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Cultivating Community

2023 Goals

Cultivating Community works at the intersection of food, land, environment and racial justice. We include and work alongside people least likely to have access to fresh, local food including immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers; BIPOC; low-income residents; and youth. Since our founding in 2001, we have grown to manage multiple complementary projects that help us meet the material needs of our community as we organize for systems change. Over the next 12 months, we will be welcoming our next permanent leader; leaning into our values-based approach and Maine’s rich agricultural history to reduce food insecurity; and build self-sufficiency and a sense of place and belonging for all members of our community.

GRETA RYBUS

Fundraising/Event Opportunities

Throughout the year – especially during the growing season – we have lots of events where individuals and businesses can support our programs:

  • Weekly farm stands
  • Community pop-up dinners
  • Seasonal garden tours
  • Youth events and activities
  • Co-branded custom events
  • Contact us to learn how you can promote food justice through one of our events!

Giving Opportunities

There are numerous ways to support Cultivate Community including:

  • Inspire donors with your matching challenge grant during our fundraising campaigns.
  • Sponsor programs such as farmer trainings, urban gardens, youth + school activities.
  • Become a monthly donor for the greatest impact via our website CultivatingCommunity.org/Monthly
  • Donate a percent of your business’ sales.
  • Donate gardening tools, seeds, fertilizers and more.
IAN MACLELLAN

Volunteer Opportunities

Connect with us online at CultivatingCommunity.org/Volunteer to sign up for volunteer opportunities:

  • We invite individuals and groups to get their hands dirty in our gardens and farms!
  • Bring your expertise to our gardening and nutrition programs in local elementary schools.
  • Consider a team-building Volunteer Workday on the farm for your organization’s next offsite activity.
IAN MACLELLAN

Leadership

Board officers

Brenda Peluso: Interim Co-Director

 

Roberto Rodriguez: Interim Co-Director

 

Dee Dee Germain: President, Woodhull Construction

Elizabeth Manning: Vice President/Secretary, Prince Memorial Library

Ted Spitzer, Board Treasurer: Market Ventures Inc.

 

Board members

Joan Amory: North Haven Sustainable Housing

Waite Maclin: Maclin Consulting

Kathleen McKersie: Cumberland School District

At a glance

Established: 2001

Employees: 12

Annual revenue: $1 million

Top funding sources

34% Individual and business contributions

30% Foundation grants

28% Government funding

7% Program income (fees or other forms of earned income)

1% Interest, dividends and endowment income

Contact

Physical address: 58 Boyd St., Suite A, Portland, ME 04101

Mailing address: P.O. Box 3792, Portland, ME 04104

https://www.cultivatingcommunity.org

https://www.facebook.com/cultivatingcommunitymaine

https://www.instagram.com/cultivatingcommunitymaine

Mission Statement

Cultivating Community grows sustainable communities by expanding access to healthy, local food; empowering children, youth and adults to play diverse roles in restoring the local, sustainable food systems; and modeling, teaching and advocating for ecological food production.

Service locations

Cumberland County: Portland, Westbrook, Freeport and Falmouth; and Androscoggin County: Lewiston and Lisbon Falls.