2025 Health Equity Capacity Building Program from MeHAF now open
MeHAF is pleased to announce the application process for the 2025 Health Equity Capacity Building (HECB) Grants program is now open. The HECB program provides opportunities for unrestricted operating support awards of $30,000 per year for four years, along with a $5,000 annual budget for capacity-building activities to organizations that are led by and serving communities that are systematically excluded from resources, including BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people experiencing homelessness, and working to advance health equity for their communities. Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) will be due by Monday, December 9 by 4:00 p.m.
The program goal statement, which grantees developed in the first years of the program is:
- The long-term goal of the HECB program is to provide a foundation for MeHAF and grantees to collectively work toward building a movement for health equity in Maine.
- Through the program, grantees and MeHAF will forge new transformative, healing relationships, both between funder and grantee and across communities.
- Working together, grantees and MeHAF will craft a system and structure that enables grantees to examine and strengthen their internal systems, skills, resources, networks, and audience so that they each have what they need to pursue their missions and build long-term, sustainable power.
- MeHAF will use its voice and influence to spread equitable practices to other funders, the state, and mainstream organizations. By learning alongside grantees, MeHAF will build and sustain grant programs that advance justice and equity, and apply that learning across its other programs.
Applicants selected for funding will be paired with an organization from the current grantee cohort that will help with orientation to the program and serve as a connection point with the other grantees.
A short video sharing information about the program and how to apply is now available on the HECB webpage, as well as a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Senior Program Officer Jake Grindle will also offer open "Office Hours" via Zoom on November 12 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., November 13 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., and Thursday, November 14 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Applicants with questions after viewing the video are encouraged to join one of these sessions. The Zoom link will be shared on the HECB webpage during these times.
Don't forget, Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) are due by Monday, December 9, by 4:00 p.m.