May 28, 2025
Energy Innovation Opportunity for Rural, Coastal, & Island Communities in the Northeast
Applications for ETIPP’s fifth cohort open now through July 27.
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.
May 22, 2025
Fellows Secure Major Grants for Island & Coastal Communities
Three Island Institute Fellows helped secure Community Resiliency Planning funds for host communities.
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.
April 16, 2025
Decoding the Future of Fishing
How Profit Decoder is Powering the Next Chapter of Maine's Lobster Economy
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.
April 11, 2025
Navigating Lobster Tariffs Webinar: A Resilient Industry Faces Uncertainty
Key Takeaways and Questions Answered
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.
April 11, 2025
Hopeful Persistence while Navigating Change and Uncertainty
A Policy Update From DC
Nick Battista, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer at Island Institute, shares his reflections from a mid-March policy trip to Washington, DC.
March 26, 2025
A Bright Future for Maine’s Fishing Communities
Launching support for business & community resilience at the 2025 Maine Fishermen’s Forum
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.
February 26, 2025
Legacy Fellowship Program Walks Path of New Mission
Island Institute’s Fellows Program is Focusing on Engaging Mainers in Climate Action
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.
February 26, 2025
Reflections from the National Working Waterfront Network Conference
Island Institute's takeaways from the forefront of working waterfront innovation.
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.
January 13, 2025
Storm Recovery Resources
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.
November 26, 2024
Learning on Location
Fall Trips Connect Island Schools
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.
