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 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
THE FOUNDATION VALUES ORGANIZATIONS THAT WORK TO:
- support underserved and underprivileged populations.
- reduce barriers to just and fair access to resources and opportunities for all.
- respond to community need by building on collective strengths drawn from diverse perspectives and ideas.
- promote human rights and understanding among peoples, address discrimination and hatred, and foster inclusion.
- demonstrate community support and engagement.
- utilize collaboration and partnership as a means to strengthen networks, increase impact, and leverage resources.
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 values. The Sam L. Cohen Foundation will consider responsive grant requests for amounts up to $50,000; however, the average grants size awarded is less than $15,000.
THE FOUNDATION WILL NOT SUPPORT:
The Foundation supports access to sexual and reproductive health information and services and, as a result, we do not support programs that limit access to these services.
The Foundation does not support programs that conflict with the organizational values stated above.
In general, the Foundation will not support annual fund appeals, endowments, and projects requiring a multi-year commitment. Typically grants will not 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.