Working Communities Challenge
The Working Communities Challenge advances local collaborative efforts that build strong, healthy economies and communities. The goals of the Washington County WCC are to reduce poverty in families with children by supporting childcare initiatives, build school partnerships, implement cultural humility policy change and assist Start-Up Downeast with development of new services that address the needs of fathers and non-custodial parents.
In 2025, the Working Communities Challenge director presented at the SCEC Economic Summit on " Responsive HR: Making Policies That Matter." This session highlighted how the WCC ' s work led to real change in SCEC ' s bereavement policy to ensure that cultural practices, such as Passamaquoddy Tribal grieving traditions, are respected.
“ We have a much better understanding of community programs throughout the county as well as real connections within those agencies from the relationships established through the [ Working Communities Challenge ]. We now consider child care needs when we think of how to engage families and create opportunities for them."
– Nakia Dana, Indian Township Tribal Government( April 2025)
The Passamaquoddy traditional basket( right) acts as a symbol of community partnership for the Working Communities Challenge.
Greater East Grand Economic Council
Greater East Grand Economic Council( GEGEC) awarded two microgrants to small businesses in 2025 and continues to consider new applicants on a regular basis, with the intention of awarding three to five more grants to business start-ups and expansions in 2026.
Community News, the newspaper now operated by GEGEC, will continue to expand and will include a digital version to increase communications outreach.
At the end of 2025, GEGEC ' s Board of Directors voted to separate from SCEC ' s fiscal sponsorship to reduce administrative expenses associated with federally mandated indirect rates. The transition was finalized in January 2026. GEGEC will continue to partner with SCEC to advance projects in the region.
Learn more about GEGEC and explore their new local business directory at eastgrandregion. org.
12 | SCEC 2025 Annual Report