The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) helps rural communities explore affordable, reliable, and locally driven energy solutions. Apply by July 27th to join the growing network of communities powering their own path forward.
Category: Blog
Fellows Secure Major Grants for Island & Coastal Communities
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
At the start of the month, Governor Janet Mills announced the award of $8 million in grant funding through the state’s Community Resilience Partnership (CRP) to help communities protect people, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding, storm surge, and other climate effects. Three Island Institute Fellows––Claire Oxford, Thomas McClellan, and Alice Cockerham––helped their host communities apply for, and receive, thousands in Community Action Grant (CAG) funding.
Decoding the Future of Fishing
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Island Institute is betting on fishing families—their knowledge, their adaptability, and their willingness to invest in their futures. The Future of Fishing project, in partnership with Profit Decoder, is not about abandoning tradition. It’s about preserving what matters by being smarter about how we operate.
Navigating Lobster Tariffs Webinar: A Resilient Industry Faces Uncertainty
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Following our April 3 webinar with industry experts, we unpack how potential lobster tariffs would impact Maine’s lobster industry. This webinar was moderated by Island Institute’s Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer Nick Battista, the panel featured Luke Holden, Founder and CEO of Luke’s Lobster, Amanda Rector, Maine State Economist, and Eric Miller, President of Rideau Potomac Strategy Group.
Hopeful Persistence while Navigating Change and Uncertainty
Posted by Julia Matejcek & filed under Blog.
Nick Battista, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer at Island Institute, shares his reflections from a mid-March policy trip to Washington, DC.
A Bright Future for Maine’s Fishing Communities
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
At the 50th anniversary of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum, Island Institute announced the launch of its new Future of Fishing initiative. Community development officer Christa Thorpe writes about our new resources for fishermen and community-centered goals that anchor them.
Legacy Fellowship Program Walks Path of New Mission
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Island Institute’s Fellowship program has sharpened its focus to support community-led climate and marine economy projects. Senior Community Development Officer Lisa Millette shares how this shift aligns with the Institute’s refreshed mission and Maine’s climate action plan.
Reflections from the National Working Waterfront Network Conference
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
At the beginning of the month, several Island Institute team members attended the National Working Waterfront Network Conference in San Diego. In addition to connecting with experts from across the country, they shared the groundbreaking work Island Institute is doing to keep Maine’s working waterfronts and marine economy ahead of the curve. We asked our team to reflect on the experience.
Storm Recovery Resources
Posted by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.
In the wake of the recent storm, our Island and coastal communities are grappling with the devastating impacts of severe flooding and storm damage. To support the families and businesses through this difficult time, we want to share resources to access the help they need to recover from this storm and prepare for the next.
Learning on Location
Posted by Laura England & filed under Blog.
Each fall, island schools in the Outer Island Teaching and Learning Collaborative (TLC) gather for unforgettable multi-day field trips that connect students, families, and communities. These trips are a core part of the TLC’s mission, enriching academic and social learning for Maine’s smallest island schools and fostering connections that last through winter.
