Through Portside Real Estate Group’s 1% Back initiative, we’re proud to support nonprofits working every day to strengthen communities across Maine and New Hampshire.
During the first two quarters of 2026, 1% Back grants supported organizations addressing a wide range of needs, from food security, healthcare, and housing stability to education, youth mentorship, and career readiness. While their missions may look different, each organization shares a commitment to creating stronger, more connected communities.
Here’s a look at the nonprofits supported through 1% Back grants in Q1 and Q2 of 2026 and the meaningful work they’re doing across our communities.
Mainely Teeth
Mainely Teeth works to make quality dental care more accessible for individuals and families across Maine, particularly those who are uninsured, underinsured, or face barriers to receiving care. Through mobile, school-based, and community clinics, the organization provides preventive, restorative, and advanced dental services in settings designed to meet patients where they are.
1% Back funding will help expand that model with a new pediatric dental clinic in Gray, increasing access to care for children and families in the surrounding region while helping reduce barriers related to transportation, cost, and scheduling.
Pihcintu
Pihcintu creates a supportive community where immigrant and refugee girls and young women in Maine can build confidence, find belonging, and share their stories through music. The multinational chorus brings together participants ages 10 to 24 in an after-school environment centered on self-expression, empowerment, and connection.
Through music and performance, members develop skills in teamwork, discipline, public speaking, and leadership while building confidence they can carry into their education, careers, and communities.
Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine
The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine creates opportunities for children and families to learn, play, and connect in an environment centered on belonging and inclusion.
1% Back funding will help expand programming for Maine’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing community through specialized outreach, enhanced ASL interpretation, and a Deaf Culture Night at the Museum & Theatre. The initiative will help make exhibits, educational programs, and theatre productions more accessible while creating spaces where Deaf culture and American Sign Language are celebrated and valued.
Families First Community Center
Serving Hancock and southern Washington Counties, Families First Community Center supports families experiencing homelessness as they work toward safe, stable housing and long-term independence.
Through transitional housing, outreach, and permanent housing support, the organization works with families wherever they are, including shelters, hotels, vehicles, and encampments. Families receive individualized guidance with housing, employment, financial literacy, life skills, transportation, childcare, and other barriers that can make stability difficult to achieve.
By addressing both immediate needs and the challenges that contribute to generational poverty, Families First helps parents build stronger, more sustainable futures for their families.
Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute
The Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute helps high school girls across Maine build the confidence, leadership skills, and career readiness they need to shape their futures.
In Hancock County, 1% Back funding will specifically support students at Ellsworth High School through mentoring, leadership development, and opportunities to explore their goals and aspirations. The Institute’s three-year program guides students from 10th through 12th grade through “My Values,” “My Voice,” and “My Vision,” pairing them with female mentors who help foster confidence, resilience, and leadership.
Cumberland County Food Security Council
The Cumberland County Food Security Council works to build a more just, resilient, and sustainable food system where everyone has access to healthy food.
Through initiatives like the Halal School Meals Network, the organization is helping Southern Maine schools provide culturally appropriate meals so more students can participate in school nutrition programs. Its Gleaning Distribution Program also rescues fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste and distributes it to food-insecure families throughout Cumberland County, increasing access to nutritious food while strengthening the local food system.
Project Home
Project Home helps individuals and families build lasting stability by addressing housing, health, employment, and financial security together.
Its comprehensive approach includes housing navigation and eviction prevention, connections to healthcare, career counseling, digital literacy and professional English language classes, financial coaching, and other personalized support. By working alongside people facing barriers to housing and economic stability, Project Home helps create pathways toward greater independence and stronger communities.
Biddeford Community Gardens
Biddeford Community Gardens creates welcoming green spaces where community members can grow food, learn new skills, and connect with one another.
Through its community gardens and educational programs, the organization provides sustainable access to fresh, locally grown produce while helping address food insecurity in Biddeford. Its work also extends into local schools, food pantries, and community organizations, offering hands-on opportunities to learn about gardening, food production, and sustainability while providing fresh produce to neighbors throughout the community.
LearningWorks
LearningWorks provides free, community-based education programs designed to help children, adults, and families throughout Southern Maine build the skills and confidence to reach their full potential.
Combining academics with youth development and social-emotional support, LearningWorks serves students who may lack resources or whose needs aren’t being met through traditional educational settings. Through accessible learning opportunities and individualized support, the organization helps learners overcome barriers, discover new possibilities, and build brighter futures.
Her Safety Net
Based in Lewiston, Her Safety Net works to protect and empower women and girls, with a particular focus on those facing gender-based violence and barriers to essential resources.
The organization provides advocacy and support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and trafficking, alongside legal advocacy and culturally informed education. Its work also includes community health outreach, adult education, and after-school tutoring, helping women and families access healthcare, pursue educational opportunities, and build greater stability and independence.
Tree Street Youth
Tree Street Youth creates opportunities for young people in Lewiston to learn, lead, and build confidence in a supportive, youth-centered community.
Serving youth and families through academic support, leadership development, mentoring, and restorative education, the organization helps young people overcome barriers while exploring their goals for school, careers, and beyond. Programs range from college and career preparation to leadership roles and alternative educational pathways, giving youth the resources and relationships they need to grow and shape their futures.
United Way of Mid Coast Maine
Across Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and Knox Counties, United Way of Mid Coast Maine works to build a more connected community where everyone has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Through its Connecting to Tomorrow initiative, the organization is helping vulnerable high school students explore career opportunities and gain valuable experience through paid internships with local employers. By addressing transportation barriers that can prevent students from getting to and from work sites, the program makes career exploration more accessible while helping young people build skills, connections, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging in their Midcoast Maine communities.
Community Action Partnership of Strafford County
In New Hampshire, Community Action Partnership of Strafford County helps children, families, seniors, and individuals experiencing low incomes overcome barriers to economic stability and well-being.
Serving communities throughout Strafford County, the organization connects residents with essential resources including food, education, childcare, utility assistance, transportation, housing, and emergency shelter. Through coordinated programs, advocacy, and community partnerships, CAPSC helps meet immediate needs while supporting individuals and families as they work toward greater financial and social independence.
Building Stronger Communities Together
From expanding access to dental care and healthy food to creating safe spaces, supporting housing stability, mentoring young people, and opening doors to education and employment, these organizations are addressing important needs in communities across Maine and New Hampshire.
We’re grateful for the work they do every day and proud that 1% Back can play a role in supporting their missions.
As we continue through 2026, we look forward to sharing more of the organizations, people, and programs making a difference throughout the communities we call home.
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