Total grant dollars requested last cycle: $321,312
Total grant dollars awarded last cycle: $85,860
Percentage of proposalsthat received full funding: 24%
Percentage of proposals that received partial funding: 12%
Average grant size last cycle: $14,310
Application deadline: May 15 (postmarked)
This fund supports projects that propose innovative ways to strengthen the health and welfare of the greater Bangor community. Priority is given to proposals that involve the targeted population in the design, implementation and evaluation of the project, draw upon the strengths of the community, and foster collaboration between community groups.
Background
The Penobscot Valley Health Association (PVHA) was established in 1906 through a number of generous bequests to help sufferers of tuberculosis in the greater Bangor area. For many years the association made charitable contributions to both treat and research the disease. After newer drugs and methods of treating tuberculosis were developed, the association turned its charitable interests to more general health and welfare projects in the greater Bangor area. In 1996, the association moved its endowment and became a component fund of the Maine Community Foundation.
Priorities
While there are some exceptions, the PVHA Fund primarily supports grassroots organizations and start-up projects that propose ways to strengthen the health and welfare of the greater Bangor community, defined as projects within a 30-mile radius of Bangor. The PVHA advisory committee will also consider proposals from organizations outside the 30-mile radius provided the projects include individuals from the targeted population.
The committee is particularly interested in supporting efforts to address the overlooked health needs of the community, especially project proposals targeting the physical and mental health needs of youth that are not being adequately met. Priority will also be given to proposals that involve the targeted population in the design, implementation and evaluation of the project; draw upon the strengths of the community; and foster collaboration between community groups.
The PVHA advisory committee will consider making renewable grants and/or awarding its entire annual grant budget to one project in the community. Multi-year funding will be based upon submission of an annual application and regular progress reports. The PVHA advisory committee also accepts proposals for capacity building projects from nonprofit organizations focused on strengthening the health and welfare of the greater Bangor community. Successful applicants will be able to describe how enhancing their organizational capacity will ultimately benefit the communities they serve. The PVHA advisory committee does not normally fund capital expenditures with the exception of equipment related to funded projects.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be nonprofit, 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations, public schools, public agencies working for the State of Maine, or Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) organization, public school or public agency. (Click here for more information on applying with a fiscal sponsor.)
Project Progress Report
All grant recipients will be required to submit a Project Progress Report (PDF | RTF | Word Document) approximately 10 months after receiving payment of the grant.
How to Apply
Grant requests will be considered once a year. Applications are available at MaineCF offices or can be downloaded above.
Proposals must be mailed to:
PVHA Fund
Maine Community Foundation
245 Main Street
Ellsworth, ME 04605
When to Apply
Applications must be postmarked by May 15. Decisions will be announced in late July.
Contact
If you have questions or would like to discuss an idea before submitting a proposal, please contact Laura Reed via e-mail or by phone at (207) 564-3236.