2021 Goals
Maine Cancer Foundation (MCF) leads a statewide endeavor to foster and grow the most promising and effective work to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Maine through grant-based financial support and coalition building.
In 2015, we launched our Challenge Cancer 2020 Initiative that directed our grantmaking to areas of greatest need and invested $15 million in Maine communities and organizations across the state. Because of evidence-based evaluation, we are committed to continuing our focus on these three pillars:
- Cancer Prevention: The best way to beat cancer is to prevent it from occurring. MCF supports statewide prevention efforts, focusing on reducing smoking, healthy lifestyles, and preventative care.
- Early Detection and Screening: Finding cancer early, when it’s most treatable and beatable, saves lives. MCF supports programs to improve and increase early detection and screening efforts.
- Improve Patient Outcomes: Every Mainer deserves access to the best possible care, regardless of income or geography. MCF supports programs to improve cancer patient support, provide patient navigation, and increase access to transportation to cancer care.
In addition, MCF serves as the backbone for Maine’s Impact Cancer Network (MICN), a statewide cancer coalition. MCF contributes funding, resources and administrative support to foster community engagement and activity, and to expand the coalition’s membership. MICN is partnering with the Maine CDC to develop the 2021-2025 Maine Cancer Plan.
Fundraising Events/Opportunities
Whether you like to walk, run, bike, swim, ski or any combination of those, we have an event for you. Every dollar raised by our events goes directly to Maine communities. Our events include:
- Sugarloaf Charity Summit, January 2021, Carrabassett Valley, ME– Sugarloafers, old and new, will join forces on and off the slopes in the fight against cancer.
- Mary’s Walk, March 21, 2021, Saco, ME — In its 23rd year, this family-friendly community effort has raised more than $3 million for MCF.
- Twilight 5K Run and Walk, June 3, 2021, South Portland, ME — Imagine 5K fun and festivities on a weeknight at the seaside!
- Tri for a Cure, July 18, 2021, South Portland, ME — Maine’s only all-women triathlon is also Maine’s largest single-day fundraiser.
Giving Opportunities
- Sponsor MCF events to showcase your business’ commitment, community engagement and passion to combat cancer.
- Register to participate in our events.
- Create your own fundraising event. We welcome unique and creative fundraising efforts from supporters across the state doing everything from baking pies to hosting Facebook birthday fundraisers to school events that help fund our work.
- Donate in honor or in memory of a loved one, make a gift of stock, or support a participant in one of our events.
- Establish your legacy with a planned gift.
Volunteer Opportunities
We rely on the generous support of over 600 volunteers to guarantee the success of our fundraising events. Online volunteer registration for the Twilight 5K and Tri for a Cure opens in late spring. All Mainers concerned about cancer are encouraged to become involved in Maine’s Impact Cancer Network (MICN) and its task forces, whose members represent lived experience with cancer, those from the non-profit and business communities, and government. Join us by giving your time and talent to MCF!
