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Schiavi Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.7M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $658,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Estimated $5,000 - $25,000 (based on average grant size)
  • Geographic Focus: Multi-state (CO, FL, GA, HI, ME, MA, MI, NH, PA, SC, VT)

Contact Details

Address: c/o Spinnaker Trust, 123 Free Street, Portland, ME 04101

Phone: 207-553-7160 (Spinnaker Trust)

Email: spinnakerinfo@spinnakertrust.com (Spinnaker Trust)

Website: No public website identified

Note: The foundation is administratively managed through Spinnaker Trust. Direct contact information for the foundation itself is not publicly available.

Overview

The Schiavi Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1992 and based in Portland, Maine. With total assets of approximately $35 million as of 2024, the foundation has demonstrated consistent grantmaking activity over the years. In 2024, the foundation distributed $658,000 through 59 grants, maintaining a steady pattern of philanthropic support that has grown from 46 grants in 2020 to the current level. The foundation's revenue sources include contributions (76.1%), sales of assets (17.9%), and dividends (6.0%). While based in Maine, the foundation supports organizations across multiple states, including Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Vermont. The foundation operates as a traditional private family foundation with no paid staff, and all officers serve without compensation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Schiavi Family Foundation does not appear to operate formal grant programs with published guidelines or application deadlines. Based on available financial data:

  • Average Grant Size: Approximately $11,100 (based on 2024 data: $658,000 ÷ 59 grants)
  • Estimated Range: $5,000 - $25,000 (estimated based on typical private foundation patterns)
  • Application Method: Not publicly disclosed; likely invitation-only or relationship-based

Priority Areas

Specific funding priorities are not publicly documented. The foundation's grantmaking activities span multiple states, suggesting broad geographic interests rather than a narrow focus on Maine-based organizations. Without access to detailed grant recipient information, specific cause areas cannot be definitively identified.

What They Don't Fund

No public information is available regarding specific exclusions or restrictions on funding.

Governance and Leadership

The Schiavi Family Foundation is governed by a small board of directors consisting of family members and associates:

Board Members and Officers:

  • John Schiavi - Director & President
  • Eleanor P. Schiavi - Director
  • Katherine D. Melioris - Director
  • Deborah S. Cote - Director
  • Caitlin F. Di Millo - Treasurer
  • Molly Crehan - Secretary

All officers receive zero compensation, which is typical for private family foundations. The foundation has no paid staff and operates with administrative support from Spinnaker Trust, a Portland-based wealth management firm that provides fiduciary and trust services.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Schiavi Family Foundation does not maintain a public website or published application guidelines. This is characteristic of many private family foundations that:

  • Fund organizations through personal relationships and networks
  • Accept proposals by invitation only
  • Review unsolicited proposals on a case-by-case basis without formal procedures

Organizations interested in seeking support may consider reaching out through Spinnaker Trust at the contact information provided above, though there is no guarantee that unsolicited proposals will be reviewed.

Decision Timeline

No public information is available regarding decision timelines or board meeting schedules.

Success Rates

Success rate information is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

No public information is available regarding reapplication policies or restrictions for previously unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public information available about this foundation, the following general guidance applies to approaching private family foundations:

Relationship-Based Grantmaking: Private family foundations like the Schiavi Family Foundation often prioritize:

  • Organizations with existing connections to board members or family advisors
  • Causes that align with the family's personal interests and values
  • Organizations where board members have direct involvement or awareness

Best Practices for Engagement:

  • Research board members' professional backgrounds and community involvement to identify potential connection points
  • If you have a connection to anyone on the board, request an introduction rather than submitting a cold proposal
  • Keep initial inquiries brief and focused on alignment with the foundation's apparent interests
  • Recognize that many private family foundations have limited capacity to review unsolicited proposals

Geographic Considerations: The foundation's multi-state grantmaking suggests openness to supporting organizations beyond Maine, though the decision criteria for geographic selection are not publicly known.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Private Family Foundation: This foundation operates without public application guidelines, suggesting a relationship-based or invitation-only approach to grantmaking.

  • Consistent Grantmaking: With 59 grants in 2024 and steady growth over recent years, the foundation maintains an active grantmaking program despite its private nature.

  • Moderate Grant Sizes: Based on average calculations, expect grants in the $5,000-$25,000 range, though specific amounts are not publicly disclosed.

  • Multi-State Focus: While based in Maine, the foundation supports organizations across at least 11 states, indicating geographic flexibility.

  • Administrative Structure: The foundation operates through Spinnaker Trust for administrative support, with all board members serving without compensation.

  • Limited Public Information: The absence of a website, published guidelines, or grant recipient lists suggests this foundation values privacy and may primarily support organizations known to board members.

  • No Formal Application Process: Without published guidelines or application portals, approach this funder through personal connections and relationship-building rather than formal grant submissions.

References

Note on Data Limitations: This overview is based on publicly available IRS Form 990-PF filings and nonprofit databases. The foundation does not maintain a public website or publish detailed information about its grantmaking priorities, application processes, or grant recipients. Organizations seeking funding should recognize that detailed information about this foundation's operations, decision-making processes, and funding priorities is limited.

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