Our Mission

The Charles E. Miller Foundation is named for Charlie Miller. Charlie was a larger-than-life figure, with a tremendous personal presence, a searching and seeking intelligence, and an incredibly generous spirit. He was an accomplished and well-respected attorney, a strong advocate for justice, and a leader.

Charlie was a mentor and a trailblazer. He cared deeply about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, in the legal profession, in Maine, and beyond. Charlie practiced law at Bernstein Shur for over four decades, including a ten-year term as Chief Executive Officer, a position he was elected by his peers to fill. During his time as CEO, he increased opportunities for meaningful dialogue within the firm and promoted opportunities for women and minorities.

Among numerous other accomplishments, Charlie launched Maine’s first program allowing summer associates to spend up to four weeks working for a legal aid provider at the firm's expense. That program continues to grow and provides well over 500 hours of free legal work each year, encouraging new generations of future lawyers to become part of delivering justice to those who struggle for access. He also was instrumental in developing the Coffin Fellows program through which two attorneys are funded for two-year fellowships to provide pro bono legal assistance to low-income Mainers in family law matters.

Charlie gave his expertise, leadership, and wisdom to civic, legal, environmental, and religious institutions. Charlie was a leader in the legal, Jewish, and local community and lived according to the Jewish commandment of “Justice, Justice, shall you pursue” (Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof) and the value of Tikkun Olam - helping to repair the world by both caring for people and the earth itself.


Mission:

To continue and honor Charlie's work, and to further his legacy, the Charles E. Miller Foundation was formed to extend the impact of the community organizations and interests that Charlie championed including: 

  • Strengthening and empowering individuals by increasing access to justice,

  • Understanding and addressing our environmental impact across social, economic, and natural systems, 

  • Elevating and amplifying diverse voices to advance opportunities, and

  • Building and supporting Maine’s Jewish community.

 
The Charles E. Miller Foundation will select and make gifts to nonprofit organizations that are implementing impactful programs and creating innovative solutions to address these issues.