Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $2,316,223 (tax year 2023, from 990-PF Contributions, gifts, grants paid)
- Grant Range: Up to $50,000 (based on foundation website)
- Average Grant: Less than $15,000 (based on foundation website)
- Geographic Focus: Cumberland and York counties, southern Maine
- Application Method: Fixed deadlines (semi-annual grant cycle)
- Total Assets: $27,561,144 (tax year 2023)
Contact Details
- Website: https://www.samlcohenfoundation.org
- Phone: (207) 871-5600
- Email:
- John Shoos, Executive Director: JShoos@SamLCohenFoundation.org
- Dana Baldwin, Senior Programme Officer: DBaldwin@SamLCohenFoundation.org
- Gloria Nicholson, Grants & Finance Manager: GNicholson@SamLCohenFoundation.org
Funding Priorities
The foundation funds in five programme areas:
- Arts & Culture: Promoting music, dance, theatre, visual arts and creative writing, with emphasis on educational programming for low-income and underserved youth audiences
- Civic & Community: Advancing opportunity and quality of life for underserved and marginalised populations by strengthening the social and economic fabric of communities
- Education: Supporting the continuum from pre-K through college and adulthood
- Health & Human Services: Expanding access and choices for vulnerable and low-income individuals and families
- Jewish Culture & Traditions: Supporting institutions and programmes that preserve Jewish education, tradition, and culture in southern Maine
Priority given to organisations that support the underserved and disadvantaged, make a significant difference in people's lives, promote human rights and understanding, address racial and religious discrimination, and demonstrate broad community support or collaboration.
What They Don't Fund
- Programmes that limit access to sexual and reproductive health information and services
- Programmes that conflict with organisational values
- Annual fund appeals
- Endowments
- Projects requiring multi-year commitments
- Typically will not award grants to the same organisation in two consecutive years
Application Process & Timeline
Two-step online application process:
- Initial Inquiry: All applicants must submit an initial inquiry online to determine alignment with foundation priorities
- Full Application: If invited, applicants submit a full application through the online system (invitation does not guarantee funding)
The foundation operates on a semi-annual grant cycle with board meetings twice yearly. Applicants are encouraged to contact programme staff to discuss projects prior to submitting an initial inquiry, especially first-time applicants.
References
🎯 You've done the research. Now write an application they can't refuse.
Hinchilla combines funder's specific priorities with your organisation's past successful grants and AI analysis of what reviewers want to see.
Data privacy and security by default
Your organisation's past successful grants and experience
AI analysis of what reviewers want to see
A compelling draft application in 10 minutes instead of 10 hours