvoy, director of CMCA, said in a statement. "The fact that the Foundation has fully funded our request for a second year is a huge vote of confidence in CMCA, its programs, and its mission of advancing contemporary art in Maine.

Quimby formed the Quimby Family Foundation in 2004. The next year, her twins, Hannah Quimby and Lucas St. Clair, joined the board of directors. Their mission is to advance wilderness values and to increase access to the arts in Maine.

 

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