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Sponsored by: Maine Association of Nonprofits
Updated: September 27, 2021 2021 Giving Guide

Maine Association of Nonprofits

 

Jennifer Hutchins, Executive Director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits

Unparalleled challenges from COVID met by perseverance and adaptation

The Maine Association of Nonprofits is pleased to continue our partnership with Mainebiz to provide this annual spotlight on Maine’s nonprofit sector and the critical role businesses play in partnering with them to strengthen economic resiliency and our communities’ quality of life.

As employers and providers of essential services, Maine’s nonprofits faced unparalleled challenges from COVID-19, yet persevered with rapid adaptation and creative solutions to meet extraordinary community needs. Now, as we work toward healing and reacclimating to a new iteration of normal, nonprofits will be central to this process.

Amidst the turmoil, we also find hope and inspiration from the generous, flexible support that businesses have offered their nonprofit partners these last many months. The countless collaborations and unprecedented contributions of time, money and other resources have demonstrated what is possible when businesses, nonprofits and governments come together to ensure that everyone has what they need to thrive.

The challenges our communities face — from racial injustice and economic disparity to mounting pressures on public health and our environment--increasingly call on us to reimagine how we find innovative solutions together, to reinvent how we define then recommit to our common good. As a first step, nonprofits need the resources and genuine partnerships to navigate these remarkable times and to think boldly and creatively.

If you, as an individual or business, are in a position to help, we need you now more than ever. Here’s how:

  • Engage nonprofits, even the small ones, as valued partners. As we build back our communities, include nonprofit perspectives, skills and ideas in coordinating efforts and sharing effective strategies. This may require proactively seeking out organizations that aren’t as visible in the public eye. To grasp what’s happening for our communities, it’s important to get close to the action.
  • Be generous and flexible with financial support. The pandemic has been a game changer for most. Nonprofits are doing more than ever to stay afloat and meet the changing needs and demands of those they serve. In a time of crisis, any investments can help fuel silver linings to develop, and when you give, doing so with few strings attached truly does go a long way.
  • Get your staff engaged. Professionals from all backgrounds are needed to serve on nonprofit boards and committees. Board service is a great way to give back to your community, grow your professional network, and tap into your passions and special skill sets. Organizations are always looking to enhance their boards with new perspectives and talents.

Maine’s nonprofits employ 1 in 6 Maine workers and contribute nearly $14 billion to the nation’s economy. They educate our children and youth, support entrepreneurs, keep all of us safe and healthy, and enrich our natural and built environments. We all benefit from a vibrant nonprofit sector. Join us in reimagining and recommitting to the common good.

Thank you.