2026 Goals
In 2025-26, The Third Place will:
• Identify key corporate partners in each of our five advisory regions to support community-driven recruitment and retention of BIPOC professionals across sectors.
• Improve collaboration between BIPOC-led outdoor, health care and wellness initiatives to expand impact, streamline services, reduce duplication of efforts and identify business development opportunities.
• Expand consulting services to deliver sector-specific, community-informed workforce inclusion strategies that address recruitment, retention, and equity.
• Diversify revenue by scaling earned-income opportunities through training, ERG support, and consulting services for Maine-based employers.
• Hire a Program Director to manage SHIFTMaine sector network priorities and steward strategic partnerships across health, education, business, and the environment.
These goals will deepen our impact, strengthen Maine’s cultural infrastructure, and position The Third Place as a trusted resource for inclusive talent development, equity-centered collaboration, and cross-sector innovation.
Fundraising Events/Opportunities
The Third Place raises funds to support racial equity through community connection, cultural infrastructure, and workforce inclusion. Businesses and donors can contribute by sponsoring high-impact events and sector initiatives that promote visibility, leadership, and belonging for Maine’s BIPOC communities.
• Sponsor regional cross-sector networking events that connect BIPOC professionals, employers, and community leaders across Maine.
• Sponsor one of our 11 sector organizing groups, including Banking & Business Services, ECO-BIPOC, STEM, Arts & Culture, Education (K-12 and Collegiate), Health care & Wellness, Nonprofit Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Media & Communications, and Real Estate & Trades.
• Sponsor flagship events and programs like the Black Women’s Leadership Alliance, Annual Juneteenth Celebration, and Maine Black Excellence Awards – each offering visibility, engagement, and community impact.
• Invest in our upcoming BIPOC Sector Summit, a new convening to evaluate sector-specific challenges and priorities for Maine’s BIPOC communities.
Giving Opportunities
We welcome businesses and other institutions to become a Community Impact Partner for 2026 with a yearly leadership gift of $7,500+ to invest in long-term infrastructure, staffing, and operations. Partners receive opportunities to table at two networking events per year, inclusion of logo and link in nine e-newsletters to 1,200+ BIPOC college students, entrepreneurs, and professionals across Maine. Mutually tailored benefits are available to higher levels of giving.
Individual donations are always welcome year-round and can be provided through our website or directly at https://givebutter.com/thirdoperating.
Volunteer Opportunities
• Share your expertise by volunteering as a guest speaker or workshop facilitator at a SHIFTMaine sector meetup.
• Serve as a strategy advisor for one of our regional or sector-based networks to help guide programming and partnerships.
• Connect BIPOC employees or colleagues to The Third Place’s professional and cultural networks for mentorship and engagement.
• Support events and convenings through volunteer roles in planning, outreach, and day-of logistics.
• Offer pro bono services in areas like marketing, HR, legal, or business development to strengthen organizational capacity.
• Host a COMPASS or SHIFT networking event at your business or institution.