Building Connections
for Maine Grantmakers

 


The Maine Philanthropy Center (MPC) is a statewide association of grantmakers working together to promote philanthropy and to increase its impact in Maine.  We invite you to learn more about MPC's membership benefits, programs and events, as well as resources for grantmakers and nonprofits.



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Coming soon!  Save the date: Thursday, May 6th!

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 Changing Times|New Opportunities responds to the reality of the new economy and the challenges it has placed on the philanthropic, nonprofit, and governmental sectors. The conference will feature several distinguished speakers - Diana Aviv, President of Independent Sector, Bradford Smith, President of the Foundation Center, and Susan Raymond, Executive VP for Changing Our World - as well as an unprecedented group of philanthropic leaders who will take part in a variety of breakout sessions focused on topics of current interest.  This year we will be at a new venue - Point Lookout (near Camden). So, stay tuned! More details and registration information coming soon! In the meantime, save the date! You won't want to miss this one! 



A New Resource for MPC Members!  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. 

What's New in Philanthropy

 

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 AmericaPlanet Dog Foundation; 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.



Upcoming Events



marcus owens Former IRS Nonprofit Watchdog Comes to Maine

In partnership with MaineCF, MPC is pleased to offer two workshops with Marcus Owens, Esq. on March 4th. The first workshop -- for foundation directors, trustees, and staff; attorneys, accountant and fiduciary officers -- is on IRS Audit Priorities and Emerging Tax Ruels. The second workshop takes a closer look at Low-Profit Limited Liability Companies. Mr. Owens was one of the original developers of the L3C model.  It has already been adopted in several states and a bill was introduced in the Maine legislature on March 31, 2009 which is pending further discussion. 
  MORE


MPC Publications & Reports


DMG 2009 CoverMPC's latest Directory is available now!

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



energy report coverPhilanthropic Investments in Energy and Food Security - 2009 Report

A new report compiled by the Maine Philanthropy Center tracks the charitable gifts made by foundations during the fall and winter months last year. Altogether some $3.2 million dollars were given to initiatives around the state to help with fuel assistance, home weatherization, and food security. Of the $3.2 million in funds raised and grants awarded, $2,487,380 went to energy-related programs while $713,535 went to food security. Click here to download a PDF copy of the report and associated appendixes.




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.




Accountability and Effectiveness Resources

The philanthropic sector is facing both external and internal pressure to increase our effectiveness and improve our accountability as stewards of the public trust. In response to this pressure, the Maine Philanthropy Center has worked with the Forum of Regional Associations and local partners to develop resources for our grantmakers members.  These resources include Guiding Principles and Practices for Maine Grantmakers, a Board Self-Assessment Tool,  Accountability Publications for Foundation Staff, Trustees & Advisors, and extensive resources to assist foundations in this process. 


 Quote from Alexander Buck



 
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The Environmental Funders Network is a joint project of the Maine Community Foundation and the Maine Philanthropy Center.

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Legal Update: March 4th Workshops with Marcus Owens, Esq.

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