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Cogswell Benevolent Trust

Annual Giving
$2.1M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.0M
Decision Time
1mo

Cogswell Benevolent Trust

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,139,364 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $33.2 million (2024)
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $25,000
  • Number of Grants: 109 awards (2023)
  • Decision Time: Monthly trustee meetings, rolling basis
  • Geographic Focus: New Hampshire (90% of grants must stay in NH per trust document)

Contact Details

Address: 116 South River Road, Building E Suite 1, Bedford, NH 03110
Phone: (603) 622-4013
Email: info@cogswellbenevolenttrust.org
Website: https://cogswellbenevolenttrust.org/

Overview

The Cogswell Benevolent Trust was established in 1929 through the will of Leander A. Cogswell, a successful entrepreneur born in 1864 in Henniker, New Hampshire. Cogswell made his fortune in the shoe business in Manchester through innovation, particularly a leather-trimming tool patent he developed with his engineering foreman, Elmer Nichols. Following Cogswell's death on September 9, 1928, his will appointed three trustees on November 6, 1929, creating a private foundation that continues to operate under his original philanthropic vision. With total assets of $33.2 million (2024), the Trust distributed $2,139,364 in grants across 109 awards in 2023. The Trust's grantmaking areas focus on basic needs, health, food pantries, children and youth services, out-of-school education programs, and arts and culture, primarily serving nonprofit organizations throughout New Hampshire.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Cogswell Benevolent Trust operates a single grant program with a rolling application process:

  • General Grants: $5,000 - $25,000 (typical range)
  • Application method: Rolling basis via U.S. mail
  • Trustees meet monthly to review proposals
  • No specific deadlines or funding dates

Priority Areas

The Trust actively funds projects in the following areas:

  • Basic Needs: Food pantries and essential services support
  • Health: Healthcare programs and health-related initiatives
  • Children and Youth: Youth development and educational programs
  • Out-of-School Education: After-school programs and educational enrichment
  • Arts and Culture: Cultural programming and arts initiatives
  • Equipment and Facility Needs: Capital projects, equipment purchases, and facility upgrades
  • Program Support: Specific program funding for established initiatives

What They Don't Fund

The Trust explicitly excludes:

  • General operating expenses
  • Start-up costs
  • Feasibility studies
  • Endowments
  • Conferences
  • Film or video production
  • Deficit elimination

Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees

  • Peter G. Kachavos, MD - Trustee
  • Mark A. Northridge - Trustee
  • Charles S. Goodwin - Trustee

Staff

  • Janet L. Cyr - Office Manager

The three-trustee structure has remained consistent with the original trust document established in 1929. The trustees meet monthly to review grant applications and make funding decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Cogswell Benevolent Trust accepts unsolicited proposals via U.S. mail. Submit one copy of your application with the following required materials:

Required Application Materials:

  1. Detailed application letter explaining the project purpose and how it will be accomplished
  2. Itemized income and expense budget
  3. Last available audited financial statement or IRS Form 990
  4. Copy of IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exemption letter
  5. Information about other foundations you are applying to and amounts requested

Submission Address:
Cogswell Benevolent Trust
116 South River Road, Building E Suite 1
Bedford, NH 03110

Important Note: The Trust wants to know what other foundations you are applying to and how much you are requesting from them, so be sure to include this information in your application.

Decision Timeline

  • Trustees meet monthly to review proposals
  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis with no specific deadlines
  • Decision timeframe varies; contact the Trust at (603) 622-4013 for general questions about timing

Success Rates

While the Trust does not publicly disclose application acceptance rates, the available data shows:

  • 2023: 109 awards made
  • 2022: 95 awards made
  • 2021: 94 awards made
  • 2020: 85 awards made
  • 2019: 113 awards made

The Trust has awarded 1,039 individual grants totaling $16,706,054 since 2014, demonstrating consistent grantmaking activity.

Reapplication Policy

Critical Policy: Unless it is an emergency, it is the Trust's policy not to make grants to the same organization in succeeding years. Organizations that receive funding must typically wait before reapplying, except in emergency situations. This policy reflects the Trust's commitment to distributing resources broadly across the New Hampshire nonprofit sector.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's documented preferences and funding patterns, successful applications typically demonstrate:

  1. Clear Project Focus: The Trust responds well to specific project requests rather than general operating support. Applications should clearly explain the project purpose and detailed implementation plans.

  2. Capital and Equipment Needs: According to multiple sources, "This is a great funder to know for equipment needs, facility upgrades, and program support." The Trust has shown particular interest in tangible, concrete projects such as COAST's $25,000 grant for their new facility construction.

  3. New Hampshire Connection: With 90% of awards required to stay in New Hampshire per the trust document, successful applicants demonstrate strong ties to NH communities. While limited funds may be available for out-of-state projects, NH-based organizations have a significant advantage.

  4. Complete Financial Transparency: The Trust requires detailed budget information and wants to know about other funding sources being pursued. Transparency about your complete funding strategy strengthens applications.

  5. Alignment with Priority Areas: Projects addressing basic needs, health, children and youth services, out-of-school education, or arts and culture align with the Trust's documented interests. The Trust has funded diverse projects from food pantries to museum collection care.

  6. Itemized, Specific Budgets: One application requirement emphasized across sources is the need for "an itemized income and expense budget." Vague or general budget categories may weaken applications.

  7. Avoid Restricted Categories: Applications requesting general operating support, start-up costs, feasibility studies, endowments, conferences, film production, or deficit elimination will be rejected as these are explicitly excluded.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Perfect for equipment and facility projects: The Trust is specifically recognized as "a great funder to know for equipment needs, facility upgrades, and program support" in New Hampshire.

  • One-year funding cycle: Plan carefully before applying since the Trust will not fund the same organization in consecutive years (except emergencies). Time your application strategically.

  • No rush, no deadlines: With monthly trustee meetings and rolling applications, take time to craft a thorough, well-documented proposal rather than rushing to meet a deadline.

  • Geographic priority matters: Ensure your project demonstrates strong connection to New Hampshire, as 90% of Trust funds must remain in-state per the founding trust document.

  • Be transparent about other funding: Unlike some funders, the Cogswell Benevolent Trust explicitly wants to know about other foundations you're approaching and the amounts requested.

  • Typical grant range $5,000-$25,000: Budget your project request within this range for highest likelihood of success, understanding that the average award from $2.1 million distributed across 109 grants is approximately $19,600.

  • Strong track record: With nearly $17 million distributed since 2014 and consistent annual grantmaking of 85-113 awards per year, the Trust demonstrates reliable, ongoing commitment to New Hampshire nonprofits.

References

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