Starting in 2012, the grant application deadline for the Penobscot Valley Health Association (PVHA) Fund will be February 15.
PVHA grants will continue to support grassroots organizations and start-up projects focused on strengthening the health and welfare of the greater Bangor community. However, PVHA applications will now be reviewed by the community foundation's Penobscot County Committee.
To apply for PVHA funds, use the Maine Community Foundation's online grant application (which you can access in the right-hand column).
In your online application, do the following:
- In the pull-down menu under "Please select the grant you wish to apply for," select Community Building Program (The County Funds).
- A number of check-boxes will appear. Select the Penobscot County and Health Care boxes.
Organizations are eligible to submit one grant application per year, for up to $10,000.
If you have questions about the new PVHA application process, please contact Amy Pollien by e-mail or by phone, toll-free, at (877) 700-6800, ext. 1109.
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.