How We Work

Ogunquit, Maine and the Marginal Way - A Partnership That Works

The Town of Ogunquit, by virtue of its Town Charter, is obligated to maintain the Marginal Way. It is assisted in this effort by the Ogunquit Marginal Way Committee and the Marginal Way Preservation Fund (MWPF). The Marginal Way Town Committee is responsible for identifying projects that enhance the aesthetics and safety of the Marginal Way and reporting its recommendations directly to the Select Board. The Town of Ogunquit can partner with the Marginal Way Preservation Fund through a grant process to request funding to aid with the costs associated with major renovation projects to maintain and preserve the Marginal Way.

  • The Marginal Way Preservation Fund (MWPF) is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Marginal Way. As a nonprofit organization, the MWPF relies on generous donations from the Marginal Way community to build an endowment. This endowment is strategically invested to generate income, which is then used to fund various projects aimed at restoring, repairing, and beautifying the Marginal Way.

    To ensure the efficient allocation of funds, the MWPF has an Appropriations Committee that carefully reviews all project requests. They thoroughly examine the initial supporting documents and provide final approval upon project completion. It's important to note that the MWPF operates independently of the Town of Ogunquit. Its mission and purpose are defined and governed by its dedicated Board of Directors.

  • When funds are raised, it is imperative that we adhere to legal requirements ensuring proper allocation in alignment with the designated fundraising campaign. These campaigns are delineated into two categories: restricted and unrestricted. In cases of restricted fundraising campaigns, 100% of the proceeds are directed towards the endowment. Conversely, proceeds from unrestricted campaigns are utilized to support various facets of the fund, including operational expenses, reserves for operations, and contributions to the endowment.

  • The MWPF has a duly elected Board of Directors who appoint Executive Officers and various committees to oversee the business of the Fund. The Board members and its Executive Officers are volunteers. Our Executive Director is compensated. The Board has established Development, Finance, Investment and Disbursement committees to oversee the development and implementation of fund raising campaign, the accounting and allocation of funds, the investment of endowment assets and disbursements needed to fund Marginal Way projects. Importantly, all such initiatives are subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

  • The MWTC identifies and recommends to the Town Manager and/or the Town Selectboard restoration, repair and beautification projects that are needed on the Marginal Way.

  • The Town Manager is authorized by the Town Selectboard to review and/or initiate project funding requests, submit them to the MWPF Appropriations Committee and submit documentation to support the final accounting for each funded project. The Town Manager may delegate these duties to others with proper authorization.

  • The Town of Ogunquit owns the Marginal Way and its Selectboard oversees all activities of the Town Manager and the MWTC.

  • We describe the relationship as an informal public/private partnership whose collective works are designed to benefit the Marginal Way Community.

  • The Marginal Way Community comprises a diverse group of members united by their shared commitment to preserving the Marginal Way. This community includes frequent walkers of the Marginal Way, devoted to its conservation, as well as Ogunquit taxpayers, property owners along the Marginal Way, businesses in Ogunquit and surrounding regions, the Town of Ogunquit, and other non-profit organizations. Each member contributes to various facets of the MWPF mission, collectively working towards the common goal of safeguarding this cherished coastal gem.