Economic Security Initiative

Our past grantmaking experience has taught us many things. Most importantly, that a women's ability to take care of herself, her family and her ability to contribute to her community, depend on her ability to obtain financial security. With financial security, a woman can access better housing, healthcare, nutrition, employment. And because women are often the primary decision makers about health and education, her financial status directly impacts her family's situation.

Over the past year, through public dialogues, focus groups, surveys, online discourse, and private conversations with women leaders, business leaders, grantees, beneficiaries, and donors, we found economic security is the missing link in all aspects of our mission, without which Maine women cannot meet basic needs (like health, housing, and nutrition) and Maine girls cannot reach their full potential.

These conversations and findings birthed the Women’s Economic Security Initiative.