Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1539707
V O L . X X X I N O. X X I I 32 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 5 – 2 0 2 6 N O N P RO F I T P RO F I L E WHAT WE DO Community Plate brings neighbors together in non-par tisan, cross- cultural, intergenerational spaces at Story Sharing Suppers, our statewide series of free community events. We revitalize relationships and reenergize communities by reimagining the long tradition of the community potluck, using storytelling as a source of connection and entertainment. It's a simple, powerful formula, and it's not something new – human beings have always gathered around food and stories. is combination brings us closer to one another and reminds us of our shared humanity. At the same time, it gives us an opportunity to express our individualities, our personal tastes, and our family stories. As we work to address loneliness and social disconnection, Community Plate exists at the convergence of community building, cultural preservation, public and civic health, and the performing arts. And the food is delicious! We preserve family recipes and stories through the creation of community cookbooks, and we also work to preserve the tradition of Maine storytelling by hosting storytelling workshops and other community storytelling events. 2024/2025 IMPACT � 96% report the interactions they experienced modeled values of kindness, respect, and commitment to one another; � 99% report making a connection with someone they didn't know or didn't know well; � 89% report feeling more connected to their community after the supper; and � 90% indicate an increased interest in other community events. 2026 GOALS � Complete our goal of hosting suppers in each of Maine's 16 counties. � Deepen community ties by increasing the percentage of organizational revenue that comes from business sponsorships. � Create a downloadable kit of our Story Sharing Supper framework to empower communities and extend the impact of our program to all corners of the state and beyond. � Establish a statewide/national potluck week to encourage more people to come together to share food and stories. � Expand our board. � Increase our individual donor base. FUNDRAISING EVENTS/ OPPORTUNITIES We have numerous events throughout the year that have sponsorship opportunities at a variety of levels including: � 16-20 Story Sharing Suppers across the state each year – sponsorship by single/multiple suppers � e Corner in Lewiston – a monthly evening of community storytelling � Annual November Gratitude Supper fundraiser – two weeks before anksgiving, in Southern Maine � Annual Pi(e) Day fundraiser – a celebration of pies and math in Southern Maine, each year on March 14 � e Maine Storytelling Muster – a daylong celebration of the art of storytelling, each September in Brunswick GIVING OPPORTUNITIES � Sponsor a supper! We encourage more businesses to sponsor our Story Sharing Suppers. It's a great way to support community in Maine and associate your brand with a positive, impactful community experience. � Hire Community Plate! We offer guided conversations, event facilitation, and customized community cookbook creation to nurture relationships between colleagues and create a welcoming and collaborating company culture. Reach out if your company or organization would be interested in team- or community-building through food and story. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Come to a supper! Bring a dish, share a story, build community! BOARD OFFICERS Rachael Cerrotti, Portland President Don Lindgren, Alfred Secretary Jennifer Bristol, Lubec Treasurer BOARD MEMBERS Myron Beasley, PhD, Lewiston Leigh Hallett, Newport Heather Kenvin, Portland Nassar & Parivash Rohani, Freeport Christine Rudalevidge, Brunswick Topaz Smith, Portland Margaret Hathaway & Karl Schatz Co-Founders AT A GLANCE Established: 2023 / Employees: 2 / Annual revenue: $89,000 TOP FUNDING SOURCES 64% Individual donations 16% Grants 12% Fundraisers 5% Business sponsorships 3% Earned revenue CONTACT 241 Yarmouth Road, Gray, ME 04039 (207) 337-6101 https://communityplate.me @communityplate.me AWARDS/ACCOLADES Named one of 25 Innovators Tackling the Loneliness Epidemic in 2025; Featured on NBC Nightly News, NPR's Weekend Edition with Scott Simon, Boston Globe Sunday Magazine, National Civic Review, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy MISSION STATEMENT Community Plate is dedicated to fostering connection and building community through a common language of food, shared food stories and recipes, and the preservation of family food histories. SERVICE LOCATIONS Statewide: In two years we've hosted 35 Story Sharing Suppers in 13 of Maine's 16 counties. Community Plate