The $329,590 CDFI Program award increases the Genesis Fund's permanent pool of funds to lend to $1.23 million and brings the entire pool of funds to $5.89 million. The award will allow the Genesis Fund to lend more money for longer terms to affordable housing and community facility projects.

It will also support outreach and staff training to increase overall lending activity. Over the long term, the CDFI Program award will help to ensure that the Genesis Fund is able to continue fulfilling its mission, through loans and technical assistance to increase the availability of safe, secure, and affordable housing and vital social services for low-income individuals and families through out Maine.

For more information about how you, your business, church or foundation can put your money to work for good across Maine, please contact Jane Irish at 207.563.6073 or jane@genesisfund.org.

Since 1992 those who support the Genesis Community Loan Fund have understood the extraordinary work that a revolving loan fund can do. By making flexible, low-interest loans rather than outright grants to Maine's nonprofit organizations, the Genesis Fund can use the same pool of funds over and over again.

Many supporters make short- or long-term investments in our revolving pool of capital, others donate to our annual appeal to help us keep the lights on and to help fund the technical assistance our staff offers to nonprofits in addition to the loan check - often at low- or no-cost.

The Genesis Fund now offers an additional way to support our work: A donation to our permanent pool of revolving capital in honor of a friend or family member. In June 2007 the board of directors named our permanent pool of capital, which stands at $1.23 million of the total $5.89 million in the lending pool, the Elizabeth McPherson Permanent Capital Fund, in honor of Beth McPherson who retired after serving as Executive Director for 14 years.

With a $50 gift to the permanent loan pool, we will send your honored friend or family member a beautiful fine arts card to mark your gift and explain the work of the Genesis Fund. The card, adorned with an assemblage collage image titled "Happy Village," by Damariscotta artist Debra Arter is also available as a larger print with a portion of the proceeds going to the Genesis Fund annual appeal.

To make your gift right now, please visit our website at www.genesisfund.org/holidaygiving.htm. Your gift to our permanent revolving loan pool will allow your loved one to look at housing and community development projects across Maine in the years to come and say, "My gift is working there, and there, and there."

Thanks for your continued support.

Sacopee Valley Health Center in Porter provides comprehensive health care in a rural, medically underserved area in western Maine with a population of over 20,350. Located 26 miles from the nearest community hospital; it is the only multi-service agency providing medical and social services in the area.

Overcrowded conditions make patient care difficult. This loan will allow the health clinic to purchase two adjacent lots for expansion, creating 5 additional patient care rooms, exterior handicapped access and a new handicapped bathroom. "Now, we will be able to add enhanced services for our patients," says Kate Albert of Sacopee Valley Health. Additionally, the existing facilities will undergo a much needed refurbishment.

Rising Tide Community Market in Damariscotta is a not for profit natural foods cooperative that is a vital community institution. Over the past 9 years, sales and membership have been steadily increasing with over 1800 owner-members from both year round and summer residents.

Supporting local farmers and producers, Rising Tide purchases nearly 30% of all its goods from Maine businesses. It's business practices support the local economy in other ways too - by providing health insurance to all employees who work 20 or more hours a week.

This loan will help them purchase and renovate a larger building across the street. It will also help the cooperative purchase additional inventory and equipment. Their commitment to providing local, natural and organic food to the Mid-Coast community and supporting the local economy will continue to grow.

This December, Jane Irish of Georgetown joined Genesis Fund as Director of Development. Previously she was Director of Campaign at United Way of Mid Coast Maine in Bath. Her background also includes work in the for profit sector - giving her well-rounded experience in both fund raising and business. You can reach Jane at 207.563.6073 ext 15 or email:jane@genesisfund.org.