February 6, 2025
Recent federal policy proposals have sent shock waves through the charitable sector, threatening significant cuts to nonprofit programs and services—including health care, education, workforce support and social services among others. At the same time, certain policies are fostering fear and isolation among targeted and vulnerable groups.
Maine has already experienced several tumultuous years with significant disruptions including the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme storms that have caused widespread damage, rapidly increasing costs of housing and significant barriers to workforce development.
Throughout Maine, people are feeling anxious amid the uncertainty and existing economic challenges.
During these challenging times, Maine Community Foundation remains steadfast in our mission to build a better Maine. Guided by our values—integrity, respect, stewardship, equity and collaboration—we are committed to fostering a vibrant, equitable place where people and communities thrive.
We recognize that achieving better outcomes requires collaboration. Nonprofits, the business community, government and philanthropy all have essential roles to play. Philanthropy alone cannot create the large scale, sustaining jobs our communities need, nor can it replace the critical resources government provides for society’s well-being.
As a community foundation, our role is to amplify the voices of all community members—including those who have historically been excluded—foster collaboration, provide reliable information for informed decision making and mobilize resources from individual donors, major foundations and government. We do this for the common good. We do this to build a better Maine.
Going forward, in collaboration with partners across the state, Maine Community Foundation will:
- Work with donors to expand funding to meet the needs of all people in Maine and Maine communities
- Support key organizations that are leading the defense of the nonprofit sector and the people and communities they serve
- Reaffirm our commitment to equity by working to promote access to resources and opportunities for all people
- Continue to tackle the significant long-term challenges facing Maine that our communities have identified as priorities – including extreme weather due to climate change, a lack of housing that is affordable and the need to create greater economic opportunity.
To preserve the strong sense of community that we all prize, Maine Community Foundation remains committed to building a better Maine and realizing our vision of a vibrant, equitable place where people and communities thrive. For more than 40 years, we have been a welcoming organization with policies, practices and priorities that support people of all backgrounds. Through grantmaking, community leadership and partnerships, we will continue to create meaningful, lasting impact even in highly uncertain and challenging times.
Onward. Together.
Deborah Ellwood
President and CEO
Maine Community Foundation
