neighbor4neighbor

Financial Assistance for Older Adults in Hancock and Washington Counties

For many older adults living on fixed incomes, even a modest unexpected expense can create real hardship. A small grant at the right time can make a meaningful difference.

The neighbor4neighbor Small Grants Fund provides small grants to help adults age 60 and older in Hancock and Washington counties, Maine, meet urgent, one-time needs.

These mini-grants of up to $500.00 are designed to help when an unexpected expense threatens a person’s ability to stay healthy, safe, and independent at home. When a sudden need arises and there are not enough resources to cover it, neighbor4neighbor can help bridge the gap.

The neighbor4neighbor Small Grants Fund was established in 2014 by Ed Kaelber, founding president of the College of the Atlantic and founder of the Maine Community Foundation. He created the fund together with his wife Ann Sewell and their neighbors Dr. Julius Krevans and Pat Krevans.

Their idea was simple: neighbors helping neighbors.

They believed that small grants can have a big impact—especially when they help older adults stay healthy, remain in their homes, and maintain independence.

Today, the fund continues that vision by providing practical, compassionate support to older adults across Downeast Maine.

What neighbor4neighbor Grants Can Help With

neighbor4neighbor grants support one-time essential needs that help older adults maintain their health, safety, and independence. Examples include:

• Eyeglasses or vision care needs

• Dentures or dental needs

• Medical equipment

• Minor home or household repairs

• Other urgent one-time expenses that support independent living

Each request is reviewed individually, with the goal of helping older adults remain safe, healthy, and able to continue living in their homes.

Who Can Apply

The neighbor4neighbor Small Grants Fund is available to:

• Adults age 60 or older

• Residents of Hancock County or Washington County, Maine

• Individuals experiencing a short-term financial need or unexpected expense

How to Apply or Refer Someone

Applications are often submitted with the help of a case manager, service provider, or community organization working with the individual.

If you or someone you know may benefit from a neighbor4neighbor mini-grant, we encourage you to reach out.

Community partners, service providers, and caregivers are welcome to help submit referrals.

Click here to apply for a neighbor4neighbor mini-grant.

The neighbor4neighbor Small Grants Fund is administered by Healthy Acadia. For more information, to determine eligibility, and/or assistance with the application process, the neighbor4neighbor Fund liaison Sonya Connelly at sonya.connelly@healthyacadia.org or 207-664-2129.   can help

Join the Neighbors’ Circle or Make a Gift Today!

Join the Neighbors’ Circle (no gift necessary) to be kept in the loop on opportunities to benefit seniors in our area through support of neighbor4neighbor.  

neighbor4neighbor is supported by donations from community members who care about the safety and well being of our seniors. Want to help?

Donate online today or via mail to Healthy Acadia, ATTN Development Team, 77 Beechland Rd., Ellsworth, ME, 04605.

For checks, please include a "n4n” in the memo. For planned giving options, click here or contact Shoshona Smith at shoshona@healthyacadia.org or by calling (207) 667-7171. 

You may opt to donate to the neighbor4neighbor Endowment Fund, which helps support the longevity of the neighbor4neighbor Small Grants Fund. Annually 4% of this endowment funds ongoing mini-grants. Donations to the Endowment Fund should be made payable to the “Maine Community Foundation.” On your check's memo line, specify that your donation is for neighbor4neighbor. Send your tax deductible contribution to: neighbor4neighbor Endowment Fund, c/o Maine Community Foundation, 245 Main St., Ellsworth, ME 04605

To give a gift of stock, contact the Maine Community Foundation at 877-700-6800. To learn more about the Maine Community Foundation, visit their website at: mainecf.org.