December 21, 2020

Focus and action: reporting back on priorities

In March, as the entire nation began to adapt to what it meant to work, study, and stay at home, the Island Institute began to take action. In a March 25th Field Notes article in The Working Waterfront, Island Institute President Rob Snyder outlined our immediate response to the urgent needs of our communities, including how to support those in need of food and shelter. Many of our own donors responded to the request to support local food banks and related social services, and we extend a shared sense of gratitude…
Sue Bernier
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…
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