Supporter Spotlight: Lizzie Pope
The Power of monthly Giving
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Pope is an ILAP supporter who gives monthly in memory of her dad while also taking advantage of her employer match program to amplify her giving.
Lizzie Pope
ILAP monthly donor
It all started with a holiday donation in honor of her father, Laurence Pope, almost a decade ago. Laurence was a Foreign Service Officer whose career took the family to live in the Middle East and Africa, and it was important to him that his children see the value in people and cultures different from their own.
When the family settled in Portland, Laurence recognized the immense value that immigrants brought to Maine, as well as the many legal challenges they faced. Lizzie gives to ILAP to thank her father for his life’s work and to ensure that Maine remains a welcoming community for new arrivals.
She gives monthly because she sees it as the most budget-friendly, time-saving, and accessible way to give. “As a busy single working mom, I don’t have unlimited resources - of either time or money - but I know that a consistent general operating gift is the best way that I can support the nonprofits that are close to my heart.” In addition to her monthly gifts, Lizzie takes advantage of a very generous 3:1 matching program offered by her employer.
In 2023, about 50 ILAP supporters like Lizzie gave between $5 and $250 through our monthly giving program, called Advocates for Justice. Monthly giving provides essential ongoing support that helps ILAP plan for organizational stability, respond quickly to emerging needs and, when necessary, reallocate resources to meet shifting priorities.
Many monthly donors tell us that when they switched to monthly giving, they were able to increase the amount they give annually. For example, switching a once-a-year donation of $100 to a monthly donation of $15 per month increases your annual support by $80!
Lizzie believes that her children, who attend Portland Public Schools, benefit immensely from the vibrant diversity of the community, which stems in part from the folks who have come to Maine in search of safety and stability. She also deeply admires the policy advocacy work that ILAP does to advance more just immigration laws and policy.
“My dad has since passed, but I’m proud to honor his legacy and support an organization that does such incredible work protecting the rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers here in Maine.”
