Every two years the Maine Philanthropy Center presents its
Philanthropy Partners Conference, bringing together the largest gathering of grantmakers who fund in Maine with nonprofit and public sector leaders from around the state. This year's conference, held on May 6th,
Changing Times|New Opportunities responded to the reality of the new economy and the challenges it has placed on the philanthropic, nonprofit, and governmental sectors.
The conference featured several distinguished speakers - Diana Aviv, President of
Independent Sector, Bradford Smith, President of the
Foundation Center, Angus King, former Governor of Maine, and Susan Raymond, Executive VP for
Changing Our World - as well as an unprecedented group of philanthropic leaders who took part in a variety of breakout sessions focused on topics of current interest. This year we were at a new venue -
Point Lookout (near Camden).
Philanthropy In/Sight™
With support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation for ongoing development and improvement, the Foundation Center is making Philanthropy In/Sight™ available to members of the Maine Philanthropy Center free of charge for one year, through the members’ area of our website. Philanthropy In/Sight™, an interactive mapping tool enabling users to visualize the spending patterns of private foundations and public charities through a familiar Google Map interface.
Realizing Maine's Worth: Our Community Legacy
That's the point Maine Rural Partners is making in a new report on the anticipated transfer of wealth and its potential impact for the state. Over the next ten years, Mainers are likely to transfer $29 billion to the next generation. If all Mainers choose to invest 5% of their estates in community endowment funds, and if those funds' investments generated 5% returns to benefit the community, then by 2020 these funds would supply an additional $74 million every year to achieve community economic development priorities. That's a big difference for just 5%. In an era when Maine's government and non-profits are struggling to make ends meet, this report offers a possible investment opportunity. Read more about Maine's community legacy opportunity online, or download a PDF of the full report.
Helping Haiti: the Philanthropic Response After Disaster
Within hours after the massive earthquake hit Haiti on January 12th,aid and relief efforts were mobilized. Several Maine grantmakers are making a difference (including: Bank of America; Planet Dog Foundation; Maine Bank & Trust, and others). Additionally, several MPC members participated in the funders teleconference convened by Philanthropy New York on January 22nd. Go to MPC's grantmaker resource center for links to the summary and other resources for funders, including best practices and reflections on grantmaking in the aftermath of disaster.
Philanthropy in a Changing Economy
The dramatic impact of the economic downturn on philanthropy (including endowments, grant budgets, charitable giving, communities, policy decisions, nonprofit organizations and vulnerable populations) will require new navigation skills. At the Maine Philanthropy Center, we are tracking and compiling news, resources, tools and local ideas to help the philanthropy community lead and respond to the changing economy in Maine. For a selection of the information and resources related to grantmaking and the new economic reality, click here.
MPC's Directory of Maine Grantmakers is the premiere guide to the Maine philanthropic community.
Published in October, 2009, the 7th edition of MPC's Directory of Maine Grantmakers contains up-to-date information on more than 400 grantmaking foundations, including: those based in Maine, those identifying Maine as a geographic priority, or those with a history of prior support to Maine nonprofits. Whether you are a grantmaker, work on behalf of a nonprofit organization, or provide professional support to our growing philanthropic community, we hope this directory will help you connect to valuable philanthropic resources. Order your copy now!
Giving in Maine - 2010 Update
MPC's annual look at the status of Giving in Maine has just been released, This past year has been challenging for both foundations and nonprofits, and we have attempted to capture the strength of our philanthropy despite the economic downturn. Click here to download a PDF copy.
Giving in Maine - 2009 Update
This update on the status of Giving in Maine was released at the 2009 convening of the State of Maine Philanthropy: Philanthropic Leadership in Challenging Times. Click here to download a PDF copy.
Giving in Maine
Giving in Maine: A Report on Philanthropy in 2008 by the Maine Philanthropy Center and the Maine Community Foundation was released at the 2008 Philanthropy Partners Conference.
Click here for more information and to download a copy.
