Nonprofit organizations that benefit individuals living in southern Maine may request support by applying for a responsive grant.
Donor Name: Sam L. Cohen Foundation
State: Maine
County: Cumberland County (ME), York County (ME)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
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.
Focus Areas

Arts and Culture

Foundation invests in organizations and programs that stimulate imagination, provide access to the arts and arts education, and foster community through the arts. They are especially interested in educational programming for low-income and underserved youth audiences that celebrates creativity and provides meaningful experiences with the arts. They support organizations that create and present performances and programs in southern Maine.

Civic and Community 

Foundation is committed to supporting and improving the quality of life in southern Maine by ensuring individuals have access to opportunities to engage in civic life. To promote economic security and well-being, the Foundation invests in organizations that are working toward systemic change through public policy for social benefit. They are currently involved in and support the Immigrant and Refugee Funders Collaborative.

Education

Foundation believes that access to educational opportunities is the key to a successful life. The grantmaking spans the entire continuum of pre-K through college and adulthood, as they focus on providing opportunities for underserved populations in the areas of youth development, leadership, and enrichment. They collaborate with other funders, advocates, and experts in efforts that address school readiness and attendance, grade-level proficiency, high school graduation rates, and post-secondary enrollment and completion. They participate in or support several collaborative initiatives including: Portland ConnectED, The Campaign for Grade Level Reading, Count ME In, Maine Early Childhood Funders Group, Summer Learning Initiative, Right from the Start, and the Maine Resilience Building Network.

Health and Human Services 

Foundation believes in providing support to historically and systemically disadvantaged individuals and communities is a compelling focus. Today’s social, economic, and political challenges require it. The goal is to assist in increasing the number of people who are self-sufficient and lead healthy, productive lives. The giving consistently targets access to healthcare, including prevention services, health support services, and ensuring food security. They currently are involved in and support the Maine Oral Health Funders Group.

Jewish Culture and Tradition

Foundation participates in the Jewish community in southern Maine through support of institutions and programs that provide and preserve Jewish education, tradition, and culture. They partner with organizations that celebrate and promote Jewish art and creativity as well as agencies and synagogues who serve the vulnerable members of the Jewish community.

Eligibility Criteria 

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.

For more information, visit SLCF.