UNITY — Unity Barn Raisers has received a $6,062 grant from the Waldo County Fund of the Maine Community Foundation to create a volunteer management system for internal programs and external partners, such as local organizations.

Unity Barn Raisers is a convener and coordinator of community activity and vitality in the greater Unity area. The organization is in a unique position to identify needs in the community and has grown a volunteer base to support programs that seek to address these needs, demonstrated by events such as their annual Day of Service which engaged a diverse group of volunteers in more than 300 hours of service last fall, according to a news release from the organization. This Waldo County Fund award allows the organization to expand these types of efforts and to offer volunteer coordination services to other organizations and community causes.

“We are thankful to Maine Community Foundation and excited about the impact this work will have in our community,” said Programs Director Mary Leaming in the release. “Volunteers are the most important resource we have as an organization, so we are eager to more efficiently and effectively engage them, while also offering this service to our great local partners.”

The grant will specifically support further collaboration with MOFGA, Sebasticook Regional Land Trust, Veggies For All, Volunteer Regional Food Pantry, and more.

Founded in 1996, Unity Barn Raisers works pro-actively to enhance small-town character and rural environment, while nurturing a thriving community-based economy. The organization believes that a community working together can shape its own future, and in so doing, significantly advance the quality of life of its people, both now and for generations to come. For more information, call 948-9005.

The Waldo County Fund was launched 25 years ago, when Waldo County was the poorest county in New England, and has since awarded more than 140 grants. The fund provides permanent support to nonprofits in the region and is overseen by an advisory committee of local community leaders who partner with the foundation to build charitable resources. The foundation works with donors and other partners to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. To learn more about the foundation, visit mainecf.org.