Our Work

Mission and Vision
The mission of the Maine Women’s Fund is to transform the lives of Maine women and girls through strategic grantmaking, community engagement and support to nonprofit organizations dedicated to social change. The Fund’s vision is a just and caring society in which Maine women and girls thrive so communities prosper. Since 1989, the Fund has granted over 400 awards totaling more than $2.1 million to 200+ organizations investing in the power of women and girls across the state. 

The Need
While women make up half the world’s population, they are disproportionally affected by chronic social problems including poverty, violence and lack of access to healthcare. Here in Maine, specifically:

  • Women earn, on average, 80 cents for every dollar that men earn, and for women of color and rural women, the average is lower.
  • Nearly 10% of all households are run by single mothers and 40% of these single mothers live below the poverty line. 
  • 32.1% of women reported experiencing rape or sexual assault at some point in their lives.
  • Women make up only 28.5% of the Maine State Legislature in 2015.

Despite these barriers, only 7% of all philanthropic dollars are allocated to address needs specific to women and girls. This is scarcely enough to truly address the complex challenges they face. Fortunately, women around the world are mobilizing to address this gap. As women control more than 60% of our nation’s wealth, the Fund has the opportunity to further economic stability, make real social change and strengthen our communities.

Economic Security
Economic security is the cornerstone of the Fund’s mission. A woman’s ability to take care of herself, her family and contribute to her community depends on her financial security. With economic security, women can break a cycle of violence and access better housing, health care and employment. The Fund supports non-profits committed to removing barriers to economic security for all Maine women and girls. We believe that when we help Maine women and girls to achieve economic security, entire communities prosper.