Tobacco-free Communities

Tobacco is a leading preventable cause of disease, disability and premature death in the world today. According to MaineHealth, over 17% of adults in Maine are smokers, and the incidence of tobacco related cancers in Maine is significantly higher than the U.S. rate.Seven Mainers die each day from a tobacco-related illness. One of the seven is a non-smoker, who dies because of exposure to secondhand smoke. 

Tobacco smoke has over 7,000 chemicals, including nicotine, which is highly addictive. Over 70 of them are known to cause cancer in people. Children are especially at risk from the dangers of secondhand smoke because their lungs are still growing. 

Many opportunities exist to build communities that support tobacco-free living, including raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use, helping people to quit, and preventing exposure to secondhand smoke. Healthy Acadia is involved in multiple state and local initiatives building tobacco-free communities, including support for tobacco free policies in schools, hospitals,  worksites, restaurants, bars, and more.

Mini Grant Opportunity for Smoke- and Tobacco-Free Policy

Healthy Acadia is offering mini grants to support community partners in Hancock and Washington Counties to create smoke-free and tobacco-free policies (including cannabis and other plant-based products). The mini-grants are available in the amount of $100-$1,000, depending on your needs. 

Who Can Apply?

Interested businesses and organizations that participate in the development, adoption and implementation of new or updated smoke-free or tobacco-free policies, including: 1) those who do not have an existing tobacco-free/smoke-free policy; and 2) those that already have a tobacco-free/smoke- free policy who would benefit from review, recommendations and updates.

Requirements

Interested entities agree to partner with Healthy Acadia. Healthy Acadia will provide technical assistance and resources to develop a new or updated comprehensive tobacco-free policy. Resources include policy template, free signage, policy checklists, brochures, and other free presentations, materials and training. Mini-Grant Funding can be used for the following purposes:

  • Staff time dedicated to development and implementation of a tobacco-free policy, to include compliance with the policy as well as support in rolling out a policy.

  • Necessary materials or supplies (note: funding cannot be used for nicotine replacement therapy or “give-away” type items, including memorabilia, gifts and souvenirs).

  • Staff participation in training and education as needed/appropriate. 

Application process

  • Download and complete an application. Click here for application form.

  • Submit the application form, budget, partnership form and your current tobacco/smoke-free policy (if applicable) to Healthy Acadia via email at tobacco@healthyacadia.org.  Questions prior to submission are welcome.

  • Applications will be reviewed and funded on a first-come, first-served basis until December 31, 2025, or earlier if funds are depleted. Once all available mini-grant funds are gone, the application process will be closed out.

  • Please note: This is not a competitive process. Applications will not be reviewed against each other. Decisions will be based on the entity’s ability to pass a comprehensive policy and submit it to Healthy Acadia.

Funds will be released upon submission and approval of a comprehensive policy.  Healthy Acadia will provide guidance and review throughout the process. Funding is available through the Maine Prevention Network initiative of the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services.