Last winter, several major weather events were stark reminders of the effects of climate change here. Coastal and inland storms caused devastating floods while limited snowfall impacted economies dependent upon winter recreation.
Maine communities are preparing for future climate-related impacts while rebuilding from recent disasters. At the same time, MaineCF is putting its weight behind community solutions to the climate crisis to build a better Maine for the future – and the work has already begun.
MaineCF is one of the top environmental funders in the state. Through its donor-advised funds and competitive programs, the foundation granted nearly $15 million to climate and environmental organizations in 2023, which comprised 27% of total grantmaking.
In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation & the Future (GOPIF), nonprofit organizations and businesses throughout Maine, the foundation will utilize its resources to address the impacts of climate change on the state’s economy and wellbeing.
Man-made snow blankets Big Rock Mountain in Mars Hill in Dec. 2023. Big Rock has invested in snowmaking technology to combat snowfall decline. Heavy winter rains can have a detrimental effect on ski seasons as they cause frozen ground to thaw. MaineCF’s Aroostook County Fund supported the installation of LED lights for overnight snowmaking. Big Rock Ski Area photo
MaineCF President and CEO Deborah Ellwood was appointed to the Maine Climate Council, which lays out actionable steps to emit less carbon, produce energy from renewable sources and protect Maine’s natural resources, communities and people from the effects of climate change.
Equitable land access and conservation are critical to building a climate-resilient future for Maine. MaineCF is evaluating and redesigning its conservation grant programs to align with statewide priorities. MaineCF joined the First Light Learning Journey, a collective of non-Native organizations working in partnership with the Wabanaki Commission on Land and Stewardship to restore Wabanaki stewardship and access to land.
As a member of the state’s Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission, MaineCF will evaluate the state’s response to recent storms, identify crucial areas for investment and policy needs, and develop the state’s first long-term infrastructure plan to ensure Maine’s readiness to face weather events.
“Innovative climate resilience strategies, including funding options, are key to the survival of our working waterfront communities,” said Linda Nelson, commission co-chair and Stonington’s economic and community development director. “Our small communities require investment to design and implement infrastructure solutions — including change management solutions for our human infrastructure.”
Collaboration between the foundation and its partners is key to public engagement around the state’s climate goals and to support climate education. The foundation is building on partnerships with hundreds of nonprofits across the state to bring more communities into Maine’s climate movement and funders to the table.
