Strategic Investment Grants

Heart of Maine United Way's Strategic Investment Grants serve as the primary vehicle for funding programs that align with community goals across a 6-county region. These grants are distributed every three years and provide largely unrestricted, multi-year funding to allow nonprofit partners flexibility to respond to local needs and invest in long-term impact.

Geographic Scope: Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington counties in Maine

Funding: Over $2.3 million awarded over three years to 35 high-impact programs and 1 regional coalition

Focus Areas:

• Improving early childhood success
• Increasing financial stability
• Supporting substance use prevention and recovery

Award Structure: Largely unrestricted, three-year funding

Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations operating in the six-county service area

Review Process: Reviewed and scored by more than 70 trained community volunteers; final recommendations approved by HoMEUW Board of Directors

Additional Support: HoMEUW invests in nonprofit sector capacity including training opportunities, peer learning networks, community convenings, and shared tools for both funded and unfunded organizations

Application Process

Application Rounds:

• Fast Track & Impact: Applications open through January 13, 2025
• Transformative Impact: LOI (Letter of Intent) due January 8, 2025

Selection: Applications reviewed by trained community volunteers who score and deliberate over proposals

Next Cycle: Not specified in provided materials (historically every three years)