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In the mid-19th century, Mechanics' Hall was a mustering station for union soldiers during the Civil War and a temporary City Hall after the Great Fire of 1866.
It was closed to the public for decades after that, but has since become an arts and literary hub in downtown Portland, Maine.
"There is a real sense of community building that we're trying to be intentional about," Annie Leahy, executive director of Mechanics' Hall, tells the Portland Press Herald.
"When people come into this space, we want them to feel like it's theirs."
In November, Mechanics' Hall was designated a Nationally Significant Landmark Building on the National Register of Historic Places, which will open funding opportunities to renovate and preserve the building for generations to come.
"They wanted to tear it down to expand the bank, but the board of Mechanics' Hall was adamantly opposed," Dick Spencer, a local attorney who has been involved with the historic building and the somewhat obscure organization that owns it, tells the Press Herald.
"So, by luck and pluck, it's still there."
In the last year, the building has hosted 50 literary programs and book launches, including a National Book Foundation event, 21 art installations and maker events, 10 musical performances, and more
Selected Grant News Headlines
A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.
The passing of my father was a transformative moment for me.This perspective shift is why I now dedicate much of my energy to youth programs and community development.I've leaned heavily on...more
Haril Kazindra and wife Andrea are the co-founders of Musana, a community development NGO that runs 19 social enterprises across Uganda.Musana has offices in Denver and London and employs 700 staff,...more
Foundation: Lilly Endowment
All In Kosciusko exists to promote and accelerate the economic and community development already happening across the county.Concerns about economic diversification, talent retention and quality of...more
The Bill Gatton Foundation supports K-12 and higher education, health, and community development in Kentucky, Upper East Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia.Large education grants include $13.5 million...more
Local organizations win $9 million for new affordable housing, social services.Connecticut's Community Investment Fund grants come amid a deluge of cuts to federal funding.The fund was established in...more
Foundation: Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation
Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation has proudly supported Bread & Broth for the past 10 years.In 2024, the Community Foundation was able to introduce the mission of Bread and Broth to a donor who is...more
Foundation: Latino Community Foundation
Latino Community Foundation Awards $3.88M in Grants Across California and Nevada.NewsBreak: Latino Community Foundation awards $3,000,000 in grants across California andNevada.Newsbreak: $1.5 million...more
Alejandro Betancourt Lopez rejects traditional corporate social responsibility models that separate business operations from community impact.Rather than limiting community engagement to corporate...more
Thoughtful giving isn't just about making a donation, it's about creating meaningful impact.Community foundations exist to connect generosity with need, ensuring that charitable giving is both...more
Kareem Thomas most recently served as Chief Credit and Lending Administration Officer at Reinvestment Fund.Bhavani Daryanani has more than 20 years of experience in the sector, bringing deep...more
Community Building News from...
Wells Fargo Foundation
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas
Dallas Foundation
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Social Entrepreneurship
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