Francis T & Louise T Nichols Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,150,000 (2023, per 990-PF)
• Total Assets: $22,320,466 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Maine and Vermont (per 990-PF records)

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 1210, Bangor, ME 04402

Phone: 207-947-0111

Contact Person: Calvin E. True, Trustee

Website: Not available

Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Francis T & Louise T Nichols Foundation is a private non-operating foundation based in Maine. According to its 2023 Form 990-PF filing, the foundation held total assets of $22,320,466 and paid $2,150,000 in grants and contributions. The foundation's total expenses for 2023 were $2,437,831. The foundation primarily supports organizations in the areas of education, health care, and human services. Based on recent 990-PF records, the foundation's giving appears concentrated in Maine and Vermont. As a private foundation, it operates without paid officers, with governance provided by a board of trustees.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The Francis T & Louise T Nichols Foundation focuses its grantmaking on three primary areas:

Education: Supporting educational institutions and programs that enhance learning opportunities.

Health Care: Funding health care organizations and initiatives that improve access to medical services and health outcomes.

Human Services: Supporting nonprofit organizations that provide essential social services and assistance to individuals and families in need.

Geographic Focus

Based on recent 990-PF records, the foundation's grantmaking appears concentrated in:

• Maine (where the foundation is based)
• Vermont

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly disclosed. Organizations outside Maine and Vermont should contact the foundation directly to confirm eligibility.

Governance and Leadership

The Francis T & Louise T Nichols Foundation is governed by a board of trustees with no paid officer positions.

Contact/Administrative Trustee:

• Calvin E. True - Serves as trustee and primary contact for the foundation.

The foundation operates as a private foundation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Specific application requirements, forms, and submission methods are not publicly disclosed on accessible databases or websites.

Organizations interested in applying should contact the foundation directly at:

• Phone: 207-947-0111
• Mail: PO Box 1210, Bangor, ME 04402
• Contact: Calvin E. True, Trustee

It is recommended that prospective applicants call ahead to:

• Confirm current application procedures
• Request any required application forms
• Discuss project eligibility
• Understand specific submission requirements

Decision Timeline

Specific timelines for application review, trustee meetings, funding decisions, and notification of applicants are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should inquire about expected decision timelines when submitting their proposals.

Success Rates

Success rates, including the number of applications received versus grants awarded, are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's policy on reapplication for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly disclosed. Organizations that are not funded should contact the foundation directly to inquire about reapplication procedures and any required waiting periods.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public information available about the Francis T & Louise T Nichols Foundation's specific funding preferences and application review criteria, organizations seeking funding should consider the following factors:

Geographic Alignment: Based on recent 990-PF records, the foundation appears to concentrate its giving in Maine and Vermont. Organizations based in or serving populations in these states will have the strongest alignment.

Program Area Fit: Projects should clearly fall within one or more of the foundation's three focus areas: education, health care, or human services. Applications should articulate how their work advances outcomes in these sectors.

Established Organizations: As a foundation that supports other nonprofit organizations, having 501(c)(3) status and demonstrated organizational capacity will be important.

Pre-Application Contact: Given the lack of publicly available application guidelines, organizations should strongly consider reaching out to the foundation by phone before submitting a full proposal. This allows applicants to:

• Confirm their project aligns with current funding priorities
• Understand application requirements and format preferences
• Establish initial contact with the trustees
• Ask questions about appropriate funding request amounts

Clear, Concise Proposals: In the absence of specific guidance, proposals should be well-organized, clearly written, and include standard grant application elements such as organizational background, project description, budget, outcomes, and evaluation plans.

Local Impact: Demonstrating measurable impact on communities within Maine and Vermont will likely strengthen applications.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic Requirement: Focus your application on work in Maine or Vermont - based on recent 990-PF records, these appear to be the foundation's priority areas for grantmaking.

• Make Direct Contact: Without a website or published guidelines, calling 207-947-0111 to speak with the foundation before applying is highly recommended to understand current priorities and application procedures.

• Three Focus Areas: Ensure your project clearly aligns with education, health care, or human services - the foundation's three primary funding categories.

• Private Foundation Model: As a private non-operating foundation, expect a more personalized, relationship-based approach to grantmaking compared to larger institutional funders. Building a connection with the trustees may be beneficial.

• Limited Public Information: The absence of detailed public information suggests a more traditional, conservative approach to grantmaking. Professional, straightforward proposals that clearly demonstrate need and impact will be important.

• Consistent Grantmaking: Based on recent 990-PF filings showing historical grants of $2,375,000 (2021), $2,200,000 (2022), and $2,150,000 (2023), the foundation maintains relatively stable annual giving in the $2+ million range.

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Francis T & Louise T Nichols Foundation (EIN 01-0493311). Form 990-PF filing for tax year 2023. Available at: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/10493311

2. Charity Navigator Profile - Francis T & Louise T Nichols Foundation. Available at: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/010493311

3. Nonprofit Locator - Francis T and Louise T Nichols Foundation in Bangor, Maine. Foundation overview, contact information, and focus areas. Available at: https://nonprofitlocator.org/organizations/me/bangor/010493311-francis-t-and-louise-t-nichols-foundation

4. Cause IQ - Francis T. and Louise T. Nichols Foundation profile. Available at: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/francis-t-and-louise-t-nichols-foundation,010493311/

5. Candid Foundation Directory - Francis T. and Louise T. Nichols Foundation (requires subscription for full access). Available at: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?collection=grantmakers&key=NICH039