Best Grants for Reproductive Health in Maine

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on reproductive health or related social and environmental needs, including those serving Maine, can seek support for innovative projects or general operations. Grants from Anderson Rogers Foundation help small, hands-on groups advancing social support, community building, and environmental or food-system initiatives that may lack other funding.

The See, Test & Treat Grant offers vital funding for cancer screening and health education programs targeting medically underserved communities. This pathologist-led initiative aims to reduce healthcare barriers, empower preventive care, and connect patients with local resources. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $50,000 over three years, fostering sustainable health improvements. The program emphasizes same-day results for screenings and culturally appropriate education, ensuring equitable access to essential healthcare services.

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research grants for institutions with limited NIH funding, emphasizing biomedical research experiences for undergraduates. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over the past seven years. This initiative aims to enhance the research environment at these institutions, fostering student involvement in research activities.

The SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program supports junior investigators in exploring human sexuality and sexual wellness. Funded by the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, this initiative provides $5,000 to undergraduate, medical, and graduate school students. Awards are disbursed in two payments, with specific reporting requirements. This program aims to enhance research in sexual medicine and foster diversity in the field, particularly focusing on historically underserved populations.

Graduate and medical students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows conducting human sexuality or sexual wellness research in Maine can apply for the SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program. Focused on sexual health and related reproductive health topics, the Sexual Medicine Society of North America supports early-stage research projects carried out at U.S. or Canadian institutions.

Researchers evaluating social programs and policies in Maine using rigorous quasi-experimental designs may be eligible for funding to study outcomes in areas like reproductive health, higher education, and economic mobility. Grants from Arnold Ventures help build causal evidence on what works, supporting policy-relevant studies that inform decision-makers and strengthen evidence-based reforms nationwide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations expanding abortion access infrastructure can seek funding to strengthen reproductive health and justice work, including in Maine. Women Donors Network’s Abortion Bridge Collaborative Fund supports community-rooted, under-resourced groups providing abortion care, funding, practical support, innovative care pathways, and accurate information-sharing to ensure long-term, nationwide access in a rapidly changing landscape.

Tax-exempt organizations in Maine completing or partially completing terminated NIH grants on abortion or contraception can apply for the Society of Family Planning’s Bridging Investments in Abortion and Contraception Research Grant, with awards up to US $100,000. Funding supports finishing U.S.-based reproductive health research so findings still inform just, science-based care.

The EMF Family Building Grants, offered by the Expect Miracles Foundation, support young adult cancer survivors in their fertility treatment and family-building efforts. These grants are designed for applicants with a clear family-building plan and financial strategy, helping bridge the gap in costs associated with fertility preservation, assisted reproductive technologies, and related services. By prioritizing those actively engaged in their journey, the foundation aims to empower survivors to pursue their dreams of family.

Individuals in the U.S. being treated for Peyronie's disease who are underinsured and meet income guidelines can receive up to US $5,600 to offset prescription drug copays and Medicare Part B premiums. Grants from Healthwell Foundation help Maine reproductive health patients manage costs for covered Peyronie's medications and related treatments over a 12‑month grant period.

Focused on reproductive health research, this opportunity invites U.S.-based investigators and institutions to study the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of medication abortion up to 97 days. Organizations in Maine conducting rigorous clinical or population-based research on medication abortion may be eligible for up to US $950,000 in funding from the Society of Family Planning Research Fund.

Wounded military veterans needing fertility treatment, including those living in Maine, can apply for Bob Woodruff Foundation’s VIVA Program for financial assistance with care at Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) clinics. Grants support veterans whose service-connected conditions cause infertility and help cover treatment costs and connections to reproductive health resources.

Researchers and institutions across the U.S., including Maine, can apply for Society of Family Planning Research Fund’s grants, awarding up to US $175,000 for studies on implementing over-the-counter daily oral contraceptives. Projects should generate actionable, evidence-based insights on issues like cost, distribution, and education to advance equitable contraceptive access.

Nonprofit and public entities providing comprehensive family planning and reproductive health services can apply for US $200,000 - US $22,000,000 to operate Title X projects in Maine and nationwide. With a mission to expand voluntary family planning access, the Office of Population Affairs supports education, counseling, and clinical services, including for adolescents and low-income or uninsured patients.

Nonprofits working on reproductive health, women’s issues, literacy, arts and culture, reducing income inequality, or Judaism in Maine and beyond can apply for the Golden Goldman Fund from Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies; awards US $2,000 - US $20,000 for high-impact projects. Proposals should reach underserved individuals and are generally for new or non-ongoing programs.

The Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program (Rural MOMS) aims to enhance access to maternity and obstetrics care in rural areas through collaborative networks. Funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), this initiative focuses on innovative strategies to improve healthcare delivery for mothers and infants in underserved regions, ensuring that quality care is accessible where it is needed most.

Pershing Square Lotus Award for Ovarian Cancer Research

The Pershing Square Foundation (PSF) has worked across sectors to catalyze innovative approaches to the most difficult problems. Talented individuals have always been at the center of our approach. We aim to support leaders who transform systems, embrace new paradigms, and have an innate drive to make an impact.

PSF has funded pioneering cancer researchers through the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance for over a decade and supported women’s health initiatives in New York City. Through this Request for Proposals (RFP), PSF aims to combine these two priority areas of women’s health and cancer to shine a light on one of the most understudied and underfunded cancers—ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, with 80% of women diagnosed at an advanced stage. Only 27% of women diagnosed during an advanced stage survive for five years. Ovarian cancer remains a disease with a poor prognosis due to limited early detection and treatment options.

PSF supports research efforts by 

• deploying capital quickly, 
• funding high-risk, high-reward ideas, 
• bringing new perspectives into a field, 
• encouraging collaboration, and 
• leveraging our vast network. We challenge our scientific partners to think creatively and across silos, to spur innovation to fight ovarian cancer.

Through the Pershing Square Lotus Award for Ovarian Cancer Research, PSF is looking for investigators who are either already working on a promising project in ovarian cancer or in another type of cancer that could have an impact on ovarian cancer. Grantees each receive $250,000 a year for three years, totaling $750,000.

Researchers who are not studying ovarian cancer are encouraged to apply and required to find a collaborator with experience in ovarian cancer research.

This award aims to 

• inspire investigators with unique expertise to apply their knowledge to ovarian cancer and 
• empower ovarian cancer researchers to pursue their boldest, most innovative ideas. Facing a disease where too few have survived to-date, PSF ultimately aims to create a culture around ovarian cancer that offers women hope, akin to the breast cancer community. PSF is passionate about changing outcomes for tens of thousands of women a year and is hopeful that future scientific discoveries will allow for more survivors who can share their stories for years to come.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving underserved or disadvantaged people through disaster relief, sexual health (including LGBTQ+ programs and sexual abuse prevention), or visual impairment services can seek project support, including work that overlaps reproductive health in Maine. Grants from Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation range from US $3,000 - US $20,000, with preference for sites near fund members’ communities.

The See, Test & Treat Grant offers funding for a pathologist-led cancer screening program aimed at underserved communities. With a focus on health education, the program provides vital cervical and breast cancer screenings, ensuring same-day results and follow-up care. Eligible institutions can apply for funding up to $20,000 for single-year projects or up to $50,000 over three years. This initiative addresses health disparities, empowers communities, and enhances the visibility of pathology in healthcare.

The Anna Lalor Burdick Program supports initiatives that enhance women's access to reproductive health care, contraception, and pregnancy termination. It prioritizes funding programs that provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, particularly for disadvantaged women. The program seeks innovative approaches, clear goals, and sustainable models, while emphasizing advocacy efforts. Organizations dedicated to reproductive rights in restrictive environments are encouraged to apply, as the foundation aims to empower women through informed choices.

The Changemakers in Family Planning Grant Program aims to address institutionalized racism in the field of family planning by providing essential support to scholars of color. Recognizing that diversity and equity are crucial for advancing research in abortion and contraception, this initiative seeks to foster an inclusive community that empowers underrepresented voices in science. The Society of Family Planning is dedicated to creating a just environment where all scholars can contribute to meaningful advancements in family planning research.

The Emerging Scholars in Family Planning Grant, offered by the Society of Family Planning, aims to support early-career researchers in developing a family planning research portfolio. This grant provides funding for publishable scholarly research projects, including thesis or dissertation work, fostering the next generation of scholars in abortion and contraception research. By promoting diversity and inclusion, the grant seeks to build a multidisciplinary community dedicated to advancing family planning science.

The Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) aims to enhance maternal and infant health by supporting early-career researchers in obstetrics and gynecology. This program encourages applicants committed to advancing their careers in academic research. With a focus on health equity and the training of scholars, RSDP seeks to foster impactful research proposals that address critical issues such as prematurity and maternal morbidity. Funded by the March of Dimes and other organizations, it empowers diverse talent in the field.

The Herbek Humanitarian Award honors a CAP member pathologist for significant contributions to the See, Test & Treat® program, which offers free cancer screenings to underserved women. Established in 2011, it commemorates Gene N. Herbek, MD, FCAP, who pioneered this initiative for Native Americans. Nominees must have led or significantly contributed to the program, with submissions due by May 3, 2024. Self-nominations or incomplete entries will not be accepted, ensuring high standards in recognition.

The OAR Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for autistic individuals by funding community-led projects that address physical health and support services. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 are available for initiatives designed to produce practical tools and resources. Eligible applicants include family members, autistic individuals, and community organizations committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism. Projects should be innovative, publicly accessible, and focus on priority topics such as health systems and community services.

Vitamin Angels offers grants to US-based organizations dedicated to improving nutrition for pregnant women, infants, and young children. By providing prenatal multivitamins and technical support, the initiative aims to reach underserved communities facing nutritional barriers. Eligible organizations must serve at least 500 children or 100 pregnant women annually and distribute the vitamins without financial support from Vitamin Angels. This collaborative effort enhances health outcomes for vulnerable populations across the nation.

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Next Gen Pregnancy Initiative Grants aim to enhance research on pregnancy outcomes, addressing issues such as preterm birth and maternal health. With an emphasis on fostering diverse scientific collaboration, the initiative supports innovative proposals from researchers across various disciplines. Each grant offers up to $500,000 over four years, encouraging groundbreaking studies that explore the biological and environmental factors affecting pregnancy. This initiative seeks to improve health outcomes through informed research and interdisciplinary partnerships.