The History of Philanthropic Wealth in Maine Report and Toolkit

“Philanthropic giving in Maine has resulted in significant achievements. However, the wealth that makes it possible often originated from harmful historical events and practices such as land dispossession, enslavement, and environmental degradation. In recent years, many in philanthropy are joining a growing movement to uncover the truth about the origins of philanthropic wealth, change the inequitable practices that continue to exclude and exploit, and take steps towards repair.

This project aimed to explore the history of wealth in Maine and ways in which today’s funders can implement restorative and transformative funding practices to promote equity and address historic harms. Project staff conducted secondary research and completed interviews with historians and philanthropists in Maine. This report summarizes the findings from this research and offers tools for reflection and resources for deeper learning. We hope that it calls you in to learn, reflect, and act.”

Continue reading the report.