Cancer Prevention in Maine

Maine Cancer Foundation (MCF) leads a statewide effort to reduce the impact of cancer across Maine by investing in programs that promote prevention, screening, and access to care. Guided by values of equity, community engagement, collaboration, adaptiveness, compassion, and evidence-informed practice, MCF envisions a Maine where everyone has the tools and support needed to minimize cancer risks and consequences. Through its grants, the foundation seeks to fund initiatives that reduce cancer incidence and burden, particularly among historically marginalized populations. The 2026 Cancer Prevention Grant invites applications for evidence-based interventions addressing key modifiable risk factors contributing to cancer in Maine. Funding will support projects that focus on alcohol use, environmental carcinogens (e.g., arsenic, PFAs, radon), HPV vaccinations, obesity prevention, sun safety, and tobacco prevention or treatment. Proposals must incorporate data-supported strategies and clearly articulate expected outcomes. The foundation is particularly interested in programs that utilize policy, systems, and environmental change approaches, collaborate with other Maine organizations, or pilot new ideas rooted in proven cancer prevention methodologies. To promote health equity, MCF prioritizes initiatives that address the social determinants of health and aim to reach geographically underserved areas and vulnerable populations. These may include uninsured or underinsured individuals, rural communities, racial and ethnic minorities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Projects demonstrating potential to reduce disparities in cancer prevention and control will receive priority consideration. Applicants may apply for either a one-year or two-year grant. Funding is capped at $40,000 per year, with a maximum of $80,000 for two-year projects. Smaller-scale and pilot projects are encouraged. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government entities, and other public nonprofits serving the people of Maine. However, organizations that received a 2025 Cancer Prevention Grant are ineligible to apply in 2026. For eligibility clarification, applicants are advised to contact the program coordinator directly. Applications must be submitted through MCF’s online grantmaking system by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit a draft for feedback prior to final submission. Awards will be announced by June 15, 2026, and funding will be disbursed upon contract signing. Grant recipients are expected to report on their progress and outcomes during the grant period. The geographic distribution of awards will be taken into account, and the foundation reserves the right to limit multiple awards to the same institution or system to promote diversity in funding. For application drafts or inquiries, applicants should reach out to Tricia Jamiol, Program Coordinator, at [email protected]. All completed applications must adhere to the online format and meet the submission deadline. The foundation maintains a strong stance against discrimination and requires that all funded activities align with MCF’s mission to serve the public interest in Maine.

Prioritize health equity and evidence-based strategies; address social determinants of health.