MPHA Member Spotlight: Maine Cancer Foundation

June 1, 2026

Please share a little bit about the work that Maine Cancer Foundation does.

Maine Cancer Foundation (MCF) is a fundraising foundation that leads a statewide effort to reduce the impact of cancer in Maine. We invest all funds that are raised into the most promising and effective programs that advance cancer prevention, increase screening, and improve access to care for all Maine people. Through targeted grant investments to organizations statewide, MCF is committed to stopping cancer before it starts, finding it early when it is most treatable, and ensuring all Mainers have access to equitable cancer care.

What public health issues is MCF focusing on most now and in the coming year, and how has your work impacted the community this year? 

Unfortunately, cancer remains a leading cause of death in Maine, impacting thousands of residents each year. MCF supports many cancer prevention and public health efforts that help Mainers lower their cancer risk and reduce the incidence of preventable cancers in our state. Areas of focus include implementing tobacco prevention and treatment programs, increasing HPV vaccinations, deploying healthy eating active living strategies, promoting alcohol use reduction, and supporting sun safety efforts throughout Maine. Earlier in May, MCF invested over $466K towards these focus areas, partnering with incredible public health, healthcare, and community-based organizations committed to reducing cancer risk statewide.

How can community members and local partners support MCF's work?

Folks can get involved in many ways! 1) We post our annual grantmaking calendar on our website, so organizations who may be interested in applying for a grant should visit www.mainecancer.org/apply-grant. 2) We pull together grant review committees comprised of content experts and individuals impacted by cancer to help make funding recommendations. Please reach out to katelyn@mainecancer.org if you are interested in participating on a review committee. 3) We welcome participation in MCF’s fundraising efforts that support all of our statewide grantmkaing. Join us as a volunteer at the Tri for a Cure, Maine’s largest fundraising triathlon, this July! FMI: www.triforacure.org.