Maine Cancer Foundation awards $466K in grants to support prevention efforts
FALMOUTH – Maine Cancer Foundation recently awarded seven Cancer Prevention grants, totaling $466,328. The Piscataquis Regional Food Center of Dover-Foxcroft received $75,000 for, Nourish Piscataquis: A Healthy Eating Initiative.
These two-year grants will support projects that will reduce cancer risk for Mainers through multiple evidence-based initiatives.
Cancer remains a leading cause of death in Maine, impacting thousands of residents each year. However, there are numerous ways to reduce cancer risk and even prevent certain types of cancer, ultimately reducing the burden of the disease in our state.
MCF has invested over $6.7 million into cancer prevention efforts in Maine and, as an essential component of cancer control, reducing cancer risk will remain a core area of investment for the Foundation. For this 2026 round of grants, funded projects will educate young people on the dangers of tobacco and its connection to cancer, reduce tobacco use among adults with a behavioral health diagnosis, implement healthy eating active living strategies in rural communities, address alcohol use through workplace wellness initiatives, and improve sun safety efforts across the state to prevent skin cancer. By implementing these evidence-based cancer prevention strategies, these projects will reduce the risk for many types of cancer.
“Many cancers are preventable, which makes these investments among the most impactful we can make,” Ray Ruby, MCF executive director, said. “These grants support evidence-based strategies that empower individuals and communities to make healthier choices, address risk factors, and create lasting change for generations to come.”
In 2026 MCF is on track to invest over $2 million in grants to organizations across Maine. All funded programs support cancer prevention, early detection, and improved outcomes statewide.
MCF leads a statewide effort to reduce the impact of cancer in Maine. We invest in the most promising and effective programs that advance cancer prevention, increase screening, and improve access to care for all Maine people. For more information, please visit www.mainecancer.org.