Deadline: 15-Jan-21
Applications are now open for the Sam L. Cohen Foundation Grant Program. Nonprofit organizations that benefit individuals living in southern Maine may request support by applying for a responsive grant. The Sam L. Cohen Foundation uses a two-step online application.
Focus Areas
The Foundation funds in five program areas:
- Arts and Culture;
- Civic and Community;
- Education;
- Health and Human Services;
- Jewish Culture and Traditions.
Funding Information
- The Sam L. Cohen Foundation will consider responsive grant requests for amounts up to $50,000;
- However, the average grant size awarded is less than $15,000.
Priorities
Priority will be given to organizations and projects that:
- Support the underserved, disadvantaged, or those who do not have the resources to provide opportunities for themselves.
- Make a significant difference in people’s lives, assuring them a fulfilling and productive future.
- Promote human rights and understanding among peoples, address racial and religious discrimination and hatred, and foster peace through education.
- Demonstrate a broad base of community support, and/or
- Use collaboration as a means to leverage resources.
Types of Programs the Foundation will Support?
- The Foundation will support new programs, on-going programs, and capital improvements.
- The Foundation will support general operations to organizations whose overall mission aligns with the Foundation’s giving priorities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants:
- Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; using a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; a church, synagogue, temple or mosque; or a political subdivision of the State of Maine that is exempt from federal tax.
- Must be located in and/or provide programs or services with a direct impact on people in Cumberland and/or York counties, Maine.
- Must have submitted the final grant report if you received a grant previously from the Foundation.
- Must NOT have received a grant from the Foundation in the previous calendar year.
Application Process
- Step 1: Initial Enquiry: The Foundation will accept Initial Inquiries online. The Initial Inquiry allows the Foundation to determine whether or not your time would be well spent pursuing a grant from them. All applicants need to submit an Initial Inquiry, even those who have received a grant previously. They will send a response to your inquiry by email within two weeks after the January 15 or July 15 deadline. If you do not receive a response, it is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up with the Foundation.
- Step 2: Full Application: If your proposed request aligns with the Foundation’s grantmaking interests, you will be invited to submit a Full Application through the online system. Please note that the invitation to submit a Full Application does not guarantee that a grant request will be funded. After submitting the application it is the applicant’s responsibility to notify the Foundation immediately, but no later than the grant meeting of the directors, if there is a substantive change related to the information in the application, including a major change in the project, or a change in leadership, structure, or finances of the organization.
For more information, visit http://www.samlcohenfoundation.org/grant-information/application-process-and-deadlines
