The River Fund Maine
The River Fund Maine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2018 in Western Maine that provides trade and college scholarships up to $10,000 per year, winter recreation access for roughly 300 K-12 students, and community grants, funded by donations, corporate sponsors, foundation grants, and signature community events.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersNewry, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The River Fund Maine does
The River Fund Maine (TRFM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 83-1986128) founded in 2018 and headquartered at PO Box 111, Newry, Maine, that delivers scholarships, community grants, and youth recreation programs to families and students in Western Maine. Its primary service geography is defined by three school districts — RSU 10, SAD 44, and MSAD 17 — encompassing schools such as Telstar High School, Mountain Valley High School, Gould Academy, and Buckfield Jr.-Sr. High School. The beneficiary base includes roughly 300 K-12 students receiving recreation access annually and a smaller cohort of post-secondary trade and college scholars. The organization's mission is to close access gaps in education and outdoor recreation in a rural mountain region whose economy is closely tied to the Sunday River ski resort.
TRFM operates three core program lines. (1) Trade and College Scholarships provide up to $10,000 per year per trade scholar, covering tuition, room and board, tools, supplies, and apprenticeship-related costs, with named scholarships honoring Jason York (established 2024), Kevin P. Schiller (2025), and the Morris Family. (2) The Community Access Program (CAP) provides ski season passes, equipment rentals, and Sunday River Ski & Snowboard Club membership to approximately 300 students per year through the Sunday River Community Pass. (3) The Community Grants and Outreach Program distributes funds twice yearly (May and November) to 501(c)(3) organizations and supports direct family aid such as the Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway. The organization has no proprietary technology platform; applications are collected through SurveyMonkey and Google Forms, donations through a Bloomerang-hosted widget, and the website is built on Wix.
The financial model is entirely philanthropic. Funding is sourced from individual tax-deductible donations (collected online through multiple designated funds), corporate sponsorships from partners including Sunday River Resort, Maine Beer Company, Independent Electric Supply, and Modern Barn, foundation grants such as Boyne Forever Foundation, and gross proceeds from four signature events — Santa Sunday (raising $5,000+ annually), Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway, an annual online auction, and Fall Fest pumpkin decorating. Financial eligibility for scholarships and CAP is verified through partner school districts, and in-kind contributions from Sunday River Resort materially underwrite the recreation program. The organization is led by Executive Director Heidi Godomsky (appointed November 2023) and a board chaired by President Jim Dufresne that includes Sunday River's President/GM Dana Bullen and other regional business leaders.
The River Fund Maine firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The River Fund Maine
- Legal name
- The River Fund Maine
- Website
- https://riverfundmaine.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The River Fund Maine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2018 in Western Maine that provides trade and college scholarships up to $10,000 per year, winter recreation access for roughly 300 K-12 students, and community grants, funded by donations, corporate sponsors, foundation grants, and signature community events.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The River Fund Maine industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Development Nonprofit Services
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- College Access, Scholarships & Student Success Nonprofits (BPAGADAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB), Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC), Fundraising & Annual Giving (EDALAOAB), Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ)
Keywords
Where The River Fund Maine is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Newry
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
The River Fund Maine business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible charitable contributions from individual donors, community members, and supporters. Accepts donations through online portal with multiple designated fund options.
- Grant Funding: Community grants distributed twice yearly (May and November) to 501(c)(3) organizations. Also receives grant support from partners like Boyne Forever Foundation.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Support from business partners including Sunday River Resort, Maine Beer Company, and other corporate sponsors who fund specific programs and events.
- Event Fundraising: Revenue generated through community events including Santa Sunday (raises over $5,000 annually), online auctions, and other fundraising activities.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
The River Fund Maine product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The River Fund Maine provides trade and college scholarships (up to $10,000 per year) to students in Western Maine pursuing trades, technical certifications, and four-year degrees. The Community Access Program (CAP) delivers ski passes, equipment rentals, and ski club membership to nearly 300 K-12 students annually through a partnership with Sunday River Resort. The organization also administers twice-yearly community grants (May and November) to local 501(c)(3) nonprofits and runs signature fundraising events including Santa Sunday, Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway, an Online Auction, and Fall Fest.
Product overview
The River Fund Maine operates as a nonprofit offering a portfolio of educational and recreational programs focused on Western Maine youth. Its core offerings include Trade Scholarships (up to $10,000/year for technical careers) and College Scholarships, supported by named scholarships honoring Jason York, Kevin P. Schiller, and the Morris Family. The Community Access Program (CAP) provides nearly 300 students annually with ski/snowboard season passes and equipment rentals. Community Grants and Outreach supports local organizations, while signature events (Santa Sunday, Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway, Online Auction, Fall Fest) drive fundraising and community engagement.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Trade Scholarships Trade scholarships providing up to $10,000 per year to support students pursuing careers in trades or technical fields, covering tuition, room and board, tools and supplies, and apprenticeship-related costs. Named trade scholarships include the Jason York Trade Scholarship (established 2024) and the Kevin P. Schiller Trade Scholarship (created 2025 in memory of Kevin P. Schiller, 1972-2025). Three local students are selected each year as River Fund Maine Trade Scholars.
- College Scholarships College scholarships supporting students pursuing four-year college degrees (BA/BS), continuing to support college scholars selected between 2020 and 2024. Funding covers tuition, room and board, and other college-related expenses for Western Maine students.
- Community Access Program (CAP)
Quantifiable outcome
- Nearly 300 students receive Community Access Program benefits annually
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The River Fund Maine
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The River Fund Maine technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The River Fund Maine partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.
- Sunday River ResortcorePrimary strategic partner providing venue for Community Access Program (CAP), Santa Sunday event, Fall Fest, and other community events. Sunday River provides lift tickets, ski passes, and access to facilities. Dana Bullen, President and GM of Sunday River, serves on TRFM board.
- Rotary Club of BethelcoreCommunity partner supporting Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway event, providing volunteers and resources to help distribute holiday meals to families in need across the Bethel area.
- Bethel Area Food PantrycoreLong-standing community partner since 1992, providing food and clothing exchange services. TRFM supports the pantry and uses it as distribution point for Thanksgiving basket giveaway. Located at former Ethel Bisbee School, open Monday, Wednesday, Saturday 9-11 AM.
- Maine West Project PlaycoreRegional initiative supported by TRFM that increases access to year-round, human-powered outdoor sports including Nordic skiing, mountain biking, and trail-based programs for youth in Bethel, Oxford Hills, and River Valley regions.
- Mahoosuc Kids AssociationcoreTRFM partners with Mahoosuc Kids Association (MKA) to support youth through outdoor recreation and enrichment opportunities, expanding access to programs that encourage outdoor exploration, confidence, and community connections.
- Mahoosuc Land TrustminorPartner in annual Monarch Festival at Valentine Farm Conservation Center, celebrating pollinators and local conservation. TRFM helps ensure festival remains accessible and educational for the community.
- Bethel Area Arts & Music (BAAM)minorTRFM supports BAAM, which provides creative programming and cultural opportunities through events, workshops, and performances in the Bethel community, helping youth explore artistic interests and build confidence.
- RSU 10 School DistrictcoreSchool district partnership for scholarship distribution and Community Access Program eligibility verification. Students from Mountain Valley High School, Buckfield Jr.-Sr. High School, and surrounding areas participate in TRFM programs.
- SAD 44 School DistrictcoreSchool district partnership serving Telstar High School and surrounding communities. Primary district for scholarship recipients and recreation program participants.
- MSAD 17 School DistrictcoreSchool district partnership for Community Access Program eligibility. Students in this district are eligible for CAP ski passes and equipment rentals.
- Sunday River Ski and Snowboard ClubmajorComplimentary club membership provided to all CAP recipients, giving students access to coaching, mentorship, and a supportive community of peers alongside their ski passes.
- Telstar FBLAminorTRFM supports Telstar High School's Future Business Leaders of America chapter, helping students build leadership, business, and collaboration skills through competitions and community service.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The River Fund Maine competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine: Established youth-serving nonprofit operating across Southern Maine with broad programming. Comparable as a youth-focused nonprofit that combines recreation, education support, and community engagement, though at much larger scale and different geography.
Direct peers
- Mahoosuc Land Trust: Western Maine land conservation nonprofit and existing TRFM partner. Comparable as a small, geographically-focused nonprofit leveraging local partnerships and events to advance community and environmental objectives in the Bethel area.
- Maine West Project Play: Regional initiative expanding youth access to year-round outdoor sports in Western Maine. Already a TRFM partner, sharing the mission of removing financial barriers to outdoor recreation for local youth.
- Maine Community Foundation: Statewide community foundation serving Maine with grantmaking, scholarships, and donor-advised funds. Highly comparable as a Maine-based grantmaking and scholarship organization, though at significantly larger scale and broader geographic scope.
- Carrabassett Valley Foundation: Community foundation serving the Sugarloaf ski region of Western Maine with grants and youth programming. Directly comparable to TRFM as a small, ski-region community foundation delivering scholarships, recreation access, and community grants to a narrow Western Maine geography.
- Mahoosuc Kids Association: Western Maine nonprofit supporting youth through outdoor recreation and enrichment. Already a TRFM program partner, operating in the same Bethel-area footprint with overlapping youth outdoor access mission.
Emerging players
- SkiMEC: Maine ski industry advocacy and education nonprofit. Comparable to TRFM only at the periphery — shares the Western Maine ski economy context but focuses on industry/policy advocacy rather than direct youth recreation access.
Regional players
- Aspirations Inc: Maine-based nonprofit supporting postsecondary access for low-income, first-generation students. Comparable in mission focus (college access and scholarships for Maine youth) and target beneficiary, though operating across more of the state than TRFM's Western Maine footprint.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The River Fund Maine social profiles
Digital presenceThe River Fund Maine financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The River Fund Maine leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
The River Fund Maine funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The River Fund Maine M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The River Fund Maine
What does The River Fund Maine do?
The River Fund Maine provides trade and college scholarships (up to $10,000 per year) to students in Western Maine pursuing trades, technical certifications, and four-year degrees. The Community Access Program (CAP) delivers ski passes, equipment rentals, and ski club membership to nearly 300 K-12 students annually through a partnership with Sunday River Resort. The organization also administers twice-yearly community grants (May and November) to local 501(c)(3) nonprofits and runs signature fundraising events including Santa Sunday, Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway, an Online Auction, and Fall Fest.
Is The River Fund Maine a public or private company?
The River Fund Maine is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The River Fund Maine founded?
The River Fund Maine was founded in 2018. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The River Fund Maine based?
The River Fund Maine is headquartered in Newry, United States, in the North America region.
How does The River Fund Maine make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Contributions are the primary driver. The others are grant Funding, corporate Sponsorships and event Fundraising.
Who are The River Fund Maine's main competitors?
Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Mahoosuc Land Trust, Maine West Project Play, Maine Community Foundation, Carrabassett Valley Foundation and Mahoosuc Kids Association. SkiMEC is listed as an emerging player. Aspirations Inc is listed as a regional player.
Does The River Fund Maine have an API?
No public API is recorded for The River Fund Maine.
What industry is The River Fund Maine in?
The River Fund Maine's product category is Community Development Nonprofit Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGADAE, College Access, Scholarships & Student Success Nonprofits, with a secondary code of BPADAOAB, Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors). Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8600.