The Strategic Investment Grants offered by the Heart of Maine United Way (HoMEUW) aim to fund health and human service programs that advance the community goals of Basic Needs, Substance Use Disorder, and Early Childhood Development across six Maine counties: Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington. These grants are awarded every three years from the Community Fund and are designed to make measurable impacts in these areas. Successful grantees contribute to improving the lives of one in three residents in the Heart of Maine region.

Applications open on December 4, 2024, at noon EST, with a submission deadline of January 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST. Organizations can apply for funding for one to four programs, with total requests capped at $80,000 across all applications. Individual program grants can request up to $50,000 annually but must not exceed 35% of the program’s budget. Funding is committed for three years, contingent upon program performance and fund availability, and utilizes shared community indicators for measuring program outcomes.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and municipalities operating health and human service programs within the six-county service area. Applicants must have an active governing board that meets quarterly, submit appropriate financial documentation based on gross receipts, and comply with HoMEUW's agency agreement, including reporting, marketing, and supporting the United Way annual campaign. Programs that integrate religious activity, political campaigns, or retroactive expenses are not eligible for funding.

Community volunteers review and score applications to determine funding decisions. Organizations must select performance measures from a shared community indicator list rather than create individual program logic models, ensuring alignment with HoMEUW’s headline goals. Grantees must meet nondiscrimination policies and show how their programs specifically address the needs of targeted populations.

Applications are submitted online, and applicants are encouraged to prepare a strong proposal that adheres to the funding parameters and eligibility criteria. For more information or to volunteer as a reviewer, organizations can contact HoMEUW directly through their program portal.