Support Service Fund FAQs

What is the Support Service Fund?
The Support Service Fund provides financial assistance for breast health or breast cancer related needs to qualified Maine residents. The Fund assists low-income, uninsured, and underinsured people, including those newly diagnosed with breast cancer, who don’t qualify for, or whose particular needs aren’t covered by other assistance programs.

Since the fund was established in 2000, we have awarded grants totaling over $2,000,000 to more than 4,000 Maine residents. Click here for the most recent annual Support Service Fund summary statistics. Click here to read what Support Service Fund recipients have told us about what the assistance has meant to them.

What kinds of services or items does the fund cover?
The fund covers a wide range of items and services. It has covered mammograms and ultrasound, hospital bills, physician bills, bras and protheses, prescriptions, breast cancer-related lymphedema therapy and compression garments, transportation costs, and temporary living expense support for people in breast cancer treatment, to list a few.

Are there income limits to qualify for a grant?
There are no specific income requirements, but you must demonstrate financial need.

How are applications reviewed?
The Support Service Fund committee reviews each request promptly. The items or services requested, financial need, and required documentation are all considered according to established criteria and individual situations.

What is the Support Service Fund's Privacy Policy?
Click here to view our Privacy Policy for Support Service Fund applicants.

How do I apply for a grant?
To obtain an easy-to-complete application, click here for a printable application or call us at 207-945-0008.

How is the Support Service Fund supported?
The Support Service Fund is currently made possible by funding through the Maine Breast Cancer Specialty License Plate Program; also funding through DHHS/Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program contract funds supported by a Cooperative Agreement from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; dedicated fundraisers by organizations and businesses, including the following long-term major donors:  Maine Fraternal Order of Eagles Clubs, Hannaford Supermarkets, Douglas Dynamics/Fisher Engineering; also, individual contributions by members and supporters of MBCC, and the efforts of our dedicated volunteers and SSF program assistant.

How can I donate to the fund? 
The fund is only partially supported by major grants and the Maine Specialty License Plate Program, so we rely on contributions from individuals or local groups or businesses. To make a donation to the Support Service Fund click here.