MEHAF: Discretionary Grants Program

The Maine Health Access Foundation (MeHAF) offers discretionary grants to support small-scale projects that promote health access in Maine. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities and government bodies, with funding typically up to $5,000 for local projects and $10,000 for statewide initiatives. The program emphasizes innovative approaches that align with MeHAF's mission and requires tangible outcomes within one year. Note that only one grant is permitted per organization annually.

NOTE:
Letter of Inquiry - The initial LOI will be submitted online, and once an LOI is submitted and reviewed, applicants will receive an email either declining the proposal or requesting to set up a short, structured conversation with the Discretionary Grants program lead. Full Proposal -  Invite Only - If then moved through the discussion phase, applicants will be asked to complete a final application.The Discretionary Grants program opens annually in December.
We offer responsive grant opportunities, a Discretionary Grants program for small, discrete, projects, and Meeting Support grants for local and statewide meetings.
The Discretionary Grants program provides small scale project-based funding for organizations to explore new or different approaches to their current work that strongly align with the goals of the Discretionary Grants program and MeHAF’s overall mission and goal areas.
Applicants must propose a specific project, either expanding upon work already being done or to more deeply explore a specific aspect of and organization's work, and it must be completed with tangible outcomes within one year.
Funding
Awards for local or regional projects are typically no more than $5,000 and statewide activities that highly align with our mission may be awarded grants up to $10,000.

Eligibility

Eligible organizations for any MeHAF funding must be:A 501(c)(3), local, state, or tribal government entity or educational institution
In compliance with MeHAF’s nondiscrimination policy. Please also note an organization can receive only one Discretionary Grant per calendar year.

Ineligibility

Discretionary Grants will not fund general operations of new or current work or projects.Across all funding opportunities, MeHAF does not fund the following activities:Direct care costs
Public awareness campaigns focused on a specific disease or health condition