Helping Maine’s island and coastal communities thrive.
It takes innovative, collaborative, and multi-faceted strategies to best support the year-round island and working waterfront communities of Maine. Our programs and priorities address the unique challenges of these special places, and recognize that everything in the region—human and environmental—is connected.
Climate Solutions
With more than a decade of experience addressing climate issues, the Island Institute is leading the way in helping communities build resilience in the face of rising seas, warming waters and ocean acidification. The work we do with communities is fully collaborative– by working together and leveraging knowledge and experience, as well as a deep passion for Maine’s islands and coastal communities, we’re building models of climate solutions that can be used to help address issues throughout Maine and beyond.
Resilient Economies
We work with Maine’s 120 island and coastal communities to address their unique challenges. From fishermen and women and the businesses that support the working waterfront, to the artists and makers who create a livelihood inspired by our rugged coast, our mission is to ensure our coastal communities thrive—now and in the years ahead.
Strong Leadership
We recognize that leadership comes from within and is key to maintaining social resilience in times of change. Through our investment in workforce pathways, leadership training, and our Fellows program, we help Maine’s coastal communities address today’s pressing issues and partner with them ensure they have the tools they need to thrive in a changing world.