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Feinstein Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$1.7M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,704,647 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $30,048,657 (2023)
  • Grant Range: $500 - $5,000
  • Geographic Focus: Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts
  • Schools Served: 265 (2023)
  • Application Method: Rolling/contact-based

Contact Details

Address: 37 Alhambra Circle, Cranston, RI 02905
Phone: (401) 467-5155
Website: https://feinsteinfoundation.org

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter (@thefeinsteinfoundation)

Overview

Founded in 1992 by Alan Shawn Feinstein, the Feinstein Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to inspiring young people to help others, embrace kindness, and make the world a better place. The foundation, now led by Leila Feinstein (President & CEO, daughter of the founder), has provided more than $50 million in funding since its inception. Following Alan Shawn Feinstein's passing in September 2024 at age 93, the foundation continues its mission under Leila's leadership. The foundation works with over 240 elementary and middle schools in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, integrating service learning into school curricula and encouraging students to perform good deeds year-round. Over 1 million students have participated in the Feinstein Jr. Scholar program since its inception.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Golden Ticket Weekly Drawings (Rolling)

  • $2,000 grants to winning Feinstein Leadership Schools
  • $500 grants for students to direct to a nonprofit of their choice
  • Drawings held every Monday during the school year
  • Five winning numbers selected each week
  • Winners announced via email, website, and social media

Spring Grant Program (Annual)

  • Educators submit project proposals
  • Selected schools receive grants for student-centered initiatives
  • Historically part of Alan Shawn Feinstein's annual $1 million giveaway to fight hunger
  • Application timing typically in spring

In-School Pantry & Caring Closet Program

  • Grant funding to stock food and essential items
  • Supports students, families, and community members
  • Teaches compassion and generosity

Feinstein Jr. Scholar Program

  • Students receive Feinstein Jr. Scholar Cards
  • Provides free admission to attractions in Southern New England
  • Rewards students for community service participation

Priority Areas

  • Youth leadership and service learning: Encouraging elementary and middle school students to engage in community service
  • Hunger relief: Supporting anti-hunger initiatives and food security programs
  • Kindness and compassion: Teaching children the importance of helping others
  • Community service education: Integrating service learning into school curricula
  • Student empowerment: Helping children realize they can make a positive difference in others' lives

What They Don't Fund

The foundation focuses exclusively on elementary and middle schools in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Organizations outside this geographic region or educational focus are not eligible.

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Leila Feinstein (daughter of founder Alan Shawn Feinstein)

  • Brown University graduate
  • Master's in Broadcast Journalism from NYU
  • Stated following her father's passing: "Knowing that Feinstein Jr. Scholars were doing good deeds every day brought my dad tremendous joy and comfort. It gave him peace in his final moments knowing our work will continue even though he is no longer with us."

Founder: Alan Shawn Feinstein (1931-2024)

  • Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts
  • Former teacher in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Thailand
  • Dedicated his life to philanthropy
  • His guiding philosophy: "To better one life is to better the world"
  • Foundation motto: "Helping to better the lives of others is the greatest of all achievements"
  • Believed "the most important thing I've done, even in fighting hunger, is to make children from the ages of 5 and up realize that they can make a positive difference in the lives of others"
  • In 2021: "I had no idea that I would be in a position to impact positively in the lives of 250,000 people. I hope that the children that I may have made an impression on will turn around and make that impression on their own children someday."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Feinstein Leadership School Registration:

  • The foundation welcomes all Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts elementary and middle schools
  • Schools must re-register annually
  • Contact the foundation directly at (401) 467-5155 or via the contact form on their website
  • No formal application deadlines; schools can inquire at any time

For Golden Ticket Program:

  • Schools must first become a Feinstein Leadership School
  • Golden Tickets are automatically distributed to all students in participating schools each fall
  • No separate application required; participation is through weekly random drawings

For Spring Grant Program:

  • Schools submit project proposals (timing typically in spring)
  • Specific application details available through direct contact with the foundation

Decision Timeline

Golden Ticket Winners: Announced every Monday during the school year via email to participating schools, foundation website, and social media

Leadership School Registration: Timeline varies; contact foundation directly for current processing times

Spring Grant Program: Selection announced following proposal review period

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the foundation serves 265 schools and conducts weekly drawings throughout the school year, providing numerous funding opportunities for participating schools.

Reapplication Policy

Schools must re-register annually to maintain their Feinstein Leadership School status. There are no restrictions on reapplication for schools that have previously received grants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's mission and documented priorities, schools are most successful when they:

  • Demonstrate commitment to service learning: The foundation seeks schools that integrate community service into their curriculum and encourage students to perform good deeds year-round
  • Focus on hunger relief and compassion: Schools that align with the foundation's core values of "alleviating hunger, community service, and the values of caring, compassion, and brotherhood" are strong candidates
  • Engage elementary and middle school students: The foundation specifically targets this age group, believing in the power of teaching kindness early
  • Foster a culture of kindness: Schools that celebrate acts of kindness through programs like the Kindness Tree Program demonstrate alignment with foundation values
  • Emphasize student empowerment: Projects that help children realize "they can make a positive difference in the lives of others" resonate with the foundation's mission
  • Serve Rhode Island or Southeastern Massachusetts communities: Geographic focus is essential for eligibility

The foundation appears to value authentic commitment to service learning over formal proposal sophistication, making it accessible to schools of all sizes.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic requirement is strict: Only elementary and middle schools in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts are eligible
  • Multiple funding opportunities: Schools can benefit from Golden Ticket drawings (weekly), Spring Grant Program (annual), and In-School Pantry grants
  • Registration is the gateway: Becoming a Feinstein Leadership School is the first step to accessing all programs
  • Annual re-registration required: Don't forget to re-register each year to maintain eligibility
  • Focus on service learning: Applications and proposals should emphasize how students will engage in community service and acts of kindness
  • Student-centered approach: The foundation wants to see how funding will directly impact and empower students to help others
  • Direct contact encouraged: The foundation appears accessible and welcoming of inquiries; call (401) 467-5155 to discuss your school's interest

References

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