Independence Association
Independence Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1966 in Brunswick, Maine, providing disability support services, housing, and healthcare to 350+ adults and children with disabilities in Midcoast and Central Maine, primarily through DHHS funding and its Spindleworks art center program.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1966
- HeadquartersBrunswick, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Independence Association does
Independence Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit social services organization founded in 1966 and headquartered in Brunswick, Maine. It supports more than 350 adults and children with disabilities, along with their families, in Midcoast and Central Maine, providing disability support services, housing, and healthcare-related programming under HCBS frameworks. The organization is primarily funded through Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) grants, supplemented by individual and foundation donations that cover costs not allowed by government funding.
Its flagship program is Spindleworks, an art center that provides studio space, supplies, artistic mentorship, and gallery access to artists with intellectual disabilities working across painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, woodworking, weaving, fiber arts, and sculpture. The program operates from a flagship gallery and store at 7 Lincoln Street, Brunswick, in an 1840s Greek Revival building, with a second location in Gardiner, Maine. Spindleworks runs an e-commerce online shop shipping artwork nationally, returning 65% of sale proceeds to the artists and 35% to program operations. Pricing on the shop ranges from approximately $4 for coloring pages to $95+ for larger paintings, with gift certificates available.
The organization's go-to-market is community-led, relying on direct service delivery, a Squarespace-based website, an email newsletter, an Instagram presence (@spindleworks), and recurring community events including the Brunswick ARTWALK, 2nd Friday Art Walks, and rotating exhibitions at partner venues such as Maine Art Gallery and Chocolate Church Arts Center. Strategic partnerships support cross-promotion and donated supplies, including relationships with Cathance River Education Alliance, Frontier, Brunswick Fishways Project, and Muse (Portland). The organization employs 101-250 staff and is led by Executive Director Ray Nagel, with governance by a Board of Directors.
Independence Association firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Independence Association
- Legal name
- Independence Association
- Website
- https://independenceassociation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1966
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Independence Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1966 in Brunswick, Maine, providing disability support services, housing, and healthcare to 350+ adults and children with disabilities in Midcoast and Central Maine, primarily through DHHS funding and its Spindleworks art center program.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Independence Association industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability Support Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Disability Employment & Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs (EDAAAOAI), Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH)
Keywords
Where Independence Association is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brunswick
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Independence Association business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Independence Association relies on charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and community members to fund programs and services.
- Art Sales Revenue: Spindleworks artists sell their artwork through the Spindleworks store and online shop. Artists receive 65% of the sale price, with 35% returning to the program for supplies and operations.
- Government Funding (DHHS): Primary source of funding through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for disability services and programs. Donations help cover costs not allowed by main funding source.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Artwork Products |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Donations |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Independence Association product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Independence Association provides disability support services for adults and children with disabilities in Midcoast and Central Maine, funded primarily through Maine DHHS and donations. Its flagship program is Spindleworks, an art center offering studio space, materials, and mentorship for artists with intellectual disabilities across painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, woodworking, weaving, and fiber arts, with finished artwork sold via a Brunswick gallery and an online shop (artists keep 65% of each sale). The organization also runs community exhibitions, fundraising events, and accepts charitable contributions of money and art supplies.
Product overview
Independence Association operates Spindleworks as its primary program offering, which is an art center providing studio space, art instruction, and exhibition opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities in Midcoast Maine. The organization functions as a 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting more than 350 individuals and families. Spindleworks consists of four main offerings: the Art Center program providing creative workspace and guidance across multiple artistic mediums; an Online Shop for selling original artwork; a Donations program accepting monetary and material contributions; and Exhibits & Events showcasing artist work. Artists work in diverse mediums including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, pottery, woodworking, weaving, fiber arts, embroidery, and sculpture. The program generates revenue through art sales, donations, and public funding while returning 65% of art sale proceeds directly to the artists.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Spindleworks: An art center program of Independence Association that assists individuals with intellectual disabilities in obtaining full and inclusive lives in their chosen community through arts participation.
Products and services
- Disability Support Services A community-based suite of life, disability, housing, and healthcare support services for adults and children with intellectual and physical disabilities in Midcoast and Central Maine, primarily funded through Maine DHHS.
- Spindleworks Art Center Program A cooperative art studio program of Independence Association providing workspace, supplies, mentorship, and gallery access to artists with intellectual disabilities across mediums including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, pottery, woodworking, weaving, fiber arts, embroidery, and sculpture.
- Spindleworks Online Shop An e-commerce store selling original artwork (paintings, drawings, ceramics, pottery, fiber art, jewelry, cards, and other handcrafted items) created by Spindleworks artists, with artists receiving 65% of sale proceeds.
- Spindleworks Exhibits and Events Rotating in-house and partner-venue gallery exhibitions and community art events showcasing work by Spindleworks artists, including the Mystery House immersive installation and 2nd Friday Art Walks (June–September).
- Spindleworks Donations Program A donations program accepting monetary contributions and material art supplies (paint brushes, watercolors, canvas, art tools) to fund Spindleworks programming, supplies, equipment, cultural field trips, and visiting artist workshops.
- Spindleworks Brunswick Gallery and Store Physical retail storefront and gallery located at 7 Lincoln Street in an 1840s Greek Revival building in Brunswick, Maine, selling Spindleworks artists' artwork and hosting rotating exhibitions.
Quantifiable outcome
- Artists receive 65% of sale price on artwork, creating direct economic benefit and employment opportunity
Companies that use Independence Association
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Independence Association technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Independence Association partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- Cathance River Education Allianceminor30% of sales from Spindleworks community art exhibit benefiting environmental education programs of the Cathance River Education Alliance, supporting conservation education in the Brunswick area.
- FrontierminorPartnership for All Species Festival 'Waterways' exhibit through which Spindleworks art was exhibited at Frontier, expanding reach of artists' work.
- Brunswick Fishways ProjectminorFish mural featuring local species created by Spindleworks artists exhibited at Brunswick Fishways Project behind Fort Andross Mill.
- Muse (Portland Business)minorPortland business donated 16x20 inch canvasses for Spindleworks artists to use in 'A Common Thread' exhibit.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Independence Association competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- The Arc: National federation serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through community-based programs, advocacy, and supports. Comparable as a multi-service IDD provider with state/local affiliates.
- Easterseals: National disability services nonprofit network offering employment, housing, and community-based supports. Comparable as a scaled, multi-service disability provider with a similar nonprofit funding mix.
- Goodwill Industries International: Large national nonprofit providing vocational rehabilitation, employment, and training for people with disabilities and other barriers. Comparable as a mission-aligned disability employment/social enterprise operator.
- AbilityFirst: California-based nonprofit providing disability services including community living, recreation, and arts programs. Overlaps with Independence Association's disability support and Spindleworks-style enrichment offerings.
Direct peers
- Pure Vision Arts: New York City-based art studio and gallery program for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Operates a comparable artist-centered studio, exhibition, and retail model.
- Creative Growth Art Center: Oakland, CA-based nonprofit art center serving artists with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities. Direct mission analog to Spindleworks with a similar studio/gallery/retail model.
- NIAD Art Center: Richmond, CA nonprofit studio and gallery for artists with developmental disabilities. Closely comparable to Spindleworks in providing studio space, exhibition, and art sales for disabled artists.
Regional players
- AHRC New York City: Large New York-based nonprofit supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across residential, day-program, and arts services. Comparable multi-service IDD nonprofit, but operating in a different geography.
Emerging players
- Best Buddies International: Nonprofit focused on friendships, jobs, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable as a community-inclusion and supported-employment peer, though narrower in service breadth.
Others
- Creative Spirit: Nonprofit focused on employment and economic inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in creative industries. Thematically adjacent to Spindleworks' mission of economic empowerment through the arts.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Independence Association social profiles
Digital presenceIndependence Association financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Independence Association leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Independence Association subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Independence Association funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Independence Association M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Independence Association
What does Independence Association do?
Independence Association provides disability support services for adults and children with disabilities in Midcoast and Central Maine, funded primarily through Maine DHHS and donations. Its flagship program is Spindleworks, an art center offering studio space, materials, and mentorship for artists with intellectual disabilities across painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, woodworking, weaving, and fiber arts, with finished artwork sold via a Brunswick gallery and an online shop (artists keep 65% of each sale). The organization also runs community exhibitions, fundraising events, and accepts charitable contributions of money and art supplies.
Is Independence Association a public or private company?
Independence Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Independence Association founded?
Independence Association was founded in 1966. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Independence Association based?
Independence Association is headquartered in Brunswick, United States, in the North America region.
How does Independence Association make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are art Sales Revenue and government Funding (DHHS).
Who are Independence Association's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are The Arc, Easterseals, Goodwill Industries International and AbilityFirst. Direct peers are Pure Vision Arts, Creative Growth Art Center and NIAD Art Center. AHRC New York City is listed as a regional player. Best Buddies International is listed as an emerging player. Creative Spirit is listed as an others.
Does Independence Association have an API?
No public API is recorded for Independence Association.
What industry is Independence Association in?
Independence Association's product category is Disability Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of BPAGALAM, Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech). Its NAICS code is 624120 and its SIC code is 7990.