Step One - Complete online application

Click here to apply to join the Giving Project. The application form takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Step Two - Application review and staff screening

Maine Initiatives staff will review applications on a rolling basis as they come in.  

The Giving Project is a space that brings people from all different identities together to move through a shared process of learning and action. As such, we work hard to curate a cohort that spans the spectrum of many intersecting identities including but not limited to race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability. 

Maine Initiatives centers Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color in each Giving Project cohort. We also prioritize LGBTQ+ folks and participants from diverse age and class backgrounds. 

Step Three - One-On-One Conversations

If your application moves forward in the process, a Maine Initiatives staff member will set up a time to further discuss your interest in the Giving Project. We often have more applicants than spaces available in the program. 

Step Four - Notification

We will notify all applicants whether they have been selected for the cohort by early November.

Who should apply?

The Giving Project is often a transformative experience for those involved. No prior experience with philanthropy or fundraising is necessary. We will train you and support you along the way!  

We encourage all people, and especially Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color; LGBTQ+ people; low- or no-wealth individuals; and folks over 40 to apply.  

You should apply if: 

• You want to confront issues of injustice and take action.  
• You want to learn about social justice movements and community organizations in Maine that are building a future free of oppression.  
• You are passionate about building community and curious to learn about other peoples’ lived experiences that are different from yours.  
• You want to learn how to fundraise, make grants, and expand your network.  
• You are open to and ready for personal transformation. 
• Please note: The Giving Project isn’t an anti-oppression 101 course. We’re looking for people who have a developed understanding and analysis of race and class and are excited to dig deeper within the Giving Project. If you are interested in participating in the Giving Project but are new to anti-oppression work, we encourage you to first participate in an anti-oppression training online or in your community. There are dozens of great programs out there that will help set you up for success in the Giving Project.

How are participants selected for the donor organizing cohort?

Interested applicants submit an online application. Maine Initiatives staff will review applications on a rolling basis as they come in. If your application moves forward in the process, a Maine Initiatives staff member will set up a time to further discuss your interest in the Giving Project. We often have more applicants than spaces available in the program.  

What is the commitment?

The Giving Project runs from January 2027 through June 2027. There are several required sessions over those 6 months, along with asynchronous coaching and donor organizing.

We ask you to… 

• Commit to the entire program by attending all sessions, donor organizing your personal network, some light reading, and participating in small and large group activities. The commitment is about 100 hours.
• Come ready to engage in collective learning and contribute what you’re able during discussions, activities, and group experiences.  
• Make a personal financial contribution. Every gift is meaningful, and there are no minimum or maximum amounts.

What kind of capacity is required to participate in the Giving Project?

The Giving Project is a multi-month cohort-based experience that requires a significant commitment of time, talent, and resources from participants. Maine Initiatives works hard to create an environment of support for folks to fully participate in the program, and we understand that most folks are already juggling various responsibilities within their lives. Nobody can be everywhere all the time. With that in mind, we want to be clear that this program is intensive and completely voluntary.  

The experience of the Giving Project cohort is negatively impacted when participants aren’t fully present and engaged. It is important to us that Giving Project participants not only have passion for funding social justice movements, but also that they have the time and capacity to fully invest in this unique cohort experience. 

After considering your personal situation (other significant commitments, competing demands, work/life balance, mental and emotional capacity, etc.), if you are feeling unsure about your current ability to fully commit to this program, we encourage you to prioritize self-care and consider applying for a future Giving Project cohort.  

Nearly 40 people have committed to and completed the program, many with stories of personal transformation, deeper community connections, and a better understanding of Maine’s social justice movements. If you can make the commitment, you will get just as much out of the Giving Project as you put in!

What is the 2027 Giving Project Schedule?

It is important that participants attend as many sessions as possible, but we know that life happens! While we prioritize people who can fully commit for all dates, please let us know when you apply if you need to miss any sessions and we’ll see if your participation is still possible.  

Click here to see the full schedule.

I can’t attend all the scheduled sessions. Should I still apply?

Being present at all meetings is how we build collective analysis and support. We prioritize participants who can fully commit to the program and attend all sessions. Please let us know in your application if you'll need to miss any sessions.   

If you know you don’t currently have the capacity to fully commit to this program but are interested in it, we highly encourage you to consider applying for a future Giving Project cohort!

Is this a volunteer experience?

Yes, however we recognize that participating in the Giving Project is a major commitment of time, energy, and labor. Cohort members receive the benefits of learning new skills and deepening their understanding of social justice philanthropy while engaging in many hours of in-person training sessions, 1:1 donor organizing, and grant reading. We estimate that about 100 hours of time goes into being a part of the cohort.  

It is within our organizational values and financial ability to offer all cohort members a participation stipend. While this amount cannot encompass all the hours or energy participants put into the program, we offer it as one way to say thank you for your commitment and contributions over our six months together. 

Where will the meetings take place?

Sessions will be held in-person in the Portland area. If you live in Maine and can travel to attend the sessions, you are welcome to participate, and we are able to offer mileage reimbursement and some travel support. However, please carefully consider your capacity to travel for all scheduled dates and sessions.  

We are currently unable to accommodate applicants who live out-of-state or internationally. The program does not include a virtual option for online participation.

I'm interested, but I can't commit this year. How can I stay connected and support?

• Tell others about the Giving Project! We need your help to get the word out.  
• Donate today and join the Maine Initiatives community! In order to make Giving Projects work, we need financial support from people who love the idea and the work but can’t be involved themselves.  
• Sign up for Maine Initiatives monthly e-newsletter to stay in-the-know about our grantmaking, grantee partner news, and upcoming events. 
• If you'd like to receive more information when we begin recruiting for the next Giving Project at Maine Initiatives, fill out the Giving Project interest form.

Credit: Adapted from Headwaters Foundation for Justice, Minneapolis, MN.