MEHAF: Discretionary Grants Program

MEHAF: Discretionary Grants Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Maine Health Access Foundation Inc
Amount: Up to US $10,000
Last Updated: October 10, 2025

Summary

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.

Overview

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. About MeHAF works with a wide variety of partners, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, health care organizations, and more to carry out our mission of promoting access to quality health care and improving the health of everyone in Maine. We offer responsive grant opportunities, a Discretionary Grants program for small, discrete, projects, and Meeting Support grants for local and statewide meetings. Discretionary Grants Program 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. Projects must also be closely tied to MeHAF's mission of expanding health access and improving health. 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

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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 Fundraising efforts Capital expenditures Academic or graduate research Grants or scholarships to individuals