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Maine Cancer Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.8M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.3M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3.8 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Varies by program (typically 2-3 months)
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $300,000
  • Geographic Focus: Maine statewide

Contact Details

Website: https://mainecancer.org

General Contact:

  • Email: info@mainecancer.org
  • Phone: 207-773-2533
  • Address: 170 US Route 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105

Program-Specific Contact:

Overview

The Maine Cancer Foundation was established in 1976 and has evolved from focusing on patient support and oncology education to becoming a major grant-making organization dedicated to reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates in Maine. Following a two-year planning process, MCF launched its Challenge Cancer 2020 initiative in 2015, committing $15 million to reduce cancer mortality in Maine by 20 percent in five years. With approximately $3.8 million in annual giving, MCF has distributed over $12 million since 2015 through grants to 40+ organizations annually. The organization operates on a 100% model, ensuring all funds raised directly benefit Maine communities. MCF has earned a perfect 4-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 100% score, reflecting its strong accountability and financial management. The foundation uses data-driven approaches and evidence-based practices to inform its grantmaking across three strategic pillars: prevention, early detection and screening, and access to care with a strong emphasis on health equity.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Cancer Screening Grants: Support for evidence-based interventions to increase the number and/or improve the quality of cancer screening in Maine. Screenings include breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and skin cancer. Grant amounts vary; applications accepted through specific Request for Proposals (RFPs) with fixed deadlines.

Cancer Prevention Grants: Maximum request amount is $40,000 per year for two years ($80,000 total). Focus on evidence-based interventions to reduce cancer risk in Maine. Applications accepted through RFPs with fixed deadlines.

Patient Navigation Grants: Three-year capacity-building grants for developing and supporting cancer patient navigation programs. Recent awards ranged from approximately $102,000 to $164,000. Competitive RFP process.

Transportation and Lodging Grants: Two-year grants supporting transportation and lodging assistance for cancer patients. Recent funding cycle awarded over $700,000 to 14 organizations across Maine.

Task Force Grants: Up to $10,000 for Task Force projects. Letters of interest accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Discretionary Grants: Letters of interest may be submitted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Applications considered based on available funds. Grant amounts vary from $10,000 to $300,000 over 1-3 years.

Priority Areas

Cancer Prevention:

  • Tobacco cessation programs and resources
  • Healthy lifestyle promotion
  • Evidence-based preventative care initiatives
  • Programs addressing social determinants of health

Early Detection and Screening:

  • Increasing access to cancer screenings (breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, skin)
  • Improving quality of cancer screening programs
  • Mobile screening units and outreach programs
  • Patient navigation for screening follow-up

Access to Care and Treatment:

  • Patient transportation and lodging support
  • Patient navigation programs
  • Treatment access for underserved populations
  • Financial burden reduction for patients

Health Equity Focus:

  • Programs serving geographically underserved regions
  • Initiatives for uninsured or underinsured individuals
  • Support for rural populations
  • Services for racial and ethnic minorities
  • Programs for LGBTQ+ community
  • Addressing health disparities and social determinants of health

What They Don't Fund

  • Direct support to individuals for cancer prevention, detection, or treatment services, equipment, or supplies
  • Capital campaigns
  • Business investments or loans
  • Programs that do not benefit the people of Maine
  • Multiple grants to the same institution may be limited, as geographic distribution of grants is considered
  • Projects that discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Board Leadership:

  • Laura Pfeiffenberger, President (board member since 2018) - ESOP Client Advisor, Spinnaker Trust. Pfeiffenberger has stated about their signature event: "The idea to bring women together for this remarkable event now encompasses a community of survivors, athletes, families and dedicated volunteers."
  • John Benoit, Treasurer - Vice President and Senior Benefits Strategist, Cross Benefits Solutions
  • Laura Davis Rinck, Secretary - President, Rinck Advertising
  • Justin Lamontagne, Vice President - Partner/Broker, NAI The Dunham Group

Board Members:

  • Devon Evans, MD - Oncologist & partner at New England Cancer Specialists
  • Brenda Farnham - Associate VP of Oncology Services at Northern Light Cancer Institute
  • Amy Beveridge - News Director at WMTW
  • Lenroy Shaw - Works with Morgan Stanley helping clients achieve their financial goals

The board currently includes 17 directors who bring expertise from healthcare, finance, business, and communications sectors. The organization welcomed 5 new board members in January 2022 and has continued to expand its board with professionals who understand Maine's healthcare landscape.

Staff Team

Key staff members include:

  • Executive Director (leadership transition occurred recently)
  • Kelly Martin, Deputy Director (served as interim executive director for 13 months)
  • Tricia Jamiol, Program Coordinator - primary contact for grant eligibility questions and proposals
  • Brian McKeown, Marketing & Communications Manager
  • Ray Ruby, Director of Development
  • Katelyn Michaud - program support

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All applications are submitted through the Maine Cancer Foundation's online grant portal at mainecancer.org.

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact All interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Tricia Jamiol at tricia@mainecancer.org with eligibility questions and to discuss proposals prior to submission.

Step 2: Letter of Interest (LOI) For discretionary grants, applicants must create or log into the online grant platform to submit a one-page Letter of Interest introducing the project. This brief overview allows MCF to assess alignment with funding priorities.

Step 3: Full Application If the LOI is approved or for open RFP cycles, applicants complete a full application through the online portal. Applications should utilize evidence-based practices endorsed by the CDC and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Application Requirements:

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, educational institution, government entity, or other public non-profit entity
  • Only organizations can apply (no individual applications)
  • Programs must benefit people of Maine
  • Evidence-based interventions required
  • Clear demonstration of addressing health inequities is prioritized

Decision Timeline

Review Process: Grants are peer-reviewed by a committee of Maine-based experts in the field, MCF staff, and board members. Reviewers read and score each application based on criteria from the Request for Proposal guidelines. The committee then meets to discuss each application and prepare funding recommendations. Recommendations are submitted to Maine Cancer Foundation's Executive Committee for final review and approval.

Typical Timeline:

  • Varies by program type
  • RFP-based programs: Typically 2-3 months from application deadline to decision
  • Rolling basis programs: Decisions made as applications are reviewed
  • Applicants may be contacted during review for additional information

Notification Methods: Applicants are notified through the online grant portal and via email.

Success Rates

The Maine Cancer Foundation funds more than 40 organizations annually from its $3.8 million annual grantmaking budget. Specific success rate percentages are not publicly published. However, the foundation's focus on statewide geographic distribution and commitment to funding diverse organizations across Maine suggests a competitive but accessible application process for well-aligned projects.

Reapplication Policy

For The Maine Fund for Cancer Patients program, if an application is denied, the Cancer Resource Coordinator contacts the applicant to explain reasons for denial and informs them they can reapply in 12 months.

For organizational grant programs, reapplication policies vary by program. Unsuccessful discretionary grant applicants may resubmit letters of interest. The foundation notes that multiple grants to the same institution may be limited to ensure geographic distribution across Maine. Applicants should contact program staff for specific guidance on reapplication timing and improvements.

Application Success Factors

Evidence-Based Approaches Are Essential

The Maine Cancer Foundation consistently emphasizes the importance of evidence-based interventions. Successful proposals utilize practices endorsed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Applicants should clearly cite research, demonstrate proven methodologies, and show how their approach has succeeded elsewhere or is grounded in scientific evidence.

Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health

The foundation explicitly states: "Proposals that address social determinants of health will be prioritized." Successful applications demonstrate understanding of health disparities in Maine and show concrete strategies for reaching underserved populations including:

  • Geographically isolated rural communities
  • Uninsured or underinsured individuals
  • Racial and ethnic minorities
  • LGBTQ+ community members

Pre-Application Consultation

MCF strongly encourages potential applicants to contact Program Coordinator Tricia Jamiol before submitting proposals. This consultation allows applicants to confirm eligibility, discuss project alignment with MCF priorities, and receive guidance on strengthening their application. Organizations that take advantage of this pre-application support demonstrate commitment and can refine their proposals accordingly.

Focus on Maine Impact

The foundation's mission emphasizes that "100% of funds raised are invested back into communities to benefit the people of Maine." Successful applications clearly articulate how the project will serve Maine residents, provide measurable Maine-specific outcomes, and contribute to reducing cancer incidence or mortality within the state.

Data-Driven and Collaborative Approaches

MCF values organizations that "use data to inform their work" and "gather collaborators from the public, private and nonprofit sectors." Strong applications include baseline data, clear metrics for success, evaluation plans, and demonstrate partnerships with other Maine organizations. The foundation works with Market Decisions Research to evaluate grant outcomes, so applicants should be prepared for rigorous reporting and data collection.

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

  • Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine: $102,500 for Cancer Resource Navigator program
  • Maine Primary Care Association: $164,340 for Patient Navigation program to improve patient outcomes
  • Healthy Androscoggin (Lewiston): $50,000 for cancer prevention efforts
  • Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital: $49,696.90 for Pharmacist-Engaged Pilot to increase tobacco cessation access
  • Northern Light Health: Ongoing partnership for cancer programs across the state
  • Mobile mammography units with women's health navigators in rural counties
  • Transportation and lodging programs across 14 organizations statewide

Language and Terminology

Successful applicants use terminology aligned with MCF's three pillars:

  • "Evidence-based interventions"
  • "Health equity" and "social determinants of health"
  • "Early detection and screening"
  • "Access to care"
  • "Patient navigation"
  • "Underserved populations"
  • References to "Maine Cancer Blueprint" and statewide data

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Contact program staff early: Tricia Jamiol at tricia@mainecancer.org welcomes pre-application consultations. Use this resource to confirm alignment and strengthen your proposal before submission.

  • Ground your proposal in evidence: MCF requires evidence-based interventions endorsed by CDC and USPSTF. Cite research, demonstrate proven methodologies, and clearly explain your scientific rationale.

  • Prioritize health equity explicitly: Proposals addressing social determinants of health and serving underserved populations (rural, uninsured, racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ community) receive priority consideration. Make equity central to your proposal, not an afterthought.

  • Demonstrate Maine-specific impact: With 100% of funds staying in Maine, show clear understanding of Maine's cancer landscape, use Maine-specific data, and articulate measurable outcomes for Maine residents.

  • Build partnerships and use data: MCF values collaborative approaches and data-driven programs. Include letters of support from partners, demonstrate existing collaborations, and present robust evaluation plans with specific metrics.

  • Match your ask to the right program: MCF offers multiple grant streams with different amounts and timelines. Task Force grants (up to $10,000, rolling) differ significantly from multi-year screening grants ($10,000-$300,000). Study the RFPs carefully and apply to the most appropriate program.

  • Geographic distribution matters: MCF considers geographic distribution to ensure statewide impact. If you're in an underserved region of Maine or can demonstrate statewide reach, emphasize this in your application.

References

  1. Maine Cancer Foundation official website: https://mainecancer.org/ (Accessed November 2025)

  2. Maine Cancer Foundation Grants Overview: https://mainecancer.org/grants-overview (Accessed November 2025)

  3. Maine Cancer Foundation Application Information: https://mainecancer.org/apply-for-a-grant (Accessed November 2025)

  4. Maine Cancer Foundation History: https://mainecancer.org/history (Accessed November 2025)

  5. Maine Cancer Foundation Challenge Cancer 2020: https://mainecancer.org/challenge-2020 (Accessed November 2025)

  6. Maine Cancer Foundation Board of Directors: https://mainecancer.org/board-of-directors (Accessed November 2025)

  7. Maine Cancer Foundation Staff: https://mainecancer.org/staff (Accessed November 2025)

  8. Charity Navigator Rating for Maine Cancer Foundation: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/010351077 (Accessed November 2025)

  9. The Grantsmanship Center - Maine Cancer Foundation: https://www.tgci.com/funder/maine-cancer-foundation (Accessed November 2025)

  10. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Maine Cancer Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/10351077 (Accessed November 2025)

  11. "Maine Cancer Foundation awards $551,000 in cancer patient navigation grants," Bangor Daily News, October 25, 2024: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/10/25/bdn-maine/maine-cancer-foundation-awards-551000-in-cancer-patient-navigation-grants/

  12. "Over $700K awarded in grants to help Maine cancer patients," WMTW, December 2024: https://www.wmtw.com/article/over-700k-awarded-in-grants-to-help-maine-cancer-patients/63164385

  13. "Maine Cancer Foundation awards $316,000 in cancer prevention grants," Bangor Daily News, September 18, 2024: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/09/18/bdn-maine/maine-cancer-foundation-awards-316000-in-cancer-prevention-grants/

  14. Rural Health Information Hub - Maine Cancer Screening Grants: https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/funding/5508 (Accessed November 2025)

  15. Maine Cancer Foundation Grantee Resources: https://mainecancer.org/grantee-resources (Accessed November 2025)

  16. "MCF Welcomes 4 New Board Members, Appoints Pfeiffenberger Board President," Maine Cancer Foundation: https://mainecancer.org/blog/mcf-welcomes-4-new-board-members-appoints-pfeiffenberger-board-president (Accessed November 2025)

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