Community Health Options (Health Options) is making grant funds available to Maine-based nonprofits now through March 8, 2021.  

Health Options awards grants through its Community Benefits Program (CBP). The Spring 2021 grant cycle targets nonprofit programs and organizations working to promote wellness and community health. Preference will be given to nonprofits helping to treat and manage asthma, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), depression, diabetes, hypertension, and substance use disorder and to helping Maine people living with these conditions to be their best selves – mentally, physically, and emotionally.  

“According to the Maine CDC, heart disease, chronic lower respiratory disease and diabetes are among the leading causes of death in our state, and depression is a common comorbidity.[1]” said Kevin Lewis, president and CEO, in a news release. “Additionally, opiate overdoses continue to contribute to a staggering loss of life throughout the state. We are a Maine-based health insurance provider with a vision to transform and improve individual and community health. Helping people manage these health issues is a top priority for us, and we are committed to working with nonprofits that share our vision and can address some of the greatest health threats to Maine people.” 

Interested nonprofits are encouraged to learn more at the Community Giving section of our website and to apply here by March 8, 2021. Recipients will be notified in April 2021. 

About Community Giving 

Health Options laid the foundation and made investments for a Community Benefits Program in 2019. The program launched in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Administered by the Maine Community Foundation, all 2020 grants were directed to helping state-wide nonprofits respond to essential needs brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. Some recipients included the Center for Grieving Children, Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, and United Way organizations state-wide.  

About Community Health Options  

Community Health Options is the only Maine‐based, nonprofit, Member‐led health plan and self-funded plan administrator providing comprehensive health insurance benefits for individuals, families, and businesses. Health Options partners with more than 1,300 businesses and 48,000 healthcare providers in the state. The organization recently launched PioneerASO, an administration offering for companies looking to self-fund employee healthcare coverage.