What We Support

Our Focus: Four Pillars of a Thriving Community

To build dynamic and resilient communities, we believe certain foundations must be in place: opportunities for our youngest members to flourish, safe and stable homes, access to the arts that enrich our lives, and a deep respect for the land that sustains us. These beliefs form the four pillars of our work.

Quick Links:

A woman and a girl painting a colorful mural on a wall outdoors.

Each of these focus areas reflects our commitment to fostering resilient, vibrant communities that nurture place, purpose, and potential.

How We Work

Our approach to impact is:

  • We believe in partnerships and shared learning.

  • We seek bold solutions to pressing challenges.

  • We center equity and diverse perspectives in our giving.

  • We work alongside grantees to create lasting change.

  • We focus our resources where they can make the greatest difference.

We actively build networks, identify promising organizations, and fund high-impact initiatives that align with our mission.

Our Partnership Approach

We believe in building relationships grounded in trust and shared purpose. While we do not accept unsolicited proposals at this time, we are always learning about the incredible work happening in our community.

The best way to begin a conversation is to connect with us through a mutual partner or send a brief introduction to our team.

People harvesting carrots from a farm with a woman smiling, wearing glasses and a hat, handing carrots to another person.

Arts & Culture

We believe that access to the arts is fundamental to a thriving society. We support organizations and initiatives that expand creative opportunities, elevate diverse voices, and foster a love for storytelling and artistic expression.

  • Small outdoor library box filled with books, mounted on a post amidst purple flowering bushes.

    Literary Arts & Story Telling

    Promoting reading programs, author series, and initiatives that amplify historically marginalized voices.

  • A woman with a beret sewing or drawing fashion sketches at an outdoor craft table, with sewing supplies, fabric, and embroidered patches nearby, surrounded by three people looking on.

    Public Access to the Arts

    Supporting festivals, performances, and creative spaces that make art and culture accessible to all.

  • Street art mural featuring a woman's face with a finger to her lips, surrounded by colorful patterns and a lion's face, on a textured wall under a clear blue sky.

    Freedom of Expression

    Defending intellectual and artistic freedom by combating censorship and freedom of speech.

Why it Matters

  • Children who participate in arts education programs score higher on academic achievement and develop stronger problem-solving skills. source

  • Access to the arts boosts community engagement and economic development, creating jobs and drawing tourism. source

Early Childhood Development

We recognize that high-quality early childhood education is essential for economic mobility and community well-being. However, families face severe childcare shortages, high costs, and limited access to culturally aligned early learning programs.

  • Teacher reading a story to a diverse group of children sitting on the floor in a classroom.

    Expanding Childcare Access

    Funding high-quality, affordable childcare centers, particularly in underserved areas.

  • Group of young children wearing red hats and colorful clothes, joyfully exploring outdoors with magnifying glasses.

    Advocating for Public Investment

    Supporting policy efforts to increase government funding for early learning programs.

  • A diverse group of children and adults gathered in a classroom during a musical activity. One man is playing a guitar, and they are engaging with musical toys and instruments. The background features colorful educational posters and books.

    Strengthening the Workforce

    Providing training, mentorship, and career pathways for early educators.

Why it Matters

  • In Maine, the childcare crisis costs the state $403 million annually in lost earnings and productivity. source

  • A study of Tulsa Educare found that children enrolled before 19 months of age showed long-term academic benefits through third grade. source

  • Childcare affordability is a major barrier: In Savannah, potential federal funding cuts threaten access to early learning programs. source

Housing

Stable, affordable housing is the foundation of a strong and healthy community. We invest in housing solutions that prioritize affordability, sustainability, and innovative ownership models to support long-term community stability.

  • Women wearing construction helmets and gloves working on framing a house under construction, with wooden beams and plywood flooring.

    Affordable Housing Development

     Funding community-driven housing initiatives that create accessible homes.

  • A woman in a beige coat hands over keys to another woman who is smiling and holding a clipboard.

    Financing & Ownership

    Supporting innovative approaches, including community land trusts and shared equity models.

  • A suburban street lined with trees showcasing vibrant fall foliage in shades of orange, red, and yellow, with houses on either side and a clear blue sky overhead.

    Policy & Advocacy

    Policy & Advocacy – Engaging in zoning reform, funding mechanisms, and housing-first strategies to address homelessness.

Why it Matters

  • Tulsa has a $2.45 billion affordable housing gap, requiring an estimated $245 million annually to close the divide. source

  • In Savannah, 40% of households are unable to find quality housing that they can afford. The area faces a severe housing shortage of over 9,300 units – even before a dramatic population increase projected for over the next decade. source

  • Maine’s housing production report underscores an urgent need for rural and workforce housing to sustain economic growth. A 2023 study shows 84,300 homes are needed within seven years. source

Land Stewardship & Community Revitalization

We are committed to preserving natural spaces, fostering sustainable local economies, and investing in place-based solutions that strengthen communities.

  • A river with rocks along the banks, surrounded by trees and green hills under a partly cloudy sky with sunlight.

    Conservation & Public Land Access

    Supporting land trusts, trail systems, and public parks that provide equitable access to nature.

  • Man wearing a straw hat and gray t-shirt gardening in a lush vegetable garden with leafy greens.

    Sustainable Food Systems

    Investing in regenerative agriculture, local food networks, and environmental stewardship programs.

  • A young boy wearing a cowboy hat and a button-up shirt stands behind a fence at a cattle farm.

    Community-Led Revitalization

    Funding local economic development projects that prioritize historically excluded communities.

Why it Matters

  • Green spaces improve mental health, physical activity, and community engagement, making them essential for public health. source

  • Parks and recreation generate over $201 billion annually in economic activity and support more than 1.1 million jobs. source

  • Investments in land conservation and sustainable farming bolster climate resilience and local economies. source