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Updated: 5 hours ago / 2025 40 Under 40 honorees

40 Under 40: Matt Donahue is empowering nonprofits in Maine

Photo / Soubanh Phanthay Matt Donahue, 37: Vice president and chief impact officer, Heart of Maine United Way
Matt Donahue, 37 Vice president and chief impact officer, Heart of Maine United Way Read all about the 40 Under 40 honorees
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Greatest achievement: The strength of my family, including my husband, Derek, and our kids, Chris and Owen. I’ve learned so much from them, and I’m inspired every day by their resilience, hard work and humor. Being a foster and adoptive family has been one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences, and has shown me how deeply Maine needs more families to step into that role. I wouldn’t be as involved in my community without their support, patience and encouragement.

Passion project: The Community, Maine’s Nonprofit Hub, a new initiative of Heart of Maine United Way. Opening this fall, it will support nonprofits across the region, blending affordable shared space with professional, technology-enabled facilities and programming designed to strengthen nonprofit capacity. It’s an effort that will lower overhead, create connections and build a stronger nonprofit sector. This project has been years in the making, and it’s one of the most exciting, meaningful initiatives I’ve been able to help bring to life.

Lightbulb moment: Coming to United Way after working at a software company, I quickly had a lightbulb moment about how vital nonprofits are to our quality of life. Imagine a town without youth sports, music programs, food pantries or shelters. Nonprofits are the fabric of community, offering both help in times of need and opportunities for joy, growth and belonging.

Influential book: “I Knew You Could,” by Craig Dorfman, is a favorite to read with our kids, but its message applies to all ages.

Favorite movies or TV show: “Caddyshack,” “Princess Bride” and “Seinfeld” are classics that remind me to enjoy a good laugh and not take myself too seriously.

Personal hero: My nana Eileen had a way of encouraging me while also keeping me grounded. She gave so much of herself to others: delivering Meals on Wheels, driving people to and from doctor’s appointments and supporting local charities. But more than what she did, it was how she lived that left the biggest mark on me. She showed me what the “right way” looks like: caring for people, giving back, and doing it all to make Bangor a better place.

Favorite quote: “Individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” — Vince Lombardi

Best way to recharge: Much of my free time revolves around my kids’ activities, especially sports. I’m proud to serve as president of Bangor Little League and I helped lead the merger of Bangor East and West Little Leagues, blending two tradition-rich programs into one that gives even more kids the chance to play and build our community.

Maine’s biggest challenge: One of our many challenges is division and isolation. Too often, we focus on differences rather than commonalities, and that erodes the ties that make communities strong. We need more empathy, more connections and more opportunities to come together in meaningful ways. Programs like Little League and United Way’s Bundle Project remind us of the good in our neighbors and create opportunities to feel united. Strengthening those connections is critical for the next generation, not just for meeting needs, but for building a Maine that is caring, vibrant and resilient.

Dinner party guests: Tom Coughlin, former New York Giants coach; MacKenzie Scott, philanthropist; and Frances Wisebart Jacobs, founder of the Community Chest/United Way movement. Though they come from very different backgrounds, what connects them is bold leadership, empathy, courage and the drive to accomplish what others thought couldn’t be done.

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