Good things go well together—and that includes United Way’s giving circles. With a shared commitment to strengthening our community, each giving circle invests in programs that break down barriers to opportunity for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. For Women United, it’s uplifting single mothers and for Emerging Leaders United, it’s giving youth a strong start.

I’m excited to bring you a joint giving circle newsletter for the first time with news from Emerging Leaders United and Women United. Some of you may be unfamiliar with the other giving circle, and some of you are members of both giving circles (thank you!).

Read on for investment updates, upcoming events and unique ways to engage, and a look back at recent events.

Investment Updates

Each spring, our giving circle investment committees review applications for support from local nonprofits and determine where to invest member contributions to make the most impact for youth and single mothers. Every step of the process is led by members and volunteers.

Emerging Leaders United had an open application process, which closed on March 25. ELU continues to focus on programs that support youth through academic support, mentorship, afterschool care, and other innovative ways. The Investment Committee will meet soon to review the applications and make investment recommendations to United Way’s Community Impact Steering Committee.

Women United welcomed current partners to apply for funding again this year. Following last year’s strong open application process, the Steering and Investment Committees look forward to continuing to support our eight partners, the largest partner cohort in Women United’s nine-year history. The application aligns with United Way’s investment process.

We will announce investments in community partners in late summer!

Honor a Woman in Your Life

Join Women United in honoring a special person in your life this Mother’s Day. With a donation of $15 or more, Women United will send a heartfelt, handwritten card on your behalf to a mother, sister, teacher, friend—any woman you admire. Your donation also supports single mothers, ensuring they can build financial security for their families.

SEND A CARD

10 Miles to Support United Way

Go the extra mile for United Way at the Portland 10 Miler on April 26. United Way is thrilled to be the charitable partner for the third year in a row. We’re excited to offer runners a new way to raise funds for our community. Commit to raising $250 to secure a race bib, and 100% of your donation will go directly to United Way. Every mile helps build a stronger Southern Maine!

READY TO RACE

To create your own fundraising page, click “Fundraise” in the middle of the event page, and enter your information. You’ll then be able to share a link with your friends and family and track your donations.

Women United Casual Gathering, April 30

Join Women United for casual meet-up on Thursday, April 30, 5:00–7:00 p.m. at O’Reilly’s Cure in Scarborough. Whether you’re a long-time Women United member or an ELU member looking to learn more, drop by O’Reilly’s to connect with members and celebrate the impact WU has made for single moms across Southern Maine.

RSVP

Charitable Cocktails at Bird & Co

Schedule your next happy hour hang-out at Bird & Co. and support community!

This April, $1 from every Classic Margarita or Mixed Mocktail will be donated to United Way of Southern Maine. Cheers to doing good together!

ICYMI: Recent Giving Circle Events

Women United’s Night at the Museum

Women United members returned to the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine for the third year for a museum takeover on March 5. The event brought together members and friends with their kids to explore the museum together after hours. Thank you to MEMIC for making this fun night possible.

ALICE, Leadership, and Action: An Evening with ELU

Emerging Leaders United gathered at Shipyard Brewing Company in February to enjoy good conversation and pack 100 food kits for The Locker Project, a nonprofit that connects food-insecure children in Maine with nourishing food to improve their learning capacity, health and future. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from Chris Hynes (Rhino Foods Foundation) about the impact member support has for ALICE families in Southern Maine. Thank you to the evening’s sponsor, Machias Savings Bank.

It is always a wonderful feeling to reflect on our giving circle’s many happenings and achievements. Thank you for your support of Emerging Leaders United and Women United. If you are ever curious about learning more about either of these wonderful groups, or want to know how to get more involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at mstaropoli@uwsme.org.