Discretionary Grants
Background
The Discretionary Grants program is MeHAF’s oldest grant program. The goal, as it has been since 2002, is to support organizations in their efforts to expand health and healthcare access for uninsured and underserved Mainers through small grants. Discretionary grants aim to help organizations try something new or build upon their current work. The program’s application process has evolved over time based on applicant feedback to ensure equitable access to funding.
Purpose
The program funds short-term projects that expand health access in Maine. Given the array of organizations working to improve health in different fields, using different strategies, and serving different Maine communities, these grants can be used to meet needs in diverse ways. Examples include pilot projects, strategic planning processes, landscape assessments, collaborations with other organizations, and minor equipment purchases, among others. We award discretionary grants on a rolling basis throughout the year. Organizations are eligible to receive one Discretionary grant per calendar year.
Highlights
- Discretionary grants can support activities that are key to organizational development and growth that otherwise might not receive funding.
- This program often introduces us to new organizations. We find it is a good opportunity to get to know the work of organizations we have not previously funded and to share information about our other grant programs and other potential funding sources.
- The Discretionary Grant program application process had a full revamp in 2024. The application process now begins with a Zoom conversation, allowing applicants to describe their projects in their own words and ask questions.
