The Opportunity Alliance
The Opportunity Alliance (TOA) is a public charity based in South Portland, Maine. It supports people across Maine through programs and resources intended to improve health, safety, and stability, including services related to behavioral health, early childhood education, basic needs, and community well-being.
The Opportunity Alliance at a glance
In short: The Opportunity Alliance gave $696K across 12 grants in 2025 (avg $58K), mostly in Maine. 50% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $695,612
- +32.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 12
- +50.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $57,968
- -11.6% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $44,404
- Total assets
- $20,967,347
- -12.3% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 50% first-time grantees (6 of 12, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Maine (95% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Opportunity Alliance
- Contact
Mailing address: 50 Lydia Lane, South Portland, ME 04106
Phone: (207) 874-1175
Website: https://opportunityalliance.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Opportunity Alliance funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was OUT Maine ($106K). Together the top 10 received $657K.
Grant Size Distribution
50 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $50–100K range: 27 grants of 50 (54%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
TOA’s mission and programs are described as serving Maine. In filing year 2025, 95% of grant dollars went to recipients in Maine and 5% to a recipient in Nevada. The grant purposes reference youth engagement services across public health districts and services in the Brunswick area.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Opportunity Alliance open to new grantees?
50%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 6 of 12 grantees (50%) were first-time recipients. With only 12 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $54K; repeat grants $62K. How we count
Medians: $44K first-time, $64K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $525K (2024) to $923K (2022). In 2025 it made 12 grants totaling $696K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| OUT Maine Rockland, ME | TOA is providing youth engagement services in district 2. Because the contract requires statewide staffing, subcontractors will employ district-level youth engagement staff in all other public health districts. | $106,244 |
| Yellow Tulip Project Portland, ME | TOA is providing youth engagement services in district 2. Because the contract requires statewide staffing, subcontractors will employ district-level youth engagement staff in all other public health districts. | $98,125 |
| University of Southern Maine Portland, ME | TOA is providing youth engagement services in district 2. Because the contract requires statewide staffing, subcontractors will employ district-level youth engagement staff in all other public health districts. | $95,162 |
| Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness Bangor, ME | TOA is providing youth engagement services in district 2. Because the contract requires statewide staffing, subcontractors will employ district-level youth engagement staff in all other public health districts. | $86,740 |
| Maine Recovery Access Project Augusta, ME | TOA is providing youth engagement services in district 2. Because the contract requires statewide staffing, subcontractors will employ district-level youth engagement staff in all other public health districts. | $84,264 |
| Maine Immigrant's Rights Coalition Portland, ME | TOA is providing youth engagement services in district 2. Because the contract requires statewide staffing, subcontractors will employ district-level youth engagement staff in all other public health districts. | $45,000 |
| Maine People's Resource Center Portland, ME | TOA is providing youth engagement services in district 2. Because the contract requires statewide staffing, subcontractors will employ district-level youth engagement staff in all other public health districts. | $43,807 |
| Maine Conservation Alliance Augusta, ME | TOA is providing youth engagement services in district 2. Because the contract requires statewide staffing, subcontractors will employ district-level youth engagement staff in all other public health districts. | $33,193 |
| Mobilize Recovery Las Vegas, NV | TOA is providing services in the Brunswick area. | $32,802 |
| Healthy Acadia Ellsworth, ME | TOA is providing youth engagement services in district 2. Because the contract requires statewide staffing, subcontractors will employ district-level youth engagement staff in all other public health districts. | $32,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Opportunity Alliance?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $20,967,347 | $40,279,506 | $39,430,374 | $695,612 | 12 | $896,479 |
| 2024 | $23,910,412 | $36,544,941 | $37,252,730 | $524,814 | 8 | $100,868 |
| 2023 | $25,605,234 | $57,557,910 | $57,055,310 | $530,407 | 11 | $113,663 |
| 2022 | $26,061,913 | $84,718,963 | $84,991,231 | $923,259 | 10 | $62,955 |
| 2021 | $23,247,891 | $49,098,638 | $44,487,381 | $922,207 | 9 | $66,955 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
TOA’s mission is “to build better lives and stronger communities across Maine” by supporting people with programs and resources to improve their health, safety, and stability. Its website describes work in community well-being; poverty and economic mobility; childcare and early childhood education; and behavioral health and wellness.
The 2025 grants included Maine organizations whose stated missions address immigrant communities, civic participation and social justice, conservation, community health, and poverty reduction. For example, Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition says its mission is to improve the legal, social, and economic conditions experienced by Maine’s immigrants through advocacy, information sharing, and collaboration. Maine People’s Resource Center says it works to unite people in their communities and help them participate in decision-making and campaigns for social justice. Penquis CAP says it assists individuals and families in preventing, reducing, or eliminating poverty.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, TOA reported 12 grants totaling $695,612. Grants ranged from $14,219 to $106,244, with a median of $44,404. The largest awards included $106,244 to OUT Maine, $98,125 to Yellow Tulip Project, $95,162 to the University of Southern Maine, $86,740 to Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, and $84,264 to Maine Recovery Access Project. The stated purpose for these awards was youth engagement services in district 2, with subcontractors employing district-level youth engagement staff in other public health districts to meet a statewide staffing requirement. TOA also reported $45,000 to Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, $43,807 to Maine People’s Resource Center, and $33,193 to Maine Conservation Alliance for the same stated youth-engagement purpose. Its $32,802 grant to Mobilize Recovery was described as supporting services in the Brunswick area.
TOA’s website also describes direct client support grants managed by staff, funded through donations and local support, and says these funds are not publicly available. Separately, its Wrap Funds provide discretionary support for urgent needs of eligible adults with severe and persistent mental illness when other resources have been exhausted. These are supports for clients, not a public grant program for outside applicants.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Josh Steirman as Board Chair; Erin Diekema as Treasurer; and Kris Sahonchik as Secretary. Trustees listed are Rebecca Bloch, Abusana Micky Bondo, Anneliese Gerland, Steve Gorsun, Meghan Henry, Jeanne Hulit, and Frances Hutchinson.
The Opportunity Alliance is led by Joseph R Everett, President & CEO on every filing since 2021; 7 of 24 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Joseph R Everett
President & CEO
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$196K (2021) → $186K (2025)
Josh Steirman
Board Chair
Treasurer → Vice Chair & Treasurer, 2022
Vice Chair & Treasurer → Board Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Abusana Micky Bondo
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anne LaFond
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bernie Kavanagh
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Frances Hutchinson
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ghomri Rostampour
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeanne Hulit
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Meghan Henry
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Penelope Wheeler-Abbott
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Bloch
Trustee
Secretary → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anneliese Gerland
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Betsy Tod
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nina Trowbridge
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Gorsun
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dawn A Ouellette
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$150K (2021) → $159K (2025)
Kristin E Ricciardone
Vice President of Residential Programs
Vice President of Residential Program → Vice President of Residential Programs, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$121K (2021) → $118K (2025)
Louise M Marsden
Vice President of Children & Family Services
Vice President of Children & Family → Vice President of Children & Family Services, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$121K (2021) → $155K (2025)
Sarah D Maxwell
Chief Operating Officer
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$128K (2021) → $137K (2025)
Karen A Turgeon
Vice President of Programs
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$119K (2022) → $121K (2025)
Ashley Goulet
Vice President of Operations
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$113K (2025)
Kris Sahonchik
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Erin Diekema
Treasurer
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Payne
Chief Financial Officer
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (13)
- Former: Elizabeth Conrad (2021–2024) — Vice Chair
- Former: Rebecca Smith (2021–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Clare Loxterkamp (2024) — Mat Prescriber
- Former: Kelli Wedgewood (2024) — Clinical Supervisor
- Former: Colette Twigg-Rowse (2021–2023) — Past Chair
- Former: Katherine Pelletreau (2021–2023) — Past Trustee
- Former: Marie-Christine Simbizi (2021–2023) — Past Trustee
- Former: Angela D Hansen (2023) — Vice President of Human Resources
- Former: Richard A Entel (2021–2022) — Mat Prescriber
- Former: Denise Gay-Mathisen (2021) — Senior Vice President of Quality Improvement
- Former: Larry Kaplan (2021) — Past Trustee
- Former: Steve Poulos (2021) — Past Trustee
- Former: Yueying LaFleur (2021) — Past Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $186K, to Joseph R Everett (President & CEO). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Opportunity Alliance
How much does The Opportunity Alliance give each year?
The Opportunity Alliance gave $696K across 12 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $525K across 8 grants.
What is The Opportunity Alliance's typical grant size?
The Opportunity Alliance's median grant in 2025 was $44,404, and its average grant was $57,968, across 12 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Opportunity Alliance that year got $54K on average.
Where does The Opportunity Alliance give grants?
The Opportunity Alliance gives mostly in Maine: 95% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Portland, ME (4 grants), Augusta, ME (2 grants) and Bangor, ME (2 grants).
Does The Opportunity Alliance give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 12 grants with a stated purpose on The Opportunity Alliance's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are The Opportunity Alliance's largest grantees?
The Opportunity Alliance's largest 2025 grantees include OUT Maine ($106,244), Yellow Tulip Project ($98,125) and University of Southern Maine ($95,162), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Opportunity Alliance?
The Opportunity Alliance reported $21.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $40.3M.
What does The Opportunity Alliance fund?
TOA’s mission is “to build better lives and stronger communities across Maine” by supporting people with programs and resources to improve their health, safety, and stability. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Opportunity Alliance?
The Opportunity Alliance has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check opportunityalliance.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Opportunity Alliance's EIN?
The Opportunity Alliance's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 01-0274725. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS March 29, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 24, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 25, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Opportunity Alliance's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Maine Community Foundation Inc
Ellsworth, ME
Maine Community Foundation supports nonprofits and communities in Maine through grants for areas such as community building, arts, land and water, housing, and equity, as well as scholarships. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of $17,500, though awards varied widely. The profile describes online applications for competitive grants but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$807.6M
Grants
1,161
Total Given
$57.6M
John T Gorman Foundation
Portland, ME
The John T. Gorman Foundation funds nonprofits and government-affiliated entities working to improve child and family well-being and meet essential needs, especially for people experiencing poverty in Maine. In 2024, grants ranged from $500 to $345,000, with a median award of $20,250. It generally does not accept unsolicited proposals; most foundation-initiated grants are by invitation, though organizations may contact the Foundation with an aligned idea.
Assets
$223.5M
Grants
154
Total Given
$7.5M
Bangor Savings Bank Foundation
Bangor, ME
The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation supports arts and culture, economic and workforce development, education, health and wellness, and social and community services, including affordable housing and health care. It focuses on Maine, New Hampshire, and Essex County, Massachusetts; 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $50,000, with a median of $4,750. It accepts applications through an online portal, with applications reviewed twice a year.
Assets
$7.0M
Grants
156
Total Given
$1.2M
The Celia Lipton Farris and Victor W
Boston, MA
The foundation funds community mental health and wellness, underserved communities, and efforts addressing racial and economic inequities, including capacity-building for behavioral health organizations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $525,000, with a median of $25,000, supporting organizations in multiple regions, including Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Maine; it does not accept unsolicited requests and considers only invited 501(c)(3) organizations.
Assets
$80.8M
Grants
60
Total Given
$4.4M
United Way Inc
Portland, ME
United Way Inc funds community programs addressing youth opportunity, financial security, housing, health, and related needs, with recent awards ranging from $5,074 to $518,397 and a median of $19,500. Its community investment funding focuses on York and Cumberland Counties, Maine, excluding Brunswick and Harpswell. It uses application-based processes, but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$19.5M
Grants
78
Total Given
$3.4M
Maine Health Access Foundation Inc
Augusta, ME
Maine Health Access Foundation supports nonprofit, government, and educational projects that improve health care access and health equity in Maine, with priorities including rural health, behavioral and oral health, and children’s and older adults’ health. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $25,000, though awards ranged widely; it also offers smaller project grants of up to $5,000 locally or $10,000 statewide.
Assets
$154.4M
Grants
126
Total Given
$5.0M
More similar funders
More Funders in Maine
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Opportunity Alliance funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-opportunity-alliance-morg_2dd7041b900b4ea9a04485c422eef0a6
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_010274725_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Opportunity Alliance funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-opportunity-alliance-morg_2dd7041b900b4ea9a04485c422eef0a6},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
} The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Opportunity Alliance's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Opportunity Alliance down — hundreds of funders to go?