Best Medical Equipment Grants in Maine

The Ludcke Foundation

Guidelines

To identify and support charitable endeavors that provide needed resources and services to children and families, with an emphasis on emotional and physical health, education, and social development.

The Foundation devotes its grants to the fields of education, health, and human services. The trustees have a special interest in programs that focus across two or three of the foundation’s areas of interest and in partnering with other donors with similar objectives to enable more ambitious projects.

Current Grantmaking Preferences

Job training for systems involved young people, job training for adults facing significant barriers, and limited support for innovative approaches to helping children in underserved New England communities overcome significant and often overlapping barriers to educational success.

Access to health programs for all ages, and behavioral health services for children and teens in underserved communities or otherwise facing significant barriers.

Homelessness prevention, housing assistance, food security, legal assistance, holistic family support, support for young people at risk, and support for victims of domestic violence.

The Patricia D. Klingenstein Grants Program, established by the Sadie & Harry Davis Foundation, offers funding between $5,000 and $25,000 to support organizations addressing the health needs of Maine’s children, particularly those from low-income and under-resourced communities. Projects should enhance physical, mental, and social well-being, with a 12-month project period. The program emphasizes support for organizations with annual budgets under $5 million, fostering equity for diverse populations.

The Direct Services Grant Program, initiated by the John T. Gorman Foundation, aims to support organizations addressing the basic needs of vulnerable Maine residents, including hunger, housing, and crisis support. This grant prioritizes initiatives that strengthen families and empower communities, ensuring that essential services are accessible. The Foundation seeks to bolster educational achievements for young children, aid successful transitions for older youth, and support low-income families and seniors, ultimately fostering a thriving community in Maine.

The Davis Family Foundation, established in Maine, focuses on granting support to educational, medical, and cultural/arts organizations. With over $63.5 million awarded since 1986, the foundation emphasizes innovative projects that make a significant impact on Maine communities. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and align with the foundation's priorities, ensuring projects enhance educational outcomes or address medical issues effectively. The foundation seeks unique projects that engage the community and preserve Maine's cultural heritage.

The Maine Health Access Foundation (MeHAF) offers the Community Responsive Grants Program, which promotes community-led solutions to health care challenges in Maine. This initiative focuses on empowering local organizations to address barriers to health equity through innovative projects that reflect community needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental entities. MeHAF aims to enhance health access and outcomes by funding initiatives that challenge existing policies and practices.

The Maine Health Access Foundation (MeHAF) offers the Systems Improvement and Innovation Responsive Grants Program to enhance health equity across Maine. This program, launched in 2020, complements previous grant initiatives by focusing on traditional systems-based organizations. It aims to improve access to healthcare in rural areas, support aging populations, address behavioral health issues, and promote maternal and child health. Community involvement is a key element, ensuring that those affected by health disparities have a voice in program development.

The MEHAF Meeting Support Program offers grants to facilitate meetings aimed at improving health access in Maine, especially for populations facing barriers. Grants can go up to $2,000 for statewide meetings and $1,000 for community gatherings. Organizations eligible for funding must comply with MeHAF's nondiscrimination policy and can receive only one grant per year. This initiative fosters community collaboration and addresses health disparities, ensuring a broader reach for vulnerable groups.

The Stone Foundation Grants in Maine offer flexible and trust-based philanthropic support primarily focused on Monmouth County, New Jersey, and Wabanakiq, Maine. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, with first-time applicants typically considered for 1-year grants between $5,000 and $10,000. Eligible organizations include 501c3 nonprofits and community groups with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation encourages projects that address social inequities and foster community impact through innovative solutions.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The MCF: Equity Fund Grant, established by the Maine Community Foundation, aims to strengthen LGBTQ+ organizations in Maine through general and project grants. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and public agencies that engage LGBTQ+ individuals in their leadership and services. This grant prioritizes initiatives that enhance healthcare access, reduce disparities, and promote respect. The fund, which became permanent in 2000, continues to support community-based efforts that align with its mission.

The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Grant Making program provides funding between $2,000 and $25,000 to support initiatives that enhance community vitality in Northern New England. The foundation prioritizes projects that leverage additional resources, produce measurable results, and foster collaboration between public and private sectors. Quarterly and bi-annual reviews ensure timely consideration of applications. With a commitment to improving workforce and economic development, the foundation aims to make a meaningful impact in education, health, and civic services.

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.

Maine Community Foundation

Founded in 1983, the Maine Community Foundation brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise and strong investments. We offer a range of giving options tailored to fit each donor’s financial means and charitable objectives. Our staff provides personalized service, community leadership, and a deep understanding of local issues.

River Rock Shared Future Fund

Purpose

The River Rock Shared Future Fund’s long-term goal is achieving greater racial equity by increasing economic opportunities, education levels and health and wellness in communities of color in Maine.

Types of Funding

Two-year general support grants for flexible funding of any type such as new/expanding/ongoing programs and operational needs including capital expenses. Your organization’s primary work must meet the River Rock Shared Future Fund criteria listed below.

Multi-year grantees will be selected every two years.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) funding aims to enhance healthcare access in underserved communities across the U.S. by providing grants for comprehensive primary and preventive health services. This initiative addresses essential health needs through competitive funding opportunities, ensuring that health centers can effectively serve their designated areas. Additional service areas may be announced as needed if current centers are unable to continue their operations, thus maintaining service continuity.

The Telehealth Nutrition Services Network Grant Program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, aims to enhance access to quality health care through innovative telehealth nutrition services. This program focuses on preventing and managing chronic diseases by leveraging telehealth technology, ensuring that individuals receive essential nutrition guidance remotely. With a commitment to improving health outcomes, this initiative will significantly benefit communities seeking better access to healthcare resources.

About the Awards

The late Dr. James F. Fries, formerly professor emeritus of medicine at Stanford University, came up with the idea for the James and Sarah Fries Prize for Improving Health in a 1987 ascent of Nepal’s Makalu—one of the world’s highest peaks—when his party became trapped in a severe snowstorm and was ultimately unable to scale the mountain.

Following that experience, Dr. Fries returned to sea level and set about establishing a foundation to support a Nobel-like prize for health that now annually awards a $100,000 prize to an an outstanding leader judged by an expert panel to have done the greatest good for the greatest number of people in the field of health.

In 1992 the Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award was established in honor of Elizabeth Fries, daughter of James and Sarah Fries. The $50,000 prize is awarded annually to an individual judged to have made substantial contributions to their area of health education and health promotion. Sarah Fries remained active in the Fries Awards for Health program until her death in May 2017, and Jim Fries remained active in the awards until his death in November 2021.

The CDC Foundation is honored to partner with the James F. and Sarah T. Fries Foundation, which established and funds the award. As of 2016, the CDC Foundation manages and administers the Fries Awards for Health program, which include the James and Sarah Fries Prize for Improving Health and the Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award.

The CDC's NCIPC is seeking research proposals to tackle implementation challenges in providing linkage to care services for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). This initiative encourages partnerships with public health entities and local healthcare champions to create actionable, evidence-based strategies. The goal is to enhance care access and ensure comprehensive overdose prevention services are available in real-world healthcare settings, thereby improving outcomes for those at risk of opioid overdose.

2026 Veterans and Nature Grant

Supporting the health, well-being, and community connection of America's veterans

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce grant funding supported by the American Medical Association (AMA) to expand access to nature-based experiences that support the health, well-being, and community connection of America's veterans. AMA has partnered with NEEF to bring an evidence-based health perspective to this effort, underscoring the growing body of research linking time in nature to improved physical and mental health outcomes.

Background

A Pew Research Center survey found that roughly one in four veterans say the transition back to civilian life was at least somewhat difficult. This is especially true for those who return home with stress or trauma. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates 11-20% of veterans are believed to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year.

Nature offers profound restorative benefits for veterans navigating the challenges of post-service life. Time spent outdoors — whether hiking, fishing, camping, or simply sitting among trees — has been shown by numerous studies to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, conditions that affect veterans at disproportionately high rates.

Quieting hypervigilance, allowing space for reflection, fostering camaraderie, and reducing isolation are all mental and physical benefits that be found through outdoor recreation. Using America’s public lands to do so provides a powerful and accessible path forward.

Overview

Through the 2026 Veterans and Nature grant, NEEF aims to expand access to nature-based experiences that support veteran health, well-being, and community connection by

• Providing opportunities for outdoor activities on public land that improve the physical and mental health of veterans
• Increasing veterans’ understanding of the physical and mental health benefits of time in nature

The grant will provide up to $10,000 per grantee for projects on federal, state, local, or nonprofit public lands that address physical and mental health in veteran communities.

Examples of project types include outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, climbing, or fishing; wellness activities, such as forest bathing or meditation; environmental education, such as community science; adaptive programming; and conservation volunteering. Projects are not limited to those listed here.

Building Capacity for Communicating Impact Learning Community RFA

Learn how to communicate about Public Health Infrastructure Grant impact through a new community of practice! Through peer learning, technical assistance, and practical tools, participating teams will build strategic leadership and communications skills to more effectively translate public health achievements into compelling messages for key audiences. All directly funded PHIG recipients (big-city, county, state/territory-level governmental public health professionals) are eligible to apply.

Accreditation Sustainability Learning Community RFA

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), through the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG), is currently accepting applications for participation in a learning lab that will foster health department capacity to build a sustainable public health accreditation culture within their agencies. This opportunity is open to applicants from direct PHIG awardees at the state-, big city-, and county-level.

Healthcare Assistance Grant

The MS Focus Healthcare Assistance Grant assists uninsured individuals with the cost of visiting their MS specialist as well as dental assistance. The grant, which can pay for one visit and one follow-up, is designed to assist those already diagnosed with MS who may need a visit to their treating physician to renew a prescription or handle other important needs. 

Applicants give MS Focus staff authorization to negotiate costs directly with the provider, and the fee is paid directly to the doctor. 

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) aims to enhance health services in underserved communities across the U.S. and its territories. This funding opportunity supports comprehensive preventive and primary health care delivery. Each SAC announcement details service areas available for competition, with potential additional areas announced throughout the year. This initiative is crucial for ensuring continuous access to quality health care for vulnerable populations.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) funding aims to enhance health services in underserved communities across the U.S. by providing grants for comprehensive preventive and primary health care. The initiative supports health centers in delivering essential services, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need. Service areas for competition are announced periodically, and additional areas may be added if existing centers are unable to continue their services.

The FY 2027 State and Regional Primary Care Association (PCA) Cooperative Agreements aim to enhance the technical assistance provided to Health Center Program award recipients and look-alikes. This initiative focuses on improving access to preventive and primary health care, managing chronic diseases, and ensuring a capable health center workforce. By implementing value-based care strategies and leveraging data for operational improvements, the program seeks to support the health of vulnerable communities effectively.

The Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) Program enhances rural healthcare access by establishing sustainable residency programs for physicians. Focused on training in accredited rural settings, the program addresses physician shortages by providing start-up funding for various medical specialties, including family medicine and psychiatry. This initiative aims to ensure long-term sustainability through stable funding sources like Medicare and Medicaid, ultimately preparing physicians to serve rural communities effectively.