From the beginning, we have embraced our commitment to local arts and social change. From our many sponsorships of community arts organizations and beloved Rebel Blend Fund to our work with the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) in Burundi and the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) in Portland.
The Arts & Social Change
For every pound of Rebel Blend coffee sold or brewed at Coffee By Design coffeehouses during the year, $1 is donated to the Rebel Blend Fund.
Every year CBD accepts proposals from Maine artists and/or small arts organizations whose projects may fall between the funding cracks. A committee made up of CBD staff members awards several grants. The Rebel Blend committee looks for thought-provoking projects that have the potential to engage people across the state in meaningful conversation.
The Rebel Blend Fund application form is available online or at any Coffee By Design coffeehouse. Rebel Blend grant applications deadlines are announced in the spring. Awards are announced in October.
“Atomic Classroom” – Kate Cutko, an artist, librarian, and social worker, is current converting a vintage Airstream into a travelling art classroom called “Atomic Classroom.” She plans to use it for art classes as well as at festivals, and plans to make it available to other artists and community groups at no cost. The funding will help complete the construction of the mobile classroom.
Maine Youth Rock Orchestra – “Rock Project” – the Rock Project is a free school program bringing music educators from the Maine Youth Rock Orchestra into schools. Its goal is to engage students and young musicians through free instruction, helping to grow the next wave of Maine artists.
“Intersection” – Street photography artist Karen Merritt and graphic artist Don Marietta are working to create photographic and graphic art installations with the goal of helping people see themselves in the statistics of issues impacting Mainers. Issues addressed will include mental health, substance use, identity and security while raising awareness for support services.
Palaver Strings – Maya French is planning to open a music school in the fall of 2019, called Palaver Strings. The school, and its outreach programs, will focus on parent and child bonding, school readiness in early childhood, healthy after-school activities and critical thinking skills. The Rebel Blend grant will help with several planned outreach projects, including Lullaby Project, a performance residency, and a project with Maine Youth Rock Orchestra.
“City of Hidden Figures”: Inaugural Mural – Artist and activist Abigail Gray Swartz is creating a mural called “Maine Women in the Arts” as the launch of a national project celebrating female figures throughout history. The Rebel Blend Fund grant will help with a mural planned for the exterior wall of Running with Scissors and depicting artists Dahlov Ipcar, Louise Nevelson and Mary Mitchell Gabriel.
Coffee Partners
Coffee By Design’s wholesale partners help us share our handcrafted coffee throughout the state of Maine—and other states too! We service a wide range of businesses, including restaurants and hotels, cafes and bakeries, schools and churches, markets and workplaces. Here’s just a sampling of our partners:
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Farm Partners
There is no Coffee By Design without the coffee bean farmers and co-ops we work with, located in a variety of regions across the globe. Our strong business relationships with them make for the best (and most socially responsible) coffee we can make for you.
Brazil
Farm/Co-op: Fazenda Agua LimpaBurundi
Farm/Co-op: International Women's Coffee Alliance, Burundi ChapterColombia
Farm/Co-op: Hacienda La ArboledaCosta Rica
Farm/Co-op: Hacienda La MinitaEl Salvador
Farm/Co-op: Finca Santa EmiliaEthiopia
Farm/Co-op: Nura Korate Cooperative, Sidamo Coffee Farmers Cooperative UnionGuatemala
Farm/Co-op: Finca Los AndesHonduras
Farm/Co-op: Capucas CooperativeIndonesia
Farm/Co-op: SriwijayaMOFGA
Formed in 1971, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country. A business member since 2009, CBD supports MOFGA's mission to bring high quality, locally produced organic food to the Maine’s tables.