December 21, 2020

What hot dogs, water tests, and juice boxes teach us about giving back

Island Institute staff on the things that keep them inspired during challenging times
If your postal mailbox is anything like mine, we’ve moved on from political mudslinging to the more inspiring, unifying season of giving. My inbox is now filled with year-end giving requests instead of Election Day reminders, and interestingly enough, I enjoy receiving appeal letters and annual giving reminders. You read that correctly—I like being asked to give. This year especially, these annual appeals remind me of life beyond and before COVID and the world beyond my small home office. I like to see what some of my favorite nonprofits are…
Sue Bernier
December 18, 2020

FCC announces results of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund

On December 7th, the Federal Communications Commission announced the results of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which provides successful bidders with a monthly subsidy to help offset their costs of…
Nick Battista
December 15, 2020

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Artists and makers

Archipelago, more than a store—supporting Maine's creative economy
As part of our ongoing collaborative series with the Luke's Lobster, we're celebrating Maine's creative economy and some of the incredible work that our state's artists and makers create for…
Island Institute
December 9, 2020

Maine marine businesses save money, reduce carbon pollution

Clean energy solutions for the marine sector reduce costs and help the environment
What if I told you your marine business could shift electrical costs from ongoing operations to capital costs and, by doing so, could pay next to nothing for electricity within…
Sam Belknap
December 8, 2020

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Gifts inspired by the sea

As part of our new collaborative series with Luke's Lobster, we're continuing to highlight some of our favorite things about Maine. Maine's scenic coastline, harbors, and waters serve as a…
Island Institute
Maine Won't Wait climate action plan
December 4, 2020

Maine Won’t Wait: Gearing up to implement Maine’s climate action plan

Bold and durable plan will accelerate climate-related efforts along the coast and across the state
While much of coastal Maine struggled with power outages and flooding as a powerful early winter storm unleashed strong winds and heavy rain—all on top of a global pandemic—leaders of…
Suzanne MacDonald | Nick Battista
December 2, 2020

How communities are helping to close the digital divide in Maine

Through a community-driven process, we can bring affordable, equitable, and reliable high-speed internet access to everyone in Maine
The Island Institute’s mission and values are strongly rooted in the communities we serve. It is the priorities of these communities that power our work. This is why we believe…
Hannah Barrows
December 1, 2020

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Giving Tuesday

In honor of the holiday season and in the spirit of giving, we’re collaborating with our friends at Luke’s Lobster on "A Few of Our Favorite Things," a series highlighting…
Island Institute
November 23, 2020

Commercial Currents: Four Ways to Find Community this Winter

It seems like there is a general unease as we head into another Maine winter. The days are getting colder and shorter, COVID cases are starting to rise again. Like…
Craig Olson and Claire Donnelly
November 13, 2020

Rapid COVID-19 testing available for island communities

State of Maine and partners work to ensure islands have adequate access to coronavirus testing
Since March, Maine’s island communities have faced a variety of logistical and other unique challenges in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. But thanks to a new state effort to distribute…
Nick Battista