About Island institute
The Island Institute is a non-profit organization that has been working tirelessly to build economic, climate, and social resilience for the Maine coast. The institute works alongside island and coastal leaders to ensure that the communities in these areas thrive despite the challenges they face.
One of the primary goals of the Island Institute is to promote sustainable economic development in coastal communities. The institute recognizes that these communities are often isolated and have limited resources, which can make it difficult for them to compete with larger cities. To address this issue, the Island Institute provides technical assistance and training programs designed to help local businesses grow and succeed.
In addition to promoting economic development, the Island Institute is also committed to addressing climate change. Coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and other environmental threats, so it's essential that they take steps now to mitigate these risks. The institute works with local leaders on initiatives such as renewable energy projects, green infrastructure development, and community-based adaptation planning.
Social resilience is another critical area of focus for the Island Institute. Many coastal communities struggle with issues such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare services or education opportunities. To address these challenges head-on, the institute provides support for community-led initiatives aimed at improving quality of life in these areas.
The work done by the Island Institute has not gone unnoticed - it has received numerous awards over its years of operation. For example, in 2019 alone it was awarded a $1 million grant from ArtPlace America's National Creative Placemaking Fund; recognized by Maine Philanthropy Center as one of five nonprofits making significant contributions towards equity; named one of 10 finalists for a prestigious international award recognizing organizations working towards sustainable development goals; among others.
Overall if you're looking for an organization dedicated towards building resilient coastal communities through sustainable economic growth while addressing climate change & social issues then look no further than The Island Institute!