Every fall, we appreciate the opportunity to offer the 2019 MaineShare Annual Giving Appeal.

As you know, workplace giving in Maine does not happen without dedicated partner campaign coordinators, outreach, human resources and/or payroll teams and it does not happen without committed donors. MaineShare is honored to be considered a meaningful part of every organization's decision to give back to Maine causes.

We are beginning our 2019 appeal just as MaineShare enters its 30 th  year of giving.  Since 1989, MaineShare has offered people a way to connect with and support issues they personally care about by choosing to direct their gifts to specific organizations. Our over 40 Member Groups are working every day for clean air and water, safe and livable communities , and fair treatment for all in Maine. This summer, we were reminded that MaineShare is a founding member of the Maine Association of Nonprofits, established in 1994. We are proud to be an integral part of the ongoing work of so many nonprofits working to expand philanthropy in Maine as we enter our next 30 years.

The organizations we support represent  Environmental  causes for clean air, clean water, and a healthy environmental future. Friends of Casco Bay, Maine Audubon, MOFGA and Sierra Club Maine value your support and rely on it so that they can continue to focus on their mission driven work. 

Many others focus on Education , like Mano en Mano and Viles Arboretum who provide environmental and arts education for K-12 students, and Hardy Girls, Healthy Women who help girls overcome challenges as they become empowered and confident young women. GLSEN and Equality Maine steward learning , community and educational resources with focus on diversity and LGBTQ inclusion.  

Several of our organizations advocate for and protect the civil rights of all Mainers . The Maine Women’s Lobby Education Fund supports women of all ages as they learn how to advocate on behalf of themselves and others throughout the State. The Holocaust and Human Rights Center offers teacher educational training and materials, lectures and exhibits with focus on tolerance and inclusion . ACLU Maine, Maine Equal Justice, and Maine Center for Economic Policy work every day for equality , and justice for all people, regardless of race, class, gender identity, age, or religious affiliation.

Our  Economic Opportunity  organizations, like The Genesis Fund provide financial education and support for communities throughout the state.  Prosperity Maine leads financial literacy certifications for New Mainers and New Ventures Maine, celebrating its 40 th  year in 2019, offers free career training and small business training and stewardship for Maine people in career transition throughout the state.

One of the key reasons people give through MaineShare is that they have the opportunity to choose and support up to 43 causes they personally care about in a single gift. Giving through MaineShare is simple and convenient and provides a sense of satisfaction, year-round. We guarantee that your pledged dollars reach each and every cause you choose (on your pledge form). You can be confident that you are making Maine a better place to live for all people, sustainably, with MaineShare.  

If you participate in on of the many giving campaigns throughout the state, please spend some time learning about our Member Groups. Find the cause or causes you care about, and commit your support. Give $2 or $5 dollars a paycheck, direct your gift to specific groups, or share your contribution equally among all 43 organizations. You are making a positive impact today, throughout the year, and for the future of Maine when you give year round. Every donation at any level counts.


Tracy Harkins, MaineShare Board Chair   
          
Ana-Maria Hluska, MaineShare Associate Director