Mainebiz Giving Guide

V O L . X X X I I N O. X X I I 4 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 6 – 2 0 2 7 S U P P O R T I N G M A I N E N O N P R O F I T S Maine's prosperity depends on all of us is year's issue of the Giving Guide not only sheds light on Maine's "invisible backbone," a powerful network of organizations delivering critical services efficiently, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities across the state. e guide also showcases examples of new leadership and energy, an exciting national media campaign, and inspiring community collaborations. "Nonprofit" is much more than a word. It's people coming together—as dedicated staff, board members, donors, partners and volunteers—across Maine and the country to lift each other up. In times of crisis, they're food banks, shelters, recovery programs, and hotlines. In everyday life, nonprofits bring us joy through the arts and sports, our kids and hobbies. Nonprofits are how we organize to make our lives better — and often, to save them. Millions of Americans in towns and cities of all sizes engage with nonprof- its every year. In Maine, 400,000 people contribute their time, talent and treasure. Nonprofits boost the economy — helping with affordable child and elder care, job training, and other support that allow Americans to stay in the workforce. ey serve both rural towns and major cities, large and small communities alike: While 36% of nonprofit headquarters are in urban centers, a full 64% are based in suburban and rural areas. Nonprofit impact often goes unnoticed, but they touch lives across all income levels, every single day — with libraries, nature trails, food banks, summer camps, and more. Over half (56%) of nonprofit headquarters are located in lower-income communities, with 27% in middle-income areas and 17% in high-income neighborhoods. Maine nonprofits fuel the economy, contributing $16 billion a year, providing 10,000 jobs in Maine, and often serving as the major employer in communities. e organizations featured in this Giving Guide represent just a small part of Maine's vibrant nonprofit sector, but together they offer a glimpse of the breadth and depth of work happening in communities across our state. Explore their stories, learn more about the organizations working in your communities, and consider how your business, your employees, and your networks might con- nect with and support their work. When we all work together—nonprofits, businesses, government, and philan- thropy—we are stronger, opportunities expand, and Maine is better positioned to meet both today's challenges and tomorrow's possibilities. Big thanks to Mainebiz for continuing to shine a light on the people and orga- nizations helping make Maine a better place to live, work, and visit. Jennifer Hutchins MANP Executive Director Maine Association of Nonprofits FROM THE GIVING GUIDE PARTNER No one sector can meet Maine's challenges alone Despite the challenges nonprofits currently face due to funding and policy changes, they continue doing vital work each day to meet critical needs and build a bright future for people in communities across Maine. Maine nonprofits are compassionate problem solv- ers, innovators and creative leaders. e Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) is proud to support non- profits through its philanthropic partnerships with donors, wide-ranging grant and scholarship opportunities, and collaborations that help advance solutions to statewide challenges. To that end, last year the foundation pro- vided a record $100 million in grants. While philanthropy plays an important role in strengthening our commu- nities, we also know that no one sector can meet Maine's challenges alone. Lasting progress depends on collaboration among nonprofits, businesses, local and state governments, donors and community members. When we listen to one another, share resources and focus on common goals, we can respond to immediate needs while also building toward a better Maine for the future. e 2026 Giving Guide is a celebration of partnerships that improve qual- ity of life for all Maine people. It provides perspective on what these organi- zations accomplish and invites each of us to consider how we can contribute. On behalf of MaineCF, thank you to the nonprofits whose leadership and service make Maine stronger, and to the donors and partners who stand alongside us. Together, we continue to build a better Maine. Sincerely, Deborah Ellwood President and CEO Maine Community Foundation FROM THE GIVING GUIDE SPONSOR The 2026 Giving Guide is a celebration of partnerships that improve quality of life for all Maine people. In everyday life, nonprofits bring us joy through the arts and sports, our kids and hobbies.

• Cover