Costco. Walmart. McDonalds. American Airlines. Starbucks. All of these major corporations have been in the news recently for their actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI): either rededicating themselves to a culture that values and prioritizes DEI (Costco) or explicitly stepping back from these commitments (Walmart, McDonalds, American, Starbucks).  While this may seem to […]

Maine Initiatives announces its 2024 Grants for Change Cohort, awarding $540,000 in new grants to 12 community-based organizations whose work advances racial justice in Maine. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: lia@maineinitiatives.org December 16, 2024 Maine Initiatives is thrilled to announce the 2024 Grants for Change Cohort: 99 Years PodcastBlack Owned MaineLand in CommonMaine Indian Tribal-State CommissionMaine […]

The blessings of democracy are not automatic. Our system is designed to be powered by an engaged citizenry. So here is where we are now: we must rise to the challenge.  We know that the incoming administration will pursue a policy agenda that directly and negatively impacts the communities and the issues that are at […]

Words can be overrated in moments like this. Sometimes, sitting with the quiet is all that is called for and all that feels doable. But we at Maine Initiatives want to offer the following words of encouragement. Our work – what we do and why we do it – is rooted in deep and powerful […]

Calling all Community Organizers!  Maine Initiatives is now accepting applications for the 2025 Giving Project Fund for Community Organizing.  The purpose of the Giving Project Fund is to resource social change movements and organizing efforts by shifting money to community organizing groups advancing social, economic, environmental, and racial justice & tribal sovereignty in Maine, unceded Wabanaki […]

Our work is rooted in two ideas: For 30 years, we have been organizing around these two ideas:  Today, I am very excited to announce a transformative evolution in our work: MaineShare. MaineShare is our new online giving platform that allows you to easily learn about and give directly to any and all of Maine […]

August 26, 2024 Maine Initiatives is thrilled to announce the 2024 Immigrant-Led Organizations Fund Cohort, 10 immigrant-led, community-based organizations dedicated to advancing immigrant flourishing in Maine.  Capital Area New Mainers Project Community Organizing Alliance Generational Noor In Her Presence Khmer Maine Maine Association for New Americans Maine Community Integration New England Arab American OrganizationPresente! Maine Somali Bantu Community Association  Each of these organizations […]

Join us for Changemakers, a free community celebration of Maine Initiatives’ Grantee Partners and the launch of the new MaineShare platform. Featuring emcee extraordinaire Jennifer Ceide; a performance by Viva the Sensation; delicious food, treats, and drinks prepared by Oga Suya, Oun Lidos, 111 Maine, Eighty 8 Donuts & Coffee, and The Marshmallow Cart; flowers […]