Maine Women's Fund Information

Since 1989, the Maine Women’s Fund has been making bold investments that transform the lives of Maine women and girls. The Fund is the only Maine foundation focused exclusively on advancing women’s and girls’ economic security. Join us in our Mission by donating today: mainewomensfund.org/donate MISSION 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. VISION The Fund’s vision is a just and caring society in which Maine women and girls thrive so communities prosper. NEED Chronic social problems – such as poverty, violence and lack of access to healthcare – disproportionately affect women and children. The “2011-2012 Status of Women and Girls in Maine” report by the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women states: * 10% of all households in Maine are run by single mothers (compared to less than 5% run by single fathers) and 40% of these single mothers live in poverty. * Women in Maine earn, on average, 78.5 cents for every dollar that men earn. * In a recent statewide study, 32.1% of women and 5.3% of men reported experiencing rape or sexual assault at some point in their lives. * Women made up only 28% of the Maine State Legislature in 2010. GOAL Until gender is no longer a barrier to achieving economic security or an obstacle to justice, the Maine Women's Fund must be in a position to provide significant support to programs focused on women and girls in Maine that work to eliminate such barriers. The full participation of women and girls in society empowers communities to reach their full potential.