Maine Health Access Foundation

MeHAF provides funding through several vehicles, including initiative-based competitive requests for proposals (RFP), discretionary grants and meeting support, invited proposals, and technical assistance contracts. All of our grants must advance our mission of expanding access to health care in Maine, particularly for people who are uninsured and medically underserved.

Initiative-based Grants
MeHAF periodically releases competitive requests for proposals for specific projects to advance the Foundation's strategic goals.  Initiative-based grants may be made under any of MeHAF's priority areas.  Funding may be for multiple years.  Grant awards for planning efforts typically range betwen $10,000 - $50,000 per year, whereas implementation projects can range from $50,000 to $150,000 per year.  Proposals are solicited with specific guidance, have a single due date and are reviewed using scoring criteria developed for that initiative.  The MeHAF Grants Committee reviews and approves RFPs and the slate of grants that are then forwarded to the full Board for approval.  Grantees may be asked to participate in learning collaboratives to share lessons learned, or in a planning group to coordinate efforts.

Discretionary Grants and Meeting Support
MeHAF's Discretionary Grants support small, discrete projects or activities that advance the Foundation's mission. Examples include research and planning efforts, small pilot projects, surveys, policy studies, meeting and convening support, or minor equipment purchases. The maximum one-time award is $10,000 for a period no longer than one year. Awards are typically under $5,000 for most projects and under $2,000 for meeting and conference support. Discretionary grant applications for projects and meeting support may be submitted throughout the year. 

If you are interested in applying, review the specific application criteria, then call to discuss your project or idea with Morgan Floyd at (207) 620-8266, ext. 116.

Foundation-initiated Grants
Important opportunities to advance MeHAF's mission are not necessarily predictable, nor do they always occur when a competitive major grant cycle is available. MeHAF may, from time-to-time, invite a proposal to support key, strategic projects that offer unique, innovative and timely opportunities to advance the Foundation's strategic goals. Projects funded through this mechanism typically involve statewide activities, often with broad-based partnerships or multi-organization collaborations. Generally there is substantial involvement of Foundation staff in shaping of the project. Projects are funded with the goal of making system-level advances in access to health care and improvement in health for people in Maine, but in particular those who are uninsured and underserved. Grants in this category are generally large and may be multi-year. Concepts are presented to the Grants Committee for review and recommendation for ultimate Board approval.

Fund for the Future
MeHAF's Fund for the Future pilot focuses on improving the health of Maine people at a community level in ways that extend beyond direct health care delivery.  MeHAF views the Fund as a laboratory to seed new ideas, frame new approaches, and foster new relationships. Three community projects were funded in 2009 with two additional projects funded in a second round in 2010.

If you are interested in learning more about this program, contact Len Bartel at (207) 620-8266 , ext. 107.