| Before applying for a grant, please be sure to review the Grant-making Guidelines to determine that your project or organization is a good match with the Sam L. Cohen Foundation. | 
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Nonprofit (501c3) organizations that benefit individuals living in southern Maine may request support by applying for a responsive grant. If you have questions about your proposal or the application process, please feel free to contact Foundation staff (contact us).
HOW TO APPLY FOR A RESPONSIVE GRANT
The Sam L. Cohen Foundation uses the Maine Philanthropy Center's (MPC) "Common Grant Application." You can find it at:
The "Instructions" section of the MPC web site is a useful tool. You will find a list of basic instructions, a section on developing a successful proposal, and an explanation of the MPC Common Grant Application components.
Applying for a responsive grant is a two-step process.
Step 1: Letter of Inquiry
Begin by submitting a letter of inquiry using the "Request Form" on the MPC web site.
A letter of inquiry allows the Foundation to determine whether or not your project meets our
guidelines, and whether or not your time would be well spent pursuing a grant from us.
Our Grant-making Guidelines are meant to assist you with this process.
If your proposed project aligns with the Foundation's grant-making interests and priorities,
you will be encouraged to submit a full application.
Step 2: Application
Only upon receiving a positive response to your letter of inquiry should you proceed
to Step 2: submitting an application. For requests less than $5,000, use "Application A" of the Common
Grant Application on the MPC web site. For requests of $5,000 or more, use "Application B."
When possible, submit your information electronically. If you believe it would be helpful to our understanding of your proposal, you may submit additional supporting materials such as annual reports, newspaper clippings and/or letters of support. Please send seven copies of any items that can not be reproduced by a standard office copy machine.
We will contact you if we have questions or need additional information. Under certain circumstances, we may contact others who know your organization and/or project (funders, collaborating organizations, clients) in order to gain a fuller understanding of your grant proposal.
Submission Deadlines
Spring grant cycle (grants awarded in late May):
- Letters of inquiry must be received by February 1
- Applications must be received by March 1
Fall grant cycle (grants awarded in late November):
- Letters of inquiry must be received by August 1
- Applications must be received by September 1