Dear Friend, It has been a tough month. The pain and frustration caused by the ongoing pandemic and persistent racial injustices have been felt within our community and across the country. But there have also been feelings of hope and possibility. There is no doubt that this is a transformational moment, and that the voices […]

Movement for Black Lives Systemic racism is a public health crisis. Police brutality against Black folks is not new, but the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 has had on Black communities is making all too clear the ways in which systemic racism is as pervasive and dangerous as the virus itself. Here in Maine, Black activists […]

If you would like to support organizations working on the movement for Black lives, consider the following organizations: BLM Portland BLM Portland was established as an organization dedicated to and aligned with the demands and mission of the national Movement for Black Lives*. We are a collective of local organizers, activists, and community members who […]

Black Lives Matter Dear Community: Black lives matter. It’s easy to say these words, and ever so important in this moment. But it’s not enough. As a community, we recognize that this is a transformational moment. Now is not the time to rest, but the time to work. Today, we make the following commitments: We […]

Honoring a Community Leader and Dear Friend Dear Community, It is with deep sadness that I write about the passing of Alain Nahimana this past weekend. As many of you know, Alain was a smart, thoughtful, engaging and committed leader. He was a tireless and effective advocate – for immigrants and for justice – both […]

Dear Community: It is with deep pain that we write this today. Pain for George Floyd. Pain for Breonna Taylor. Pain for Ahmaud Aubery. Pain for so many Black lives lost – taken – because we as a community and as a country have not valued Black lives as we should and must. Pain for […]

Dear Friend, Have you been spending more time outside? We are feeling grateful for all the beauty that Maine’s spring season offers us – even in these hard times. While we wish we were seeing all your lovely faces at our annual Changemakers Celebration next month, we are excited to find new ways to connect […]

Maine Initiatives Awards $516,920 to Grassroots Organizations Responding to COVID-19 Portland, ME–Maine Initiatives, a community-based foundation based in Portland, Maine, announces $516,920 in grants to 57 community-based nonprofit organizations responding to the COVID-19 crisis across the state of Maine. These grants are made from the COVID-19 Community Care Fund, which is an emergency response community […]