This 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. The 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 nonprofits 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. They 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.
The 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 connect with and support their work.
When we all work together—nonprofits, businesses, government, and philanthropy—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 organizations helping make Maine a better place to live, work, and visit.
