AUGUSTA -- The recent opening of a new office in the city by a charitable foundation with $245 million in assets could mean a bigger piece of those millions make their way to central Maine.

The Maine Community Foundation manages about 850 funds which, last year, paid out $16 million in grants and scholarships statewide. Many central Maine nonprofit groups, schools, colleges, health care providers and individuals already receive funding, in the millions of dollars, from the organization.

But, with the opening two weeks ago of a Maine Community Foundation office on Capitol Street in Augusta, organization leaders say it's likely central Maine will see more of its funding.

"The fact we have people here now is going to make a big difference," said Henry "Hank" Schmelzer, president and CEO of the organization, founded in the Ellsworth area in 1983. "There is a large population area here we want to be able to serve. There are other areas of the state where we have had a greater impact. We want to do more here. We decided this is where we want to be and, if we're going to be here, we want to make a difference."

One way the organization hopes to make its presence felt in the Augusta-Waterville area is through formation of a "Kennebec County committee," a group of volunteers that would seek out donors as they build a county endowment fund from which grants and scholarships could be awarded.

Kennebec County is one of just four Maine counties where the foundation does not have a committee and fund.

The Maine Community Foundation is 25 years old this year. The group manages donated funds for individuals, families and other charitable foundations, matching donors with organizations that need cash.

Schmelzer said he believes the organization can double its assets over the next 10 years, thus being able to provide more funding to those in need.

Schmelzer and Peter Taylor, director of grantmaking services for the foundation, said its strategic plan identifies four areas to focus on: higher education; quality of place and sustainable economic development issues identified in the Brookings Report; Maine's aging population; and the environment.

Its headquarters, with 17 workers, remains in Ellsworth. Four staff members will work in Augusta and another four or so in Portland.

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com