The River Fund Maine (TRFM) was incorporated in 2018 with the mission to create a bright economic future for our place and people by investing in the education of our youth and by harnessing the recreational assets of our community. Our desired end state is a vibrant region that can create and sustain economic growth for all of its constituents, a community that can flourish by embracing every member, and a new generation of families and kids that can lead us into the future by:
Obtaining an education that can prepare our community to meet the complex demands of the 21st century, to feel confident in our abilities to successfully negotiate new challenges and situations, and to master the skills needed to create careers that provide both fulfillment and sufficient financial livelihood. Utilizing our remarkable natural environment to establish recreational assets of value that supports both regional economic growth and provides recreational activities that can excite and engage all of our area’s diverse populations: residents, second-homeowners and visitors. Creating physical and emotional bonds with others by understanding that a community is not a place, but a connection forged by empathy for, and collaboration with, others. The River Fund Maine strives to maintain an active portfolio of programs in the three areas that are defined by our Mission: Education, Recreation, and Community Outreach. To ensure both focus and achievability, TRFM does not envision large, free-standing “community” projects, but rather believes that the greatest impact can be made by forging a shared commitment among all three community population segments and other local philanthropic groups to achieve common goals. As a result, TRFM’s areas of primary interest will remain:
The identification and nurturing of future community leaders through a high-impact college scholarship program that is awarded to a local high school senior on the basis of academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. While “need” is an eligibility requirement, it is not a selection requirement. The desired outcome is a population of local students who are intellectually and emotionally prepared to become the leaders of the next generation. The development of entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills in 9-12th grade students through immersive workshop experiences. The desired outcome is the development of assessment, analytical and problem-solving skills in the participants and an increase in their confidence in confronting hitherto unknown and difficult challenges. The desired outcome is the development of life-skills in the students. The increased awareness of diverse career opportunities, and encouragement of career sampling, through mentorships and internships before and during students’ undergraduate careers. By harnessing the networks of the well-educated, affluent, second homeowner population, and connecting opportunities with local students, the desired outcome is the implementation of a communication tool, and subsequent pipeline connecting local students with career opportunities available within and beyond our community. The engendering of heightened educational and employment aspiration among the local student population, many of whom have limited exposure to opportunities outside their current environment. The desired outcome is broadening the economic future for the next generation of the community’s children. The effective creation and utilization of recreational assets to provide environments where children and youth can be physical active, emotionally nurtured, and responsibly coached. The desired outcomes are (a) the development of healthy children who learn to value physical activity as a vehicle for physical and emotional wellness, and (b) the creation of recreational assets that bring economic value to the region. The growth of awareness about job opportunities that are forward-looking, sustainable and economically viable. The US Department of Education has frequently called out the link between education and both higher employment rates and earnings. Thus, in order to fully support our youth, TRFM must be willing to go, when necessary, slightly outside its core charter to invest in creating learning environments for both adults and families as well as for youth. The desired outcome is the creation of sustainable job skills for the local population. The support for shorter-term community-based projects that fall within the purview of TRFM’s Mission. Support, however, is limited to organizations and groups; no individual awards will be made. The desired outcome is an immediate response to a pressing community need.
