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Dear Ben, First, I want to share our appreciation for the outpouring of support we’ve received over the last few months since Maine Public lost our federal funding. The funding cuts left a $5 million gap in our budget over the next two years, about 12% of our total budget. That’s significant. We’ve been asking folks to step forward and donate to help close that gap, which some have done. We still have a way to go to meet the budgetary shortfall, but we are off to a positive start, thanks to folks like you. As someone whose support makes our work possible, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks and highlight some of Maine Public’s 2025 achievements—honors that you helped make happen!
What Your Support Made PossibleThanks to the contributions of supporters like you, Maine Public has been able to produce journalism and media that matters. In FY 2024–2025, your support powered projects across our radio, television, digital, and outreach efforts—covering critical issues like climate with our series In Hot Water, and features like Everyday Heroes on Maine Calling. Because of you, we can continue to deepen our investigations, engage our communities, and bring stories from every corner of Maine. Community support like yours is absolutely essential to our mission!
2025 Awards & Honors You Helped Us AchieveBelow are some of the recent accolades our team has earned: achievements made possible by the resources, trust, and encouragement you provide. Award Maine Public Work — Team First Place – Audience Engagement (Public Media Journalists Association Awards) Maine Calling: Everyday Heroes — Jennifer Rooks, Jonathan Smith, Cindy Han First Place – Enterprise Breakdown Podcast: Episode 4 “They Controlled It All” — Maine Public / PBS / Portland Press Herald First Place – Narrative/Produced Program Breakdown Podcast: Turning Anguish into Action — Maine Public / PBS / Portland Press Herald Second Place – Climate/Environment Feature In Hot Water: As lakes warm, pollution threats grow deep below the surface — Maine Public Climate Desk, Peter McGuire Second Place – Visual Storytelling Maine Explained: Why are Mainers voting on a new state flag? — Maine Public Digital & News Teams Regional Edward R. Murrow Award Winner 2025 – News Series In Hot Water — Maine Public Climate Desk These are just a few examples; there are many more awards, nominations, and acknowledgements across our radio, television, digital, and reporting teams. Click here to check out the full list!
Looking ForwardAs we move ahead, we know the challenges are real, especially with no federal funding. But we are more committed than ever to serving the people of Maine with journalism that informs, connects, and inspires. When we do this well, we honor your trust in us. If you have ideas or feedback, I encourage you to reach out. And if you are able, continued or increased support helps ensure we can maintain and grow these efforts. Again, thank you for your time, your loyalty, and your generosity. You are a vital part of Maine Public, and we are deeply grateful for you. With gratitude, | 
