Greetings,
Two weeks ago, we sent you and the rest of our 5,200
supporters across the state a fundraising distress call.
Today, we're writing back with much happier news: thanks over
a hundred contributions of all sizes, from all over the state,
we've officially surpassed the $60,000 emergency fundraising
goal we had set to secure the organization's financial
position.
The last few weeks have been hectic, but it's also given us
occasion to reflect on the core strengths and
capacities of our organization. We'll emerge from
this financial crunch leaner and more focused, and we're
taking a number of steps to carry GrowSmart Maine
forward:
- New leadership. Following the departure of Alan
Caron, our founding president, we have promoted Maggie
Drummond, formerly our advocacy director, to be our new
interim president. Maggie has been with GrowSmart Maine for
five years, and she's been the primary architect of our
legislative victories at the State House. And, the GrowSmart
board of directors will be even more engaged in the work of the
organization as we tap its tremendous foundation of resources
and knowledge.
- Refined mission. We are sharpening the focus of our
core mission: to promote economic growth, conserve our natural
and working landscapes, and revitalize our communities. Every
decision we make will be viewed through the lens of these
objectives.
- Expanding outreach. We are in the midst of an
extensive outreach effort to strengthen our base of supporters
and advocates. The response to our emergency fundraising
appeal was tremendous and humbling: we have received
contributions of all sizes, including donations from many people
who have never before given to GrowSmart (and it's not too late to join
them!).
- Coalition building. We are redoubling our efforts to
build a coalition that includes economic developers, historic
preservation advocates, architects, housing developers, and
other nonprofits. These individuals and groups form the backbone
of our progress. It is through this collective effort that
important gains already have been made such as streamlining the
state building code and achieving the historic preservation tax
credit.
We continue to believe that Maine needs an ambitious
organization that can build alliances and work towards
big-picture, positive change. The last few months have forced
GrowSmart to scale back its expenses considerably, and its
ambitions slightly. Even though we've met our emergency
fundraising goals, your financial support remains extremely
important to us. A
small contribution goes a long way towards turning our ambitions
for Maine into real accomplishments.
From all of us at GrowSmart, thank you. We look forward to
many more years of working for positive change and prosperity in
Maine.
