As we approach the Fund's 25th autumn of grantmaking, we have been reflecting on the many passionate, determined women who came together to transform the lives of Maine women and girls by initiating the Maine Women's Fund's first grant.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with one of these inspiring women. Heidi Fitz is one of the Fund's most dedicated volunteers, donors and a board alumna. We talked about what drew her to the Fund almost 20 years ago, and why it means so much for her to stay involved in philanthropy for women and girls in Maine:

Heidi: Simply the fact that it's philanthropy for women and girls. When I was young, my family moved about every two years, until I got into junior high school, and then I went to an all-girls school. It really helped to build my confidence and comfort level - I finally felt comfortable speaking up in class. I discovered I had a strong aptitude for math and I don't think I would have discovered that in co-education where boys are typically recognized as high achievers in math. Eventually, I discovered athletics and excelled in ways I am not sure I could have in a co-ed environment. As an adult, I have been able to use those sports skills to coach and

encourage kids, including girls, to grow and succeed.  

Heidi Fitz

Sarah: What keeps you engaged with the Fund's work to build economic security for women and girls?

Heidi: That the Fund supports programs that give women and girls opportunities they might not otherwise have is so empowering to them, and so compelling for me. And the ability for Maine organizations to do so much with the support that the Fund gives them helps me know that there are many being reached across Maine that I would not know how to reach on my own.

Sincerely,

Chelsea Smith dedicated her summer to helping out at the Fund's Portland office. She has accepted a job in Denver working with children, and will be leaving for Colorado this week. We asked her a few questions about her experience at the Fund.    

Why did you choose to intern at Maine Women's Fund?

I was first introduced to the organization as a teenager when my mom took me to a Maine Women's Fund Leadership Luncheon when I was in high school. I don't think I realized it at the time but it made quite the impression on me! I was drawn to work at the Fund to learn more about non-profit work in my home state. Working for Maine Women's Fund has enabled me to get to back in touch with all of the awesome organizations here in Maine.  

What were you most looking forward to learning about during your tenure at the Fund? 

I've enjoyed getting to know the stories of the grantees. I love going on site visits and getting to see firsthand where Maine Women's Fund is making an impact. I'm a hands-on person so it's nice to go to the physical spaces and see the tangible effects the Fund has on the community.

What are your career goals, and how will your internship help you achieve them?

My passion at the moment is teaching yoga. I taught yoga to kindergarteners and second graders this past spring in Colorado and I am currently teaching a donation based class at Urban Farm Fermentory on Tuesdays. My goal is to bring community together through movement. My work at the Maine Women's Fund is helping me develop skills around social media, grant writing, and running successful events -- all essential tools for getting any idea off the ground. I also feel lucky to be connected to a large network of awesome women who are making a difference around the state.

Describe a female mentor in your life and how she has influenced you.

I am lucky to have lots of female role models in my life. I am extremely close to both my mom, Audrey, and my grandmother, Pam. We have had many proud "multigenerational moments," as my grandmother likes to call them. A big moment was when we all went to the caucus in Portland to put in our votes. This sort of thing has influenced me greatly because Pam will adamantly remind me how lucky it is that I can vote and to never take this for granted. My grandmother is also the big philanthropist in my family, insisting that we pick charities in her honor for nearly every holiday. I have to say my interest in philanthropy is something that I ultimately attribute to my grandmother and her huge heart.

Best of luck to Chelsea! We thank her for all her help this summer. If you know a young person who would be interested in an internship at the Fund, please contact Katie at 207-774-5513 or email katie@mainewomensfund.org. 

In June of 1988, a visionary group of women gathered to create what eventually became the Maine Women's Fund. Inspired by a talk given by Helen Lakelly Hunt, a member of the board of the National Network of Women's Funds, these Founders were convinced that they could make a significant difference in the lives of Maine women and girls through philanthropy.

Program participant, 1992, Women Unlimited.

Since its inception the Fund has invested nearly $1.8 million in 180 organizations with programs creating systemic change and improving the quality of life in our communities.

Under its current leadership and strategic plan, the Fund is positioning itself to be a permanent source of philanthropy in Maine for women and girls. We invite you to join us this year as we look back and commemorate the Fund's 25 Years of Grantmaking.  

Nancy Anderson, Tracy Booth, Minette Cummings, Beth Edmonds, Nancy Herter, Mary Hillas, Deborah Johnston, Lucinda Lang, Jacquelin Libby, Gloria Milliken, Margot Milliken, Destry Oldham-Sibley, Marjorie Phyfe, Carol Ward, Ellen Wells, Phoebe M. Whipple and Anne Zill.

From the archives: 25 Years of Grantmaking

Participants of grantee Camp Kieve, circa 1992.

Barbara Leonard, Fund board chair, circa 1998.

Grantee Maine Equal Justice Partners, circa 1998.