Fields of Interest
The Sam L. Cohen Foundation will primarily support 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit individuals living in southern Maine and that:
- provide access to educational opportunities
- promote culture and the arts
- contribute to civic improvement and community well being
- increase access to health care, or
- preserve Jewish traditions, culture, and community.
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, end racial and religious discrimination and hatred, and foster peace through education
- demonstrate a broad base of community support, or
- use collaboration as a means to leverage resources.
Types of programs the Foundation WILL support:
The Foundation will make grants to support new programs, on-going programs, general operations in certain circumstances, and capital improvements.
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.
Types of programs the Foundation will NOT support:
In general, the Foundation will not support annual fund appeals, endowments, and projects requiring a multi-year commitment.
Grants will not typically be awarded to the same organization in two consecutive years.
Organizations that have received a prior grant from the Foundation are not eligible to submit another application until the Foundation directors have received a written report of the results of previously funded projects.
Unique situations:
The directors retain the right to consider compelling ideas that do not fall within the stated guidelines.
In addition to responding to requests that meet Foundation priorities, the directors and staff will be proactive in identifying areas in which the Foundation can make a significant positive difference. In this situation, and at the invitation of the directors, applications for larger than average amounts will be considered.