Catalyze. Strengthen. Guide.
MDF is a non-partisan, statewide driver of sustainable economic growth in Maine. We connect people, decision-makers, and communities though trusted research, leadership development, and creative partnerships to stimulate new ideas, solve problems, and improve lives


Nominations open for our 2023 Champion Awards
Who or what organization/business comes to mind as a champion of ensuring Mainers can make their dreams and aspirations a reality? Submit your nominations for any and all of our 2023 Champion Awards.


Become an MDF Member
There’s a place at the table for you! Be part of our work to build a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable Maine economy.
Apply to ICL (Institute for Civic Leadership) today and be part of the 30th Anniversary Class! Click the image to the left and hear why Anne Dalton, Head of Governance, Assoc. of Junior Leagues Int’l, Inc., and MDF’s 2022 ICL Distinguished Alum Awardee, says the experience changed her life and her career.
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DEI & Welcomability in Downtowns
Join Delilah Poupore and Megan Hageney from Heart of Biddeford to explore diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in your downtown. Whether your Main Street organization is just getting behind the DEI wheel or you’re further along on your DEI journey, this webinar will keep you moving forward. Why is DEI relevant to downtown work? Learn how to operationalize DEI values into all aspects of your organization with examples of engagement, training, assessment, and planning processes. We will share our Main Street organization’s first DEI Plan, lessons learned along the way, and potential equity detours to avoid.
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MDF’s Maine Downtown Center Announces Annual Awards
Brunswick, MAINE — April 26, 2023 — The Maine Downtown Center, a program of Maine Development Foundation (MDF), is thrilled to announce awards recognizing projects and individuals that have made the…“MDF is a special creature of state law, enabled to integrate private sector thinking and experience with state government planning and data. There is no other entity like it.”
Kay Rand, Former Chief of Staff, Governor Angus King