UNITED WAY NEWSLETTER
AUGUST 2026
The challenges facing our community are complex, and no single organization can solve them alone. That’s why United Way of Southern Maine works across the community by investing in nonprofit partners, operating programs, advocating for solutions, and bringing people and resources together around shared goals to improve lives.
This year, United Way is investing more than $4.91 million in grants and community initiatives across Southern Maine. These investments support 60+ programs and collaborations that help our neighbors overcome challenges including food insecurity, housing instability, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and more.
Included in this investment is the second year of a two-year grant funding cycle supporting community partners across the region. These grants represent the culmination of Thrive2027, a 10-year community initiative focused on giving children a strong start, helping families thrive, and supporting people in living better, longer lives.
For the past decade, Thrive2027 has guided not only our grantmaking, but also our community engagement, partnerships, and advocacy. Together with our nonprofit partners, volunteers, donors, businesses, and community leaders, we have worked to address the root causes of our region’s most pressing challenges while expanding opportunities for people across Southern Maine.
Before Thrive2027 comes to a close, we’re already working with our community to shape what comes next. Over the past year, we surveyed more than 3,100 people in Southern Maine about their hopes and challenges.
Their insights are helping shape the next phase of our work. We look forward to sharing the results and our plans for the future in the coming months.
One thing is certain: lasting change happens when people, organizations, and communities work together.
United is the way.
EMERGING LEADERS UNITED COLLECTS BACKPACKS
School is almost back in session, but not every student starts the year with the tools they need to succeed. Emerging Leaders United members recently gathered at Belleflower Brewing to launch a backpack drive for students at Our Place, one of ELU’s community partners. The drive will ensure that students have new backpacks to start school off right.
Want to help set youth up for success while meeting new people? Join Emerging Leaders United, a passionate network of people committed to giving back, by making an annual gift of any amount.
UPCOMING CHANGES TO SNAP AND MEDICAID
Recent federal updates to Medicaid (MaineCare) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) have left many in Maine with questions about what comes next.
H.R. 1, sometimes referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill’, is a federal budget reconciliation bill that includes significant changes to MaineCare and SNAP. This resource created by United Way is designed to help providers and Mainers understand the changes, prepare for their impact, and access available support.
CHASE FREEDOM FEATURES UNITED WAY
Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex are featuring United Way as their charitable giving partner, creating another way for eligible cardmembers to support work close to home. Once activated, cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in donations to United Way of Southern Maine (and other eligible combined purchases) through September 30, 2026. Donation can be made at uwsme.org/give.
Activation required. Current Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex cardmembers can learn more and activate here. Deposit & credit card products provided by JP Morgan Chase N.A. Member FDIC.
Upcoming Events
Sustaining Wealth Across Generations
Tuesday, September 15
8:30-9:30 AM | In-Person, Breakfast at the Cumberland Club, Portland
Free
United Way and Clearstead Trust invite you to start your morning with a delicious breakfast, networking, and conversation about setting your family up for success. Clearstead’s knowledgeable staff will share the key financial, legal, and family governance considerations that help families preserve and transfer generational wealth.
Fight Food Insecurity with United We CAN
September 18, 2026
Help fight food insecurity at the United We CAN Food Drive + Sculpture Contest on September 18! Drop off non-perishable food donations between 8 and 11:30 am at the Back Cove Parking Lot across from Hannaford. All donations will be distributed throughout Southern Maine.
While you’re there, marvel at the incredible, larger-than-life CAN-structions built by local companies and vote for the Community Choice Award (on-site voting only).
