Best Grants for Nonprofit Healthcare Programs 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.

Nonprofit organizations improving children’s health in Maine can seek US $5,000 - US $25,000 to support physical, mental, and social well-being for youth from birth to age 18, especially in under-resourced communities. The Sadie and Harry Davis Foundation considers program, general operating, capacity building, challenge, and matching grants for a 12‑month project period.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine that help low-income residents with basic needs like hunger, housing, and crisis support can seek up to US $30,000 in direct service funding. The John T Gorman Foundation supports existing programs and general operations, which may include health care access and delivery for vulnerable Mainers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) healthcare providers and medical research organizations in Maine can apply for Davis Family Foundation grants to support innovative, evidence-based medical projects that address systemic issues and improve care delivery. Eligible clinics, hospitals, and health organizations may receive project-specific funding, with priority given to initiatives that are scalable, replicable, and sustainable beyond the grant period.

Maine 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and educational institutions working on health care access and health equity can seek project funding to change policies, practices, and perceptions that block good health. Maine Health Access Foundation’s Community Responsive Grants support community-led solutions that address barriers to health care and test innovative, equity-focused approaches, with awards up to US $50,000.

Organizations in Maine working to improve health care access and advance health equity can apply for Maine Health Access Foundation’s Systems Improvement and Innovation Responsive Grants, with awards up to US $50,000 for systems-level projects. Funding supports rural health, aging and older adults, behavioral health, and maternal and child health with strong community voice in design and evaluation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public or tribal entities in Maine can receive up to US $2,000 to support meetings addressing barriers to health care and health outcomes for vulnerable populations. With a mission to improve access to quality health care, Maine Health Access Foundation provides funding for facilitators, speakers, and community participation costs.

Maine health care access and delivery nonprofits, including those focused on social and environmental justice, can access funding through Stone Foundation of New Jersey, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving Wabanakiq may request general operating or project-specific support, including multi-year commitments.

Nonprofit organizations in Maine working on health care access, mental health, or education for underserved populations can apply for US $10,000 - US $75,000 from the L B Research and Education Foundation. The funder supports established 501(c)(3)s expanding proven, research-informed programs for adolescents, post-secondary students, and adult vocational learners through a rolling, concept-paper-first process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, schools, public agencies, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups in Maine can receive funding for LGBTQ+ health and equity projects, including staff time, materials, training, and limited overhead, up to US $10,000. Maine Community Foundation’s Equity Fund prioritizes efforts that increase health care access, reduce disparities, and address violence, harassment, and discrimination.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine can seek US $2,000 - US $25,000 to support program development, facilities, equipment, and some general operations. Grants from Bangor Savings Bank Foundation help health and wellness, healthcare access, and related social service programs that strengthen community vitality and regional economies in Northern New England.

Maine nonprofits, governments, and educational institutions running health access and care delivery projects in Maine can access funding through Maine Health Access Foundation’s Discretionary Grants Program. Awards up to US $10,000 support small, one-year, project-based efforts that test or expand approaches closely tied to improving health and expanding access to quality health care.

Focused on health equity and community well-being, Maine Community Foundation invites Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek two-year general support for programs improving economic opportunity, education, health, or community connection for underserved residents. Grants up to Up to US $15,000 can fund new, expanding, or ongoing healthcare access, wellness, and related initiatives, including operational and capital needs.

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.