Our mission Maine Initiatives, a fund for change, cultivates social, economic, and environmental justice through grants and other support to grassroots organizations in Maine communities. Our story We’re a different kind of foundation. Maine Initiatives was founded in 1993 by donors and community leaders who saw a need for a fund with the sole mission of supporting social change in Maine. Since then, thousands have joined us in pooling charitable gifts to have an impact — to make change. It’s working. From rural people saying no to aerial pesticide spraying to city tenants winning lead abatement, from small towns turning back big box developers to urban residents gaining control over downtown redevelopment, from immigrants securing basic protections under the law to gay and lesbian leaders securing equal rights under the law, our grantees are transforming Maine. Our focus - Grassroots organizing, because there’s strength in numbers. - Civic engagement, because everyone deserves a place at the table. - Core operating support, because funding our grantees’ missions moves their missions forward. - Change, not charity, because alleviating suffering is not the same as altering circumstance. - Root causes, because people can solve their own problems if they have the resources to do so. Our theory of change Social change: - starts at the grassroots. - requires visibility and media attention. - must expand beyond the people immediately affected. - must change public policies and social practices. - must lead to greater opportunity and equity. - takes time. - takes money. Our commitment We strive to get our donors’ dollars “on the street” as quickly and effectively as possible to nourish the grassroots movements shaping Maine’s future.