Copeland Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,544,131 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Prompt notifications reported
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $1,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Milton, MA and Massachusetts

Contact Details

Phone: (617) 698-5976 Address: 1183 Randolph Avenue, Milton, MA 02186-5264 Website: None Email: Not available

Overview

Founded in 1983 by Ruth Copeland Capper and Charles Laurence Copeland, the Copeland Family Foundation Inc is a private family foundation with over $40 million in assets. The foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the Copeland family, who have been part of Milton's history for over 300 years as farmers and founders of Milton Spring Beverages. Charles L. Copeland, a 1925 graduate of Milton High School, successfully operated Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Milton. Since the founders passed away in the 1990s, current directors have maintained the foundation's tradition of generosity, distributing over $2.5 million annually to charitable organizations primarily in Milton and throughout Massachusetts.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation awards grants ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000 across various sectors:

• Major Capital Projects: Up to $1,000,000 (community infrastructure)
• Education Grants: $300,000 - $950,000 (schools and educational institutions)
• Community Organizations: $25,000 - $35,000 (local services)
• Smaller Support Grants: $10,000 - $25,000 (various causes)

Priority Areas

• Education (particularly Milton Public Schools)
• Animal welfare
• Hospitals and health associations
• Human services
• Community development
• Christian agencies and churches
• Cemetery and memorial services

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, though the foundation's giving history strongly favors organizations with Milton connections.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation was established by Ruth Copeland Capper and Charles Laurence Copeland, whose family had deep roots in Milton spanning over three centuries. While specific names of current trustees are not publicly available, the directors continue to honor the founders' vision of supporting the Milton community and broader Massachusetts charitable causes. In 2022, the foundation made 121 individual grants, demonstrating active and engaged governance.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." Grants are awarded at the discretion of the foundation's trustees to organizations already known to them or operating within their established giving areas.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns, organizations can increase visibility by:

• Establishing a strong presence in Milton through programs serving local residents
• Building relationships with other Milton institutions that receive foundation support (Milton Public Schools, Milton Council on Aging, Milton Public Library)
• Participating in Milton community events and demonstrating measurable local impact
• Connecting with foundation trustees through existing Milton nonprofit networks

Decision Timeline

The foundation reportedly makes prompt notifications on funding decisions, though specific timeframes are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation made 121 grants in 2022.

Reapplication Policy

Information not available.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving history and patterns:

• Milton Connection is Critical: Nearly all major grants go to organizations directly serving Milton or with strong Milton ties
• Demonstrated Community Impact: Recipients like Milton Animal League received $1 million after showing clear community need for a new shelter
• Multi-Year Relationships: Several organizations receive recurring support, suggesting the importance of sustained engagement
• Capital Projects Welcome: The foundation has funded major infrastructure projects including a $1 million animal shelter and $350,000+ for cemetery improvements
• Educational Priority: Milton Public Schools received over $931,000, indicating strong support for educational initiatives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation operates as a traditional private family foundation funding preselected organizations rather than accepting open applications
• Milton-based organizations or those serving Milton residents have the strongest alignment
• With over $40 million in assets and $2.5 million in annual giving, the foundation has substantial capacity for major grants
• Building relationships over time is essential given the no-unsolicited-applications policy
• The foundation supports both operational needs and capital projects across diverse sectors
• The Copeland family's 300+ year history in Milton reflects deep community roots and commitment

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Copeland Family Foundation Inc Form 990-PF filings (2001-2024)
• Candid/Foundation Directory - Copeland Family Foundation profile
• Cause IQ - Foundation analysis and grant data
• Charity Navigator - Foundation ratings and financial information
• GuideStar - Nonprofit profile data
• Grantmakers.io - Grant recipient analysis
• Milton Times - Articles on foundation grants to Milton organizations (2011)
• Milton High School - Scholarship program records