The Fast Track Grants, offered as part of the Heart of Maine United Way’s (HoMEUW) Strategic Investment Grants for FY26-28, aim to support programs that address critical community needs. These include Basic Needs, Substance Use Disorder, and Early Childhood Development across Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington counties. These grants are structured to make measurable contributions to community well-being and are part of HoMEUW's mission to drive sustainable impact in the region.

Applications for Fast Track Grants open on December 4, 2024, at noon EST and close on January 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST. Organizations can apply for funding of up to $10,000 per program annually, with a maximum of four program applications per organization. The total funding request for an organization cannot exceed $80,000. Grants are multi-year commitments awarded for three years, contingent upon the availability of funds and program performance. However, grants cannot cover more than 35% of a program's overall budget.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or municipalities providing health and human services in the six-county service area. Applicants must have an active governing board that meets at least quarterly and submit required financial documentation based on their gross receipts. Organizations with gross receipts over $1,000,000 must provide an Annual Audit; those with $50,001-$999,999 must provide an Independent Review or Audit; and those with less than $50,000 must provide a Compilation, Independent Review, or Audit.

Programs involving structured religious activities, political campaigns, or previously incurred expenses are not eligible for funding. Additionally, HoMEUW supports programs that align with its non-discrimination policy, ensuring that services, employment, and volunteer opportunities are equitable and inclusive while allowing targeted services for specific populations with identified needs.

Community volunteers review and score applications to determine funding decisions. Programs are required to select performance measures from a shared community indicator list to assess and track their impact, moving away from the use of individual program logic models. This ensures alignment with HoMEUW’s headline goals and facilitates evaluation of program outcomes.

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to ensure their programs align with HoMEUW's focus areas and funding requirements. The application process is conducted online, and applicants can begin submitting their proposals through the designated platform. These grants present a valuable opportunity for organizations to secure funding that contributes to meaningful and measurable community change.