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September 21, 2025 2025 Giving Guide

The Iris Network

A photo of a visually impaired man with his white cane and guide dog enjoying a sunny day. 

 

2026 Goals

Program Development

Vocational Training: Further grow programs that help individuals who are blind gain skills for employment

Assistive Technology: Provide in-depth training on the latest assistive devices and software to foster independence

Community Engagement

Awareness Campaigns: Increase public understanding of visual impairments through a variety of events

Support Networks: Encourage and promote platforms for individuals to connect, share experiences, and reduce isolation

Accessibility Initiatives

Resource Distribution: Provide best and most recent essential tools to those in need

Advocacy: Provide essential tools and adaptive devices for those in need

Evaluation and Growth

Feedback Mechanisms: Further develop systems to gather input from those that utilize our services for improvement purposes

Sustainability Plans: Continue exploring and developing the current opportunities to increase long-term funding and resource management

Fundraising events/Opportunities

The Iris Network has its Annual White Cane Walk on the first Saturday of each October to advocate for individuals who use a white cane or a guide dog to navigate their communities, and the importance of drivers yielding the right-of-way to them. Businesses are able to be a sponsor of this event by contacting giving@theiris.org.

The agency will be holding the First Annual Charles E. Prinn, III Indoor Golf Tournament on April 1, 2026 at X-Golf in Portland. Businesses are able to be a sponsor of this event and/or sign up a foursome. Contact giving@theiris.org.

Giving Opportunities

The Iris Network has two annual campaigns each year; one in the Spring and one during the holiday season. The agency has wonderful donors who contribute to help provide services and programs to those in the State of Maine who are visually impaired or blind.

The Iris Network also has a Planned Giving program and information on this can be requested by emailing giving@theiris.org.

Donations of gently used equipment that would benefit an individual with vision loss are accepted by calling the agency at (207) 774-6273 and asking for the Development Department.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Iris Network has many volunteer opportunities for community members, including being a personal shopper/shopping driver for those who are visually impaired, or leading arts and crafts, game night, music night, dancing, yoga, exercise or other outdoor recreational activities for the residents of our Iris Park Apartments. Bring your passion and kind heart.

At A Glance

Established: 1905 / Employees: 28 / Annual revenue: $3,200,000

Top funding sources

49.8% State of Maine

35.5% Sales

10.8% Private donations

1.5% Events fundraisers

1.4% Grants/foundations

1.1% Federal agencies

Contact

189 Park Ave.,

Portland, ME 04102

(207) 774-6273

www.theiris.org

Mission Statement

The Iris Network has a MISSION of helping people with vision impairment or blindness attain independence and community integration.

Area served

The Iris Network provides programs and services throughout the State of Maine.

Leadership

David Barnwell, DBA
President and CEO

Board Officers

Jane Eberle, Board Chair, Retired

Pauline Lamontagne, Vice-Chair, Retired Attorney

Merrill E. Barter, CPA, Treasurer, Baker, Newman, Noyes

Andrew B. MacLean, Secretary, Maine General

Board Members

Ellen Benson, Education, JMG Master Specialist

Nicholas Giudice, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Maine

Brian Graves, Retired Entrepreneur

Terri Grijalva, Retired, Vice President, Claims Technology

Todd Mckee, Owner/Producer/Director, Bulldog Media/Bulldog Aerials, LLC

Holly Knight McCarthy, O.D., Doctor, Maine Eye Center

David J. Stuchiner, MD, FACEP, Retired Doctor