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 […]

Thanks to the incredible support of donors like you, we are making a second round of emergency support grants to grassroots organizations in Maine. With $309,420 distributed last month, and another $207,500 going out this week, we are proud to distribute a total of $516,920 in grants directly into the hands of community leaders responding to […]

Workers’ Rights The coronavirus pandemic has fundamentally shifted how our economy functions. While some workers have been able to shift to a work-from-home set-up, tens of thousands have lost their jobs, and many of those who are still employed must choose between a paycheck and their own health and safety. This week’s COVID-19 issue spotlight takes a […]

If you would like to support organizations working on workers’ rights in Maine, consider the following organizations: Cambodian Community Association of Maine The Cambodian Community Association of Maine (CCAM) is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to improve the quality of life and the social and economic well-being of Cambodian people in Maine through cultural exchange, […]

Supporting Maine’s Tribal Communities Wabanaki leaders are continuing to provide critical support to Wabanaki peoples, responding to many challenges that this pandemic has caused and exacerbated. This week we’re highlighting a number of powerful organizations led by and serving the indigenous communities in Maine. Here’s an overview of what you’ll find in this issue: Wabanaki […]

The Midcoast Indigenous Awareness Group (MIAG) has shared the following list of organizations and causes to support: www.miag-group.org And, if you would like to support Maine Initiatives grantees working on Wabanaki rights and tribal sovereignty, check out the following organizations: Abbe Museum The mission of the Abbe Museum, Maine’s first and only Smithsonian Affiliate is to […]

Decarceration & Prison Reform Incarcerated folks are among the most vulnerable members of our community in this crisis. With over 3,000 individuals currently being held across Maine’s state prisons and jails, the prospect of a COVID-19 outbreak is extremely worrying. This week, we’re excited to share the ways our grantee partners are working to protect […]