Catalyze. Strengthen. Guide.
MDF is a non-partisan, statewide driver of sustainable economic growth in Maine. We connect people, decision-makers, and communities through trusted research, leadership development, and creative partnerships to stimulate new ideas, solve problems, and improve lives.
MDF Announces New Program for Communities Impacted by Facility Closures and Supply Chain Disruptions
The Thriving Communities Model aims to stabilize, revitalize, and diversify local economies and promote long–term, sustainable growth.
Join us Oct. 21 in Portland for our Leadership in Action Breakfast: Harnessing AI for Teams & Communities
How can we support each other to harness AI so it is working for us, not the other way around? How can we collaborate to address the ethical challenges it presents? Join us for an interactive workshop aimed at equipping us all with effective tools and strategies.
Hear why Alumni of MDF’s ICL (Institute for Civic Leadership) describe how the program experience and the Alumni Network are career-and-life changing. Applications & nominations are being accepted for the next 2026-2027 Class!
21 Oct
Leadership in Action Breakfast: Harnessing AI for Teams & Communities
Artificial Intelligence is here – in our business life, our communities, the classroom, and our personal life. How can we support each other to harness it appropriately and so it is working for us, not the other way around? How can we collaborate to address the ethical challenges it presents? We will hear from a panel of experts and then do workshop-style breakout sessions in smaller groups to see how we each can apply best practices and approaches in our own organizations and communities.
27 Oct
Thriving Community Model Informational Webinar
Join us for this webinar providing an overview of the opportunity, application process, and a Q&A. This will be recorded.
Free Course for Forest Products Sector Careers Now Available Statewide and in On-Demand Format
Machias, ME – July 30, 2026 The Business of Maine’s Forest Products Sector course, now in its third year, is back and is available statewide in a new on-demand, self-paced,…“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
MDF has launched the Thriving Communities Model Program. Interested, eligible communities can join us October 27, 2026, from 2:00-3:30PM for a webinar
Champion circle members
