FALMOUTH — Maine Cancer Foundation is seeking applicants for a pool of $125,000 to be awarded to Maine-based organizations offering cancer education and patient support programs.

“Awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 will be distributed to successful organizations by April 1,” said Executive Director Tara Hill.

“Any Maine-based organization providing a cancer education or patient support program is encouraged to apply,” said Hill. “We are particularly interested in groups looking for seed money to get new initiatives off the ground. We’re the Kickstarter of Maine cancer services.”

Past grant funding has supported efforts such as hospice care, emotional support for the children and families of cancer victims, screening clinics, education opportunities for medical providers and transportation services. “We’re aware of women in Maine who have chosen a mastectomy over less radical options, simply because they lack access to transportation,” says Hill. “It really highlights the urgent need for this funding. No person should have to make that kind of choice just because they can’t get a ride.”

Farmington’s Healthy Community Coalition, just one of last year’s grantees, received $10,000 to initiate a screening program which included workplace presentations, a mobile health unit and at-home visits.

Maine Cancer Foundation, a local non-profit organization, is best known for its signature fundraising events including the “Tri for a Cure” women’s triathlon, “Mary’s Walk,” the “Pink Tulip Project” and the “Cure Breast Cancer for ME” luncheon. In addition to education and patient support grants, the foundation also awards cancer research grants on an annual basis, which totaled more than $1 million in 2011.

Spring grant applications must be submitted by March 1. Organizations wishing to apply for a cancer education or patient support grant should visit www.mainecancer.org/GrantsAwardedOverview.