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Discretionary Grants
MeHAF has a competitive discretionary grants program for strategic activities that require smaller levels of support. Discretionary grant projects must further the Foundation's mission through key activities that will expand access to comprehensive, high quality care or improve health, particularly for the uninsured and/or medically underserved.
Discretionary grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for discrete strategic activities. Funding is typically under $5,000 but occasionally awards may go up to $10,000 for highly strategic activities or programs. Support for conferences is generally limited to $2,000. Discretionary grants are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed at least quarterly.
There is no time limited RFP process for Discretionary Grants. This is an open submission process and the review period is usually 4-6 weeks from the time an application is received by MeHAF. Organizations may receive only one discretionary grant within a calendar year.
Types of ProjectsDiscretionary grants applicants can request support for research and planning efforts, data collection, surveys, policy studies, minor equipment purchase or other activities including meeting or convening support to significantly improve health care delivery or coverage.
Please note that Discretionary Grants will
not support:
- General operating support;
- Reimbursing uncompensated care or direct care costs;
- Staff travel to meetings or conferences;
- Purchases of equipment or materials unless there is a compelling need and the purchase will quantitatively expand access to a critically underserved population; or
- Contributions to capital or other campaigns
Application Process
Applicant organizations must use MeHAF's discretionary grant application forms to apply for funds. Discretionary grant application forms – which include both a narrative and budget section – must be submitted with a copy of the organization's non-discrimination policy and a copy of its 501(c)(3) final determination letter. Proposals will also be accepted from local or state agencies. Click here for discretionary grant application forms.
MeHAF strongly encourages applicants to discuss projects with staff before submitting any proposal. Discretionary grants are managed by Barbara Leonard. She can be contacted at (207) 620-8266, ext. 102.
All requests for discretionary grants must address the questions noted on the application form. In addition, it may be helpful for you to know that:
- Generally, activities should involve collaboration between organizations rather than activities sponsored by a single entity. However, support for a single organization may be appropriate for new or emerging issues.
- The organization(s) requesting funding must have an open membership and/or represent a broad constituency.
- Organizations requesting support must not have a defined political affiliation, and MeHAF funds cannot be used for lobbying or any other activities that might compromise MeHAF’s 501(c)(3) status.
There are additional requirements for projects seeking a second year of support through the discretionary grants program. Please contact Barbara Leonard, at (207) 620-8266, ext. 102 to discuss any repeat requests for funding support.
Discretionary Grant Checklist
- MeHAF Grant Application Forms (narrative and budget)
- Copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) final determination letter
- Copy of organization's non-discrimination policy. This must verify that the organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, political affiliation or religious belief.
Completed discretionary grant applications must be submitted by regular mail. The Foundation does not accept electronic submissions.
All MeHAF proposals should be mailed to:
Catherine Luce
Grants Associate
Maine Health Access Foundation
150 Capitol Street, Suite 4
Augusta, ME 04330
Review
Proposals for discretionary grants are evaluated by the MeHAF program staff. Funding recommendations are then reviewed by the Foundation President. Proposals for discretionary grants may be submitted at any time. The review process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time an application is received by MeHAF.
Grantees are strongly encouraged to submit applications early.
Discretionary grant applications are evaluated on their correlation to MeHAF's mission, target population and values. While the application form addresses these issues, MeHAF staff may request additional information.Staff ContactFor more information on discretionary grants, to talk about a potential application, and/or to discuss timing, please contact Barbara Leonard, Senior Program Officer at (207) 620-8266, ext. 102.
Application Forms
The Discretionary Grant Application Form and the Budget Form can be downloaded below:
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