From the President and Board Chair

For four decades, the Maine Community Foundation has been on a journey to build a better Maine. With every step, our direction is mapped by you – the people and communities of Maine.

Over the past year, more than 1,550 Maine people provided their time, expertise and feedback to help MaineCF set its priorities for the next several years. Through our comprehensive, statewide assessment, our neighbors identified challenges and opportunities in which MaineCF can make the greatest impact. The issues that rose to the top across all Maine communities are climate change, housing and economic opportunity.

Equity is a critical issue that cuts through each of these priorities. For example, we know climate disruption disproportionately impacts people with fewer economic resources. People of color are less likely to be homeowners and more likely to experience poverty, while 50,000 people in rural Maine live in poverty.

To realize our vision of Maine as a vibrant and equitable place where people and communities thrive, we need to address these roadblocks in our small towns and urban centers.

Now, our staff, board and volunteers will follow this direction toward the people, organizations and efforts where MaineCF can leverage resources to build a better Maine.

In these pages, you will read stories of a new way forward. Our path is clear, our road is laid before us and we’re ready to go. We hope you’ll join us for the ride!