Some Frequently Asked Questions About KVO

Where does KVO get its funding? Does this organization get involved in elections? Why do groups join KVO? How can I get more information on KVO and how my group can play a role?

KVO strives to raise between 25-30% of its funding locally, both through dues paid by member groups, and by grassroots fundraising of contributions from local individuals, sponsoring institutions, and businesses through ad book campaigns. The balance is made up by grants from religious bodies (such as Catholic Campaign for Human Development) and private foundations (such as the Maine Initiatives and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation). See our Sponsors and Funders page for a complete list. KVO does not seek nor accept any government grants or other public funding. KVO is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, incorporated in the State of Maine.

Back to top

KVO does not engage in electoral politics – it will not endorse or run candidates for office, nor will it allow elected officials or candidates for elective office to serve as leaders within the organization.

Back to top

Besides the chance to work together on issues that matter to its members, being part of KVO offers two other advantages to its members. First, because organizing is fundamentally about building relationships, participants in KVO build relationships with others in their region who often come from different communities, religious traditions, income levels, and ethnic backgrounds. Second, as people act together around common concerns, they develop leadership skills that benefit not only KVO, but also the religious, labor, community and small business groups to which those individuals belong.

Back to top

For more information (or to add a question to FAQ), please contact Dan Koehler, KVO Organizer, at (207) 873-5844 or at kvo@gwi.net

Back to top