Local agriculture is a vital part of life in Maine. Our sense of place, our economy, and even our health can be tied to local food production.

MaineCF is working with donors to explore the connections between their philanthropic interests and public, private, and nonprofit efforts to promote and grow healthy food and healthy communities.

Maine has a strong agricultural heritage, boasting more than 1.3 million acres of farmland. Agriculture contributes $1.2 billion to the state's economy. Growth in community supported agriculture, farmers' markets, organic farms, and farm-to-school initiatives indicate that the sector is ripe for support.

In partnership with donors, MaineCF hopes to make more funds available for this vital work and to contribute to the groundswell of awareness about the role that local food production plays in providing a sense of place, fostering economic opportunity, improving health and well-being, and building community.

Promoting locally produced food is tied to a range of philanthropic interests. Charitably-minded individuals interested in ...

... THE ENVIRONMENT can invest in farmland preservation and support programs that help farmers pursue more sustainable practices.

... ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT can improve access to financial and technical assistance for farmers, and invest in expanded processing and distribution of local products.

... HEALTH AND NUTRITION can support projects that promote greater access to local foods and connect people to healthy eating.

... CHILDREN AND YOUTH can promote connections between farms and schools, in the classroom and in the cafeteria.

... BUILDING COMMUNITY can provide funding for farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture, and cooperative farm and consumer groups.

A Role for Philanthropy

Philanthropy can play a role in building a community, economy, and sense of place that center on local food production and benefit all Mainers. Grant funding is vital to organizations working in this field--not just for the dollars, but also for the vote of confidence that can attract other public and private support.

Low-interest loans can help capitalize revolving loan funds focused on conserving farmland and meeting the financing needs of farmers. Connecting with like-minded donors may raise awareness about new funding opportunities and leverage funding for nonprofit partners. Sharing information from grantees can help build awareness and lead to more broad-based support.

The attached Farms, Food, and Philanthropy brochure can serve as a great conversation starter for your clients and get them thinking about ways in which their philanthropic interests could support local agriculture. If you would like printed copies, please contact the Maine Community Foundation at 877-700-6800.