MaineShare provides needed operating funds for over 30 state-wide organizations in Maine working on the root causes of issues and creating long-term solutions to problems in the state.  MaineShare funds environmental groups, peace and justice organizations, arts, education, civil rights, human rights, health and more.

MaineShare makes it easy for donors to give a few dollars a week out of his or her paycheck and direct  it to the groups they choose.  MaineShare has been raising money for social justice groups in Maine since 1989 through the easy and efficient means of workplace, payroll giving.  Since inception, MaineShare has raised and distributed $2.5 million for social change in Maine.

MaineShare is offered as a payroll giving choice in about 150 workplaces across the state. Campaigns take place in the fall, Labor Day through Thanksgiving.   Individuals who are retired or self-employed also like to make their charitable giving through MaineShare because they can write one check—or give online—and have us distribute the money to one or many groups.  The donor makes all decisions about how money is distributed—not staff or board.

In 2009, MaineShare will be celebrating its 20th anniversary.  Our success is based on the idea that you don’t have to be a millionaire to be a philanthropist.  Working people can give a dollar or two a week out of their paycheck and direct it to issues and groups they care about.  Giving through paycheck contributions allows you to give on a budget and invest in your community.

If your workplace doesn’t offer MaineShare, contact us and we can help make that happen.  More information is available on our website, www.maineshare.org where you can also view our new one-minute “Intro to MaineShare” video.