OUT Maine Launches Action Fund for Policy Work
OUT Maine has opened OUT Maine Action Fund, a separate 501(c)(4) nonprofit focused on legislative policy work in Maine.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy
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OUT Maine announced the opening of OUT Maine Action Fund on October 30, 2026, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that launched its new website the same day. The organization was created as a separate entity to expand policy work beyond the limits of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Why it matters
The new fund allows OUT Maine to pursue legislative advocacy that its 501(c)(3) status restricts, and the announcement came just days before the midterm elections. Its focus on policy rather than youth programming marks a shift in how the organization will operate in Maine.
OUT Maine Action Fund is structured as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, while its parent OUT Maine operates as a 501(c)(3). No revenue, membership, or funding figures were disclosed in the announcement.
The players
OUT Maine
OUT Maine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving LGBTQ+ youth and advocating for the community in Maine.
Sue Campbell
Sue Campbell is the Executive Director of both OUT Maine and OUT Maine Action Fund.
The details
Sue Campbell serves as Executive Director of both OUT Maine and OUT Maine Action Fund, and Ash Northey is OUT Maine's Policy Director. The fund is accepting volunteer applications and accepts donations through its new website, with a launch of social media profiles earlier the same week.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: OUT Maine announced OUT Maine Action Fund and its website launched.
Earlier the week of October 30, 2026: OUT Maine Action Fund's social media profiles launched.
Days before the 2026 midterm elections: the announcement was made.
Market Landscape
Nonprofits frequently pair a 501(c)(3) charitable arm with a 501(c)(4) advocacy arm under the Internal Revenue Code, which permits unlimited lobbying by the latter. OUT Maine's move follows this common structure to separate policy advocacy from its youth programming.
Maine residents interested in policy advocacy can volunteer or donate through OUT Maine Action Fund's website. Donations to the fund are separate from donations to the 501(c)(3) OUT Maine.
The takeaway
Donors and volunteers who want to support LGBTQ+ policy work in Maine now have a dedicated channel separate from OUT Maine's youth programs. Checking which entity a gift supports will matter given the different tax treatment of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations.
Further reading
Explore more on Philanthropy to see how nonprofit structures like this one shape advocacy work in Maine.
More information
Visit the OUT Maine Action Fund website for volunteer applications and donation options.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PenBay Pilot.
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Should advocacy groups for LGBTQ+ youth have more influence in state politics?
