Statewide celebration will honor nonprofits, business leaders, and partnerships creating meaningful change across Maine
PORTLAND, ME - Mainebiz has announced the finalists for its inaugural Community Impact Awards, a new statewide recognition program celebrating the organizations, leaders, and collaborations making a lasting difference in Maine communities.
The awards spotlight the growing impact of partnerships between nonprofits and the business community, honoring organizations and individuals whose leadership, volunteerism, philanthropy, advocacy, and innovation are helping strengthen Maine.
Finalists represent a broad cross-section of Maine’s nonprofit and business landscape, from community development organizations and corporate partners to volunteers and collaborative initiatives tackling some of the state’s most pressing challenges.
Honorees will be recognized during the awards luncheon on Wednesday, June 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. The event will bring together nonprofit leaders, business executives, community advocates, and changemakers from across the state for an inspiring afternoon of recognition, networking, and storytelling.
Event registration is open now: mainebiz.biz/event/community-impact/
Award recipients and finalists will also be featured in the June 15 issue of Mainebiz, reaching business leaders and decision-makers statewide.
2026 Community Impact Awards Finalists:
Corporate Champion of the Year
Recognizing a for-profit organization demonstrating exceptional support of nonprofit organizations through philanthropy, employee engagement, fundraising, and community investment.
Finalists: Androscoggin Bank; Boulos; Central Maine Power
Legacy of Service
Honoring leaders whose lifelong commitment to volunteerism, mentorship, board leadership, and philanthropy has positively impacted communities across Maine.
Finalists: Alexander ‘Sandy’ Buck; Gena Canning; Cary Olson Cartwright
In-Kind Services Support
Recognizing organizations providing critical professional expertise, materials, and pro bono services that help nonprofits expand their impact.
Finalists: Headlight Audio Visual Inc; Systems Engineering
Volunteer of the Year
Celebrating individuals whose dedication, leadership, and generosity of time have strengthened nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve.
Finalists: Caroline Niederman; Karin Otto
Nonprofit Collaboration of the Year
Honoring innovative partnerships between nonprofit organizations working together to address community needs and create measurable impact.
Finalists: Brunswick Topsham Land Trust & Queerly Maine; Community Concepts, Healthy Kids, Maine Children’s Trust, Franklin County Children's Task Force, & KVCAP; Portland Gear Hub & United Recovery Fund
Campaign Excellence
Recognizing nonprofit organizations that executed impactful fundraising, advocacy, operational, or awareness campaigns during the past year.
Finalists: Maine Credit Union League; Tedford Housing; Waterfall Arts
The Community Impact Awards are presented in partnership with Maine Association of Nonprofits and made possible through the support of Presenting Sponsor Maine Community Foundation and Supporting Sponsors Androscoggin Bank, Clearstead Trust, and Kennebunk Savings.
