Publications
Our publications include Onion Foundation-commissioned reports, the latest work from our grantees, news, and statements. Explore these resources to keep a pulse on the current state of the arts, the environment, and philanthropy in Maine.
Photo credit: Susan Onion
In 2023, the Listen Project set out to conduct a landscape analysis of Maine’s youth climate movement. What resulted was a first-of-its-kind research project of the youth climate movement by the young people at the forefront of that movement. Explore the data and insights in this executive report to learn more about how young Mainers are and want to be participating in climate action throughout the state.
A well-resourced youth climate movement in Maine requires not just flexible funding but also a base of energized, confident, and equipped young people who are ready to speak-up. Young advocates in Maine have already achieved big wins for climate and environmental protection, including the passage of Maine’s first climate education bill and youth representation on the Maine Climate Council. In a state as small as Maine, and with so many talented and capable nonprofit partners, it’s possible to imagine a future where all young people grow up with the knowledge, connection, and skills they need to be lifelong advocates for Maine’s environment. This report illuminates a step forward on that path, and we hope that other funders will join us in considering how they can support this vision.
Comment on Census Bureau Rule Change
STATEMENTS
On September 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Census Bureau published a proposed rule that would make significant changes to how the 2030 Decennial Census counts people and collects demographic data. The Onion Foundation submitted the following comment to urge the Census Bureau not to adopt the proposed changes and to describe some of the ways in which the proposed rule would adversely affect its work and the activities of its grantees, other nonprofit organizations, researchers, and policymakers. The short window for comments ends October 13. The Onion Foundation urges others to submit comments to the Census Bureau.
This year's nature-learning grantees showcase the resilience and creativity that are helping Maine's environmental organizations thrive in a challenging moment. Read on to hear about this grant cycle from Rosalind Erwin, environment program officer.
The founders of the Onion Foundation share their thinking about why they plan to spend down the foundation's assets by 2044.
The Onion Foundation Awards More Than $1.3 Million in Grant Funds to Maine Arts Organizations
PRESS RELEASES
Our latest round of Arts Program grantees represent a growing and evolving arts sector in Maine. With more than $1.3 million of grant funding awarded this cycle, we're proud to support arts organizations making the state more vibrant and culturally expansive.
Newsletters
Our June Newsletter features a letter from Diana highlighting our Impact Report, current funding opportunities, data resources for nonprofits, upcoming events and highlights from our blog.
REPORTS
Explore a by-the-numbers breakdown of the Onion Foundation's grantmaking activities in 2025, alongside key insights from staff members, grantee spotlights, and thoughts on the foundation's future.