The Power of Many Defines the Maine Community Foundation

The Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) includes the combined passion, resources, time, talent, and hard work of literally thousands of people. They include donors, staff, board, county advisors, grantees, as well as many other partners, all working together to improve the lives of people in communities throughout Maine.

This annual report highlights some of our work and its impact on the lives of Maine people. MaineCF’s work spans generations – from early childhood to young adults to older Mainers. It also spans issue areas, including aging in place, racial equity, the environment, food security, and entrepreneurship and innovation.

MaineCF is committed to ensuring Maine is a welcoming place, where all people feel safe and accepted, are treated with respect and dignity, and have equitable access to opportunities. With support from the foundation’s Community Building Grant Program, the Capital Area New Mainers Project in Augusta is helping Maine be more welcoming to immigrants and refugees as it provides resources such as housing, family mentoring, and after-school tutoring.

MaineCF is committed to help ensure everyone receives a healthy start and gains the education and skills necessary to maximize their potential in the workplace and in life. This report provides an update on findings from our Early Childhood Community Grants program and highlights our new Adult Learner Scholarship Fund, which assists adult learners to complete degree or certificate programs. MaineCF donor and WEX Chairman Mike Dubyak reflects on the crucial role education plays in building a strong economy.

MaineCF is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and innovators: We launched the Downeast Innovation Network with more than 30 partners, awarded grants to projects that will help entrepreneurs, and produced a report that examines how networks can benefit small businesses and start-ups in rural areas.

All our work involves partners, including donors. A sampling of new funds and the impressive numbers in new gifts received and grants and scholarships awarded last year speak to their passion for Maine. This spring donors funded more than $500,000 in grants through our 2019 Community Building Grant Program. And the legacy of one forward-looking philanthropist, King Cummings, continues to help us strengthen networks and nonprofits in rural Maine.

Yes, the power of many defines the Maine Community Foundation. Thanks for being part of the foundation and for your contribution to improve the quality of life for all people in Maine.

Steve Rowe, President & CEO

Karen Stanley, Chair, Board of Directors

Gregg Collins, Vice-Chair, Board of Directors  

Photo: Steve Rowe, Karen Stanley, and Gregg Collins visit the Bangor Arts Exchange. A MaineCF Community Building grant last year helped support the Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s first season of programming at the new downtown venue. Photo Ashley Conti