Mainebiz Giving Guide

V O L . X X X I N O. X X I I G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 5 – 2 0 2 6 8 GIVING GUIDE Purchase a group subscription for your team or entire organization. Get access to Mainebiz for your entire team EMAIL CIRCULATION@MAINEBIZ.BIZ FOR MORE INFORMATION Sanford to Houlton and Rumford to Bar Harbor. Recently, CHOM has pivoted, slightly, making its efforts better known and seeking funds to continue its mission despite federal cuts — to ensure that the 1,300-plus people it serves remain housed and stable in the community. CHOM has doubled down on opposing funding cuts and draconian policies, advocating instead for federal and state resources to be spent wisely to help Maine end and prevent home- lessness and stabilize other popula- tions facing enormous challenges. Ready to adapt Denise Cilley Associate director, Sunrise County Economic Council At Sunrise County Economic Council, we have long understood that sustaining strong, community- rooted programs means being ready to adapt. Founded 30 years ago by a small group of Washington County business and community leaders, SCEC has grown steadily through a grassroots approach that centers local voices, relationships, and long-term commitment, with a focus on building with, not for. With recent cuts and delays in federal funding, we have been mak- ing thoughtful adjustments to ensure our work continues without interrup- tion. One of the most important steps we have taken is revisiting innova- tive programs and project ideas that align with our mission and have the potential to generate revenue. ese efforts will not just support the bud- get, but will also provide real value to the communities, employers and busi- nesses we serve. We also continue to lean into col- laboration and partnership build- ing. rough collaboration with peer organizations, we have been able to develop joint funding proposals, increase impact, and reduce redun- dancy. ese partnerships help us access philanthropic and state-level support when federal dollars are not available. Internally, we continually strengthen our financial planning and management practices. at includes refining reimbursement timelines, modeling different funding scenarios, and making sure we scale programs in ways that are financially responsible. We are also building and deepening relationships with individual donors and private foundations that under- stand the unique challenges rural communities face. Federal funding is still important to our work, but it does not define what is possible. We are focused on build- ing a more resilient, diversified fund- ing model that gives us the flexibil- ity to continue meeting Washington County's needs, regardless of shifting federal priorities. Connecting with alternative funding sources Ray Ruby Executive director, Maine Cancer Foundation As a fundraising foundation, Maine Cancer Foundation deeply under- stands the critical role grant fund- ing plays in supporting Maine's most vulnerable regions, communities, and individuals. Amidst this time of uncertainty and instability at the federal level, we have been connect- ing closely with grantee partners to understand how they are impacted by funding cuts and what they need to move forward and continue to carry out their work. Understanding the urgency of this moment and the significant impact funding losses are having on many nonprofit partners, Maine Cancer Foundation ramped up some of our funding allocations to address grow- ing needs among our partners and the communities they serve. Most recently, we increased our investment in cancer prevention programming for this calendar year from a planned $500,000 allocation to over $700,000. is was a significant shift in gears for us, but being able to react in this way has afforded some partners breath- ing room and has allowed important efforts to continue amidst the current landscape. As one of our core values, we also continue to focus intently on health equity, promoting fair and just access to reduce cancer-related health dis- parities for all Maine people. Can- cer takes an especially heavy toll on certain communities, yet many of the recent reductions in federal funding are falling hardest on those very same groups. is focus will remain at the forefront for Maine Cancer Founda- tion and is a throughline for our pro- grammatic efforts across the state. In addition, we have been con- necting with other philanthropic leaders in Maine and nationwide to understand how we can best support our grantee partners and our own organization during this time. Now is the time for listening, connection and action, and we are proud to be among incredible nonprofit partners » C O N T I N U E D F RO M PA G E 6 CULLEN RYAN Executive director, Community Housing of Maine DENISE CILLEY Associate director, Sunrise County Economic Council RAY RUBY Executive director, Maine Cancer Foundation

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