Mainebiz Giving Guide

GIVING GUIDE W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 6 – 2 0 2 7 strengthening communities, supporting Maine's workforce, and addressing chal- lenges across the state. But they don't (and shouldn't) do this work alone. Businesses bring investment, inno- vation, employment opportunities, expertise, and connections. Government brings public resources, infrastructure, policy tools, and the ability to address challenges at scale. Nonprofits bring deep community relationships, specialized knowl- edge, trusted networks, and firsthand understanding of the people and communities they serve. When these strengths are brought together, partnerships can move beyond addressing individual needs to co-creat- ing lasting solutions. For Maine's business community, engaging with nonprofits can mean much more than charitable giv- ing, although philanthropy remains an important part of the equation. Businesses can partner with nonprofits through employee volunteerism, board service, sponsorships, pro bono expertise, workforce initiatives, shared advocacy, and long-term investments in commu- nity solutions. And across Maine, those partnerships are already showing what is possible: Turn separate services into community support When families face challenges, find- ing the right support can be diffi- cult when services are fragmented. Maine Children's Trust and four local family-serving nonprofits — Community Concepts, Healthy Kids, Franklin County Children's Task Force and Kennebec Valley Community Action Program — are working together through the Family Support Communities pilot to identify needs, coordinate resources, and develop solutions with families. By connecting providers, parents and community lead- ers, this partnership is building stronger networks of trust and support in com- munities across Maine. Keep high-quality care close to home In rural Maine, provider shortages and long travel distances can make it difficult to access specialized care. Community Care Partnership of Maine brings together 22 independent non- profit healthcare organizations to share resources, infrastructure, and exper- tise while preserving each organiza- tion's local identity. e network now serves nearly 300,000 patients annually — about a fifth of Maine's popula- tion — and has generated nearly $100 million in Medicare savings since 2016. By sharing infrastructure and expertise, CCPM helps providers access specialists across more than 30 disciplines virtually, making it possible for more patients to receive high-quality care without leaving their communities. Turn climate science into action e Gulf of Maine Research Institute and city of Portland are combin- ing scientific expertise and municipal action to strengthen coastal resilience and protect the working waterfront. eir partnership helped drive the $4 million renovation of Wright's Wharf, making the waterfront more resilient to sea level rise while restoring working waterfront access and adding commer- cial berths. Together, the partners are translating climate research into practi- cal infrastructure, electrification and education initiatives that support both Portland's environmental resilience and economic vitality. Create space for connection Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust and Queerly ME partnered to create more welcoming and affirming opportunities for LGBTQIA+ Mainers to connect with the outdoors. Since 2022, their seasonal Trail Mixers have grown from 6 participants to as many as 75, bringing LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, and elders together on local trails. e partnership shows how organizations with different missions can combine their resources, relationships, and expertise to expand access and create stronger, more con- nected communities. When businesses, government and nonprofits bring their strengths together, they can develop solutions that no one sector could achieve alone. Nonprofits are key partners in build- ing the Maine we want to work in, live in, and pass on. Businesses can play an important role in supporting the nonprofit sector and, in turn, the com- munities where they operate. At a time of increasing need, fund- ing uncertainty, and growing opera- tional pressures, it is more important than ever to invest in, partner with, and champion nonprofits. When we bring our distinct strengths to shared chal- lenges, big ideas have a better chance of becoming lasting solutions. D ia na Ja g d e i s m a r k e t i n g and development off icer at the Maine Association of Nonprof its. SHOW YOUR COMMITMENT TO MAINE'S CREATIVE ECONOMY AND THE ARTS. Explore Business Membership at the PMA. PORTLANDMUSEUM.ORG HELLO@PORTLANDMUSEUM.ORG We've been in business nearly 150 years and continue to innovate by providing you a portfolio that offers the kind of protection your business needs — today. FOR ALL THE THINGS YOU VALUE Forward-looking solutions for modern business challenges. Visit Patrons.com to find an independent agent near you.

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