FREEPORT — L.L.Bean will donate $1.6 million to almost 200 community nonprofit organizations over the next year, the company announced Wednesday.
The gifts, ranging from $500 to $25,000, will be awarded to organizations involved in conservation and recreation, health and human services, education and culture, according to a release from the company.
“We are pleased to provide funding to so many worthy organizations,” chairman of the board Shawn Gorman said in the release. “These groups share the values and traditions of L.L.Bean encouraging healthy outdoor living and addressing real human needs in our communities.”
In the area of conservation and recreation, the program focuses on engaging young people in health outdoor activities, according to the company. Among those organizations receiving funding are the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, American Canoe Association, Nature Conservancy, Maine Audubon, Maine Island Trails Association, Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, Ruffed Grouse Society, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine and the Maine Winter Sports Center.
The primary recipients of funding in the area of health and human services are various United Ways throughout the state, as well as Freeport Community Services and Preble Street.
Jobs for Maine’s Graduates, Junior Achievement and local schools received funding in the area of education, and events such as the Bangor Folk Festival, Maine State Music Theater and Portland Museum of Art received funding as arts and cultural organizations.
Over the past 10 years, the L.L.Bean Charitable Giving Program has allocated nearly $36 million to nonprofit organizations.
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