THE RIVER FUND MAINE
FUTURE
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 will strive 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:
HIGH IMPACT
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
DEVELOP
ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS
RECREATION
PROGRAMS
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
SUSTAINABLE JOB SKILLS
COMMUNITY
OUTREACH
Immediate Goals
The River Fund Maine’s Educational programs are primarily targeted at high school students aged 9th through 12th grades. Programs are open to all resident and non-resident students, but the scholarship program is restricted to Bethel/Newry residents and priority is given to economically disadvantaged students. The goals are (1) to support college degree attainment among local students, (2) to build self-confidence, problem solving and life skills among high school students, (3) to open students’ eyes to career opportunities not previously thought available to them, and (4) to identity and educate future community leaders. The Education portfolio consists of programs to:
Increase College
Degree Attainment
Engender
Aspiration
Community
Outreach
Short Term Goals
Acquire Necessary
Life Skills
Develop
Recreation Program
Long Term Goals
Construct Indoor
Childrens' Play Space
Engage with Future Technologies & Job Skills
Since its founding in 2018, The River Fund Maine has become a significant community asset providing unparalleled support for educational aspiration, college degree attainment, and life-skills achievement. TRFM has also been an active community partner, working with numerous organizations and businesses to create new opportunities for the people of Western Maine and providing local assistance when needed. As we have grown, TRFM has extended our commitment to our region’s children and families by developing recreational environments where children and youth can be physical active and emotionally nurtured.
All of these activities spring from TRFM’s deep-seated belief that our youth are our future. By providing thoughtfully conceived, effectively managed, and responsibly governed programs that expand the aspirations and opportunities available to our children, The River Fund Maine is investing in the future of all of our diverse communities.
