A number of mutual aid funds have been opened in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities. These funds support food, medicine, housing and shelter needs that are often so hard to come by. We’re excited to highlight two funds facilitated by Maine Initiatives grantees: Estamos […]

Dear Friends, This crisis has laid bare the wealth inequities in our country for all to see. We are traditionally so private about how we spend our money, but for us these unprecedented times call for nontraditional action. My family is honored to share our stimulus money and to share our stimulus story with all […]

Supporting Grassroots Leadership During COVID-19 Dear Friends: Thanks to the incredible support of donors like you, we are making $308,920 in grants to grassroots organizations in Maine! These grants will go to 54 organizations that are providing critical leadership in this moment by: Connecting people to immediate assistance, like Presente! Maine’s food brigade providing food to immigrant families and […]

Dear Friends: We are in uncharted territory. Our lives are being disrupted in ways many of us have never experienced and, perhaps, never even imagined. But, the truth is that this crisis brings into sharp focus the central question that is at the heart of our work at Maine Initiatives: Who are we together – individually and collectively […]

DONATE HERE Dear Friend, If you are like me, you are feeling overwhelmed. We are in uncharted territory. Our lives are being disrupted in ways many of us have never experienced and, perhaps, never even imagined. But, the truth is that this crisis brings into sharp focus the central question that is at the heart […]

[IMPORTANT UPDATE: We have launched the COVID-19 Community Care Fund to support organizing and advocacy during the pandemic. Learn more here: https://maineinitiatives.org/covid-19-community-care-fund/]   Dear Friends, We are in uncharted territory. The Maine Initiatives staff are monitoring the ever changing situation with COVID-19, paying special attention to the response and needs of the grassroots and community-based organizations […]

Dear Friends: This month, I am sharing another community perspective. Nsiona Nguizani, President of the Angolan Community Association of Maine, reflects on the support and the work you made possible. How are the donations making an impact? We’ve been able to hire a whole team to support the incoming asylum seekers. You need clothes? We’ll take you […]

Hello Maine Initiatives community and supporters: Many of you made donations to support the new asylum seekers – and your generosity is making an impact! This morning, Phil and I met with Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director of Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, Papy Bongibo, President of the Congolese Community of Maine, and Nsiona Nguizani, President of […]