Community Grants and Outreach
The River Fund Maine is proud to support the communities we serve through our Community Grants & Outreach Program. Originally expanded during our COVID-19 response, this fund was re-established in 2021 to continue addressing unmet and immediate local needs.
Through this program, we provide grants and direct support to nonprofits, schools, and local organizations, helping strengthen the Bethel area and surrounding communities. Whether responding to urgent needs or investing in long-term initiatives, our goal is to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
What We Support
Our Community Fund focuses on initiatives that:
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Support local families and youth
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Improve access to food and essential resources
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Promote education, leadership, and opportunity
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Strengthen community connection and quality of life
Community Support Initiatives
The Bethel Area District Exchange and Food Pantry is dedicated to eliminating food and clothing insecurity in Western Maine.
The River Fund Maine proudly supports the Bethel Area Food Pantry, a vital community resource serving local residents since 1992.
Originally located in the Ethel Bisbee School, the pantry provides access to both food and a clothing exchange. It is open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 9:00–11:00 AM (closed on national holidays). Neighbors can shop the food pantry once per week and use the clothing exchange more frequently.
In partnership with Sunday River Resort, we also help provide Thanksgiving holiday meals to support families during the holiday season.
In partnership with the Mahoosuc Land Trust, The River Fund Maine proudly supports the annual Monarch Festival at the Valentine Farm Conservation Center.
Typically held in late summer (August)
This free, family-friendly event celebrates the beauty and importance of pollinators, with a special focus on monarch butterflies. Designed to both educate and inspire, the festival highlights the impact of habitat loss and the importance of protecting these essential species.
Visitors can take part in hands-on experiences such as observing caterpillars and chrysalises, learning about the monarch migration to Mexico, and exploring pollinator-friendly gardens. The event also offers opportunities to learn more about local conservation efforts and simple ways to support pollinators at home.
Through this partnership, The River Fund Maine helps ensure the festival remains an accessible, engaging, and educational experience for the entire community.
Community Thanksgiving Baskets
Each year, The River Fund Maine partners with Sunday River Resort and local organizations to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need across our community.
Through this collaborative effort, volunteers and partners come together to distribute turkeys and holiday fixings, making it possible for hundreds of families to enjoy a complete Thanksgiving meal. Designed as an accessible, community-centered event, the giveaway helps remove barriers and ensures that support reaches those who need it most.
More than just a meal, this initiative is about bringing people together, fostering connection, and sharing a sense of care and belonging during the holiday season. It reflects the power of community, neighbors helping neighbors, and highlights the impact that collective generosity can have.
Each year, this event continues to grow thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of donors, and the strong partnerships that make it all possible.
Telstar FBLA - FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS
OF AMERICA
The River Fund Maine proudly supports Telstar High School’s FBLA chapter, helping students build essential skills in leadership, business, and collaboration.
Telstar’s FBLA is driven by a dedicated student leadership team, including Co-Presidents Lily Souther and Gabby Thompson, Treasurer Jocelyn Nivus, Secretary Ella Akers, Historian Kylie Friel, Reporters Lexi Indermuehle and Kayde Ridlon, and Parliamentarian Cameron Wright. Together, they lead a business- and community service-focused organization that connects Telstar students with peers across Maine.
Through competitions, events, and community involvement, FBLA provides students with valuable real-world experience while cultivating leadership, networking, and collaboration skills. Programs like this play an important role in preparing students for future academic pursuits and careers, while also strengthening connections within the local and statewide community.
Project Graduation
The River Fund Maine proudly supports Project Graduation at Telstar High School, providing seniors with a safe, substance-free celebration on graduation night.
The program began in Oxford Hills, Maine in 1980 in response to a rise in alcohol-related teen fatalities. Its success in reducing those risks led to its expansion across the U.S. and Canada, becoming a recognized model for safe graduation celebrations.
Today, Project Graduation continues to promote student safety, responsible decision-making, and positive community connection—ensuring graduates can celebrate this milestone in a fun and secure environment.
Mahoosuc Kids Association hosts after-school Wednesday ice skate for Crescent Park Elementary students!
Bethel Community Ice Rink
The River Fund Maine has supported improvements to the Bethel Community Ice Rink, a valued local resource that brings the community together throughout the winter months.
Located in the heart of Bethel Village, the rink provides a free and accessible space for skating, recreation, and connection. With support from The River Fund Maine, including funding for maintenance equipment, the volunteer team is better able to care for the rink and keep it in great condition for public use.
These contributions help ensure that the rink remains a welcoming and enjoyable place for people of all ages, strengthening community life during the winter season.
The River Fund Maine proudly supports organizations like BAAM (Bethel Area Arts & Music), which play an important role in bringing creative programming and cultural opportunities to the Bethel community.
Through events, workshops, and performances, BAAM helps provide accessible outlets for artistic expression, creativity, and connection. These programs create opportunities for individuals, especially young people, to explore their interests, build confidence, and engage with the arts in meaningful ways.
By investing in organizations like BAAM, The River Fund Maine helps strengthen the cultural fabric of the region while encouraging community involvement, creativity, and lifelong learning.
A Trusted Community Partner
The River Fund Maine is committed to being a responsive, reliable, and community-focused partner, supporting local programs, organizations, and families across the Bethel area and surrounding communities.
From emergency response during COVID-19 to ongoing investments in food security, education, recreation, and community events, we work to address both immediate needs and long-term opportunities. Our partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, and community groups allow us to make a meaningful and lasting impact where it matters most.
Your support plays a vital role in making this work possible. Through donations and community involvement, we are able to expand access, strengthen connections, and continue investing in the people and programs that make our community thrive.
With your help, we can:
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Respond quickly to emerging community needs
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Fund impactful local programs and initiatives
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Support families, students, and organizations across the region
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Build a stronger, more connected, and resilient community
Together, we can continue creating opportunities and supporting our neighbors across Western Maine.
