MANP Connects: From Vision to Space: Nonprofits Creating Physical Hubs in Maine
Zoom
Event Details
In this MANP Connects session, we’ll explore two distinct efforts to create shared physical spaces for nonprofits in Maine. We’ll hear from leaders behind The COMMUNITY: Maine’s Nonprofit Hub, developed by Heart of Maine United Way, and 72 Parris St. a future community space in Portland—both emerging examples of place-based collaboration designed to support nonprofits and community connection.
Our guests will share why they chose to invest in physical space, how nonprofits are included and using these places, and what they’ve learned along the way. This conversation will highlight practical insights, emerging opportunities, and the value of shared space for strengthening nonprofit work and relationships.
Cost + Registration
- $0-$15 for MANP Members + Nonmembers
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MANP Connects is remaining free in 2026! Optional donation revenue from our events supports the work we do on behalf of all nonprofits in Maine, and we are grateful for any financial support from those who are able to provide it.
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- Register to receive access to the live event and to receive the recording + other resources in follow up.
- Registrants will receive a confirmation email as well as a reminder email that will be sent one day prior to the event.
- This MANP-hosted webinar will be hosted in Zoom Meeting and we ask participants turn off their cameras and mute themselves when joining.
- Watch previous MANP Connects on our Youtube Channel!
About the Panelists
Matt Donahue serves as Vice President & Chief Impact Officer at Heart of Maine United Way, where he leads community impact strategy, cross-sector partnerships, and innovative initiatives that strengthen nonprofit capacity across the region. He is a driving force behind The COMMUNITY: Maine’s Nonprofit Hub, a shared physical space designed to foster collaboration, efficiency, and connection among nonprofits. Matt holds a BA in Public Management and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Maine and brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership and volunteer experience to his work. He lives in Bangor with his family and is deeply committed to building strong, connected communities in Maine.
Maya French is a violinist and serves as Executive Director and Co-Artistic Director of Palaver Strings. Over the past decade, she has helped guide the ensemble’s artistic and organizational growth, expanding equitable opportunities for string players, music teachers, arts administrators, and other artistic collaborators while stewarding Palaver’s sustainable development through a shared leadership model. Maya has studied and performed at renowned institutions and festivals including Kronberg Academy, Tanglewood, the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Bay Chamber Concerts’ Screen Door Festival, Orford Music Academy, Manchester Music Festival, and Kinhaven Music School. She is a graduate of the Boston University School of Music and is certified as a teacher of the Suzuki Violin Method as well as Music Learning Theory, an approach to early childhood music education. An active performer, Maya maintains a full season of chamber music and chamber orchestra engagements and is deeply committed to music as a catalyst for social change and community building.
Jonah Fertig-Burd, is a consultant, facilitator, coach, farmer, cook, and artist. He is the owner of InterRooted, which co-creates interconnected, transformative organizations, collaborations, and spaces. He is also a farmer and co-owner of Celebration Tree Farm & Wellness Center, a multi-stakeholder cooperative in Durham, Maine. He’s currently on the board of the Cooperative Fund of the North East, Maine Inside Out, and Land in Common Community Land Trust.
Over the past 25 years, Jonah has built deep, collaborative relationships; created community spaces; developed new nonprofits, cooperative businesses, and collaboratives; worked in restaurants, food pantries, and farms; advocated for food and farm policies; and helped to grow racial equity in our food system.
Jonah has been actively involved in the development of 72 Parris St.’s emerging community space in Portland since spring 2024, facilitating the steering committee, providing project coordination, and continuing as a facilitator of the Development Committee as the project moves forward. His work reflects a deep commitment to place-based collaboration and creating physical spaces where community-rooted organizations can thrive.
Outside of his professional work, Jonah enjoys cooking, making art, listening to music, and walking in the woods with his wife and two children.