Mufalo Chitam
Pay-It-Forward Awardee

Mufalo Chitam is a leader, advocate, and community builder transforming Portland’s immigrant support network into a strong, inclusive resettlement system. Under her leadership, the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC) now represents over 100 member organizations advocating for new Mainers. With 30 years of experience in advocacy and community organizing, Chitam has expanded critical initiatives, including multilingual “know your rights” materials, the Maine Immigrant Resource Hub & Hotline, and enforcement impact tracking to help communities respond to emerging challenges.
Portland, Maine
5-Mar-26
Pay-It-Forward
Award
Awarded to:
Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition
Individual award recipients are not eligible for a grant, but can “pay it forward” by recommending a values-aligned organization to receive a grant. When an individual receives a “Pay It Forward” award, they are invited to recommend a grant to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in their community that is aligned with the values of the project. “Pay It Forward” recipients are typically awarded to one or several individuals for personal acts of courage




