Heart of Maine United Way

HoMEUW’s 2025 filing reports 37 grants totaling $863,438. Grant amounts ranged from $5,161 to $74,761, with a median of $17,000. The largest listed awards included $74,761 to Bangor YMCA, $60,127 to Community Care, $50,792 to Penquis, $50,059 to 211 Maine – United Way of Southern Maine, and $46,190 to Good Samaritan Agency.

Strategic Investment Grants are HoMEUW’s primary grant program and are awarded every three years for three-year terms. For FY26–28, the award types described on its funding pages include Impact Grants of $10,001–$50,000 annually, Fast Track Grants of $2,500–$10,000 annually, and one Transformative Impact Grant of $85,000 annually for a collaborative initiative led by a backbone organization. HoMEUW also describes the Strategic Investment Grants as largely unrestricted, multi-year funding. Its program information reports more than $2.3 million awarded over three years to 35 programs and one regional coalition.

The Innovation Fund supports initiatives outside the regular grant cycle. The Response Fund provides support to existing nonprofits addressing unforeseen needs. Separate heating assistance opportunities are listed for organizations providing heating assistance or heating-related repairs; the Fuel Assistance Fund requires funded agencies to submit a brief impact report.

For Strategic Investment Grants, eligible applicants include qualifying nonprofits, educational institutions, or municipalities providing health and human services in the six-county region. Applicants must have an active governing body that meets with a quorum at least quarterly, a stated mission and bylaws, required annual IRS filings, and appropriate financial materials. Financial documentation requirements vary by gross receipts. Grant requests may not exceed 35% of a program’s budget, and the annual agency cap is $80,000 across one to four programs. Funded partners must comply with an agency agreement that includes reporting, marketing, and support for HoMEUW’s annual campaign. Programs may not integrate structured religious activity into funded services or condition services on participation in inherently religious activities.

Strategic Investment Grant applications are reviewed and scored by trained community volunteers, with final recommendations approved by HoMEUW’s board. Review criteria include community need, alignment with Opportunity 2028, measurable results, geographic representation, equity, organizational capacity, and fiscal responsibility.