United Way Inc, also known as United Way of Southern Maine and United Way of Greater Portland, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Portland, Maine. Founded in 1929, the organization serves as a cornerstone of community philanthropy in Southern Maine. United Way Inc operates as a grantmaking foundation and fundraising organization that works with the community to address emerging needs and persistent social challenges.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$20.2M
-10.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.9M
-16.8% YoY
Grant Count
90
+3.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$77K
-19.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
United Way Inc works with the community to quickly respond to emerging needs and tackle persistent issues. The organization operates under the Thrive2027 framework—a community-developed initiative launched in 2016—which focuses on three interconnected 10-year goals:
- Giving Kids a Strong Start — Ensuring children are healthy, educated, and resilient, with emphasis on reading proficiency by third grade
- Advancing Financial Stability — Empowering neighbors to thrive through access to essential resources and economic opportunity
- Helping People Live Longer, Better — Supporting community health and wellbeing
Key issue areas include child care, food insecurity, housing instability, mental health, and substance use prevention.
Grantmaking
United Way Inc distributes approximately $6.6 million annually in strategic investment grants to address regional challenges.
Grant Range
** $10,000 - $200,000
Average Grant
** $23,795 - $27,249
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
United Way Inc serves York County and Cumberland County, Maine, excluding Brunswick and Harpswell.
Office Locations:
- Main Office: 550 Forest Avenue, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101
- Kennebunk Office: 36 Water Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Financial Data (2024):
- Total Assets: $20.2 million
- Total Revenue: $9.5 million
- Total Expenses: $12.9 million
- Annual Income: $11.5 million
- Number of Employees: 58
Historical Data (2023):
- Total Assets: $22.5 million
- Total Liabilities: $4.16 million
- Revenue: $12.3 million
- Expenses: $13.9 million
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $20,211,678 | $22,491,063 | $21,043,682 |
| Revenue | $9,538,507 | $12,277,892 | $13,282,477 |
| Expenses | $12,941,051 | $13,922,816 | $10,550,047 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $445,359 | $643,191 | $697,589 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include City of Portland ($1,375,228), Catholic Charities Maine ($780,275), 2-1-1 Maine Inc ($207,925).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2-1-1 Maine Inc Portland, ME | Community Investment | $207,925 |
| A Company of Girls Portland, ME | Community Investment, Donor Designations | $15,043 |
| American Lung Association Augusta, ME | Donor Designations | $12,276 |
| American Red Cross of Southern Maine Portland, ME | Donor Designations | $6,379 |
| Apex Youth Connection Biddeford, ME | Community Investment, Donor Designations | $20,005 |
| Aroostook County Action Program Presque Isle, ME | Emergency Heating Assistance | $7,566 |
| Avesta Housing Portland, ME | Community Investment, Donor Designations | $19,260 |
| Boston Children's Hospital Boston, MA | Community Investment | $18,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine Portland, ME | Community Investment, Donor Designations | $203,455 |
| CAH Greater Portland Portland, ME | Community Investment | $80,700 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Dan Coyne was appointed President and CEO in March 2025 following a national search. In 2024, the organization expanded its C-suite leadership team to drive growth and transformation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Todd Cesca | Chair | 1 | — |
| Michael Bourque | Vice Chair | 1 | — |
| Kierston Van Soest | Treasurer | 1 | — |
| Elizabeth Cotter Schlax | Secretary/President/CEO | 40 | $192,862 |
| Ahmed Abdirahman | Director | 1 | — |
| Brian Ballute | Director | 1 | — |
| Abusana Micky Bondo | Director | 1 | — |
| Xavier Botana | Director | 1 | — |
| Nathan Cadorette | Director | 1 | — |
| Dora Clements | Director | 1 | — |
| Dudley Davis PhD | Director | 1 | — |
| Dan Eagleson | Director | 1 | — |
| Karen Garnett | Director | 1 | — |
| Diane Garofalo | Director | 1 | — |
| Idella Glenn PhD | Director | 1 | — |
| Caitlin Grant | Director | 1 | — |
| Quincy Hentzel | Director | 1 | — |
| Thomas Hussey | Director | 1 | — |
| Robin LaBonte | Director | 1 | — |
| Nicole Devoe Lewis | Director | 1 | — |
| Jennifer McCarthy | Director | 1 | — |
| Luc Nya | Director | 1 | — |
| Hilary Rapkin | Director | 1 | — |
| Meredith Rousseau | Director | 1 | — |
| Esi Seng | Director | 1 | — |
| Diane Small | Director | 1 | — |
| Jennifer Stauffis | Director | 1 | — |
| Sharon Underberg | Director | 1 | — |
| Lorelei Richey | Past Director | 1 | — |
| Dan Coyne | SVP, Community Impact & Governance | 40 | $150,460 |
| Kristin Chase Duffy | SVP, Technology & Communication | 40 | $132,687 |
| Cameron Peden | SVP, Resource Development and People | 40 | $105,153 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
United Way Inc earned a 100% Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. The organization's overall score is calculated with 93% weight on Accountability & Finance and 7% weight on Culture & Community.
The organization operates direct initiatives including the Keep Me Warm Fund (a statewide heating assistance fund) and Free Tax Preparation services through CA$H Greater Portland. United Way Inc also publishes the ALICE in Southern Maine report, providing data on working Mainers struggling to afford essentials.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does United Way Inc fund?
United Way Inc works with the community to quickly respond to emerging needs and tackle persistent issues. The organization operates under the Thrive2027 framework—a community-developed initiative launched in 2016—which focuses on three interconnected 10-year goals: 1. **Giving Kids a Strong Start** — Ensuring children are healthy, educated, and resilient, with emphasis on reading proficiency by third grade 2. **Advancing Financial Stability** — Empowering neighbors to thrive through access to …
How do I apply for a grant from United Way Inc?
United Way Inc distributes approximately $6.6 million annually in strategic investment grants to address regional challenges. **Grant Details:** • **Grant Range:** $10,000 - $200,000 • **Average Grant:** $23,795 - $27,249 • **Decision Timeline:** 4-6 months from application to notification • **Annual Giving:** ~$6.6 million in strategic investments **Funded Programs:** The organization supports 42 funded community partners operating 74 programs across Southern Maine. Recent investments include:…
Where does United Way Inc make grants?
United Way Inc serves York County and Cumberland County, Maine, excluding Brunswick and Harpswell. **Office Locations:** • Main Office: 550 Forest Avenue, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 • Kennebunk Office: 36 Water Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043
What size grants does United Way Inc award?
In 2024, United Way Inc awarded 90 grants totaling $6.9M — an average of about $77K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is United Way Inc's EIN?
United Way Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 01-0241767. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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