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Galen Cole Family Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$1.3M
Grant Range
From $3K

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,291,787 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified - varies by program
  • Grant Range: $3,000 (scholarships) - amounts vary for institutional grants
  • Geographic Focus: Maine (statewide)

Contact Details

Address: 405 Perry Road, Bangor, ME 04401
Phone: (207) 990-3600
Website: https://www.colemuseum.org/cole-foundation/
Email: Contact through website or phone

Overview

The Galen Cole Family Foundation was established in February 1975 by Galen Cole (1925-2020), a World War II veteran, Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, and lifelong Maine philanthropist. With assets of $34.7 million as of 2024, the foundation distributes approximately $1.3 million annually in grants and charitable disbursements. The foundation's first and foremost priority is maintaining the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor, which houses Maine's land transportation history. Beyond the museum, the foundation focuses on helping Maine residents "attain their potential as human beings, members of society, and citizens," with primary importance placed on lifting the aspirations of children, particularly those from financially distressed families. The foundation has maintained consistent focus areas for over two decades, including education, veteran support, and food security for Maine families.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Reading Recovery Program
Annual grants support University of Maine's College of Education and Human Development as a training center for Reading Recovery, an early intervention literacy program. For over 20 years, the foundation has funded this program, which has trained more than 200 teachers to work with hundreds of struggling first-grade readers annually. The foundation also supported the Comprehensive Intervention Model for Maine (CIMME) data system in 2014-2015.

College Scholarships - $3,000 each
Multiple scholarships available to students at:

  • University of Maine
  • Husson University
  • Eastern Maine Community College

Requirements: Sophomore standing or higher, minimum 3.00 GPA, demonstrated financial need via FAFSA, completion of 30 volunteer hours at Cole Land Transportation Museum. Priority application deadline: April 1st annually.

Food Security Programs
Financial assistance to facilitate meal distributions to children in need through food bank initiatives including School Pantry, Kid's Cafe, and Summer Lunch Program.

Veteran Heating Assistance
Provides 100 gallons of heating fuel to qualifying veterans in Aroostook County. The program partners with Maine Veterans Project and Daigle Oil Company for delivery within 7-10 days of approval.

Cole Land Transportation Museum Operations
Primary beneficiary - ongoing operational support for the museum that houses over 200 vehicles illustrating Maine's land transportation evolution.

Priority Areas

  • Early childhood literacy and education
  • Supporting children from financially distressed families
  • Veteran services and recognition
  • Food security for Maine families
  • Preservation of Maine transportation history
  • Teacher training and development

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but the foundation focuses exclusively on Maine-based programs and organizations.

Governance and Leadership

Scott Oxley - President (full-time, compensation $299,520)
Oversees foundation operations and grantmaking decisions.

Jennifer Munson - Museum Director (compensation $68,504)
Manages the Cole Land Transportation Museum.

Kristin Vogell - Chair
Eric Vogell - Treasurer
Additional Trustees: Michael Varney, George Eaton (serve without compensation)

The foundation reflects the legacy of founder Galen Cole, who served as Bangor Mayor, managed the Cole Land Transportation Museum, and created the Walking Sticks for Veterans program that distributed over 10,000 Maine maple walking sticks to veterans. As Senator Susan Collins stated at his death in January 2020, "Galen's contributions to our state are immeasurable...as a life-long champion for Maine's veterans." His philosophy was "to leave his fellow man better off than he had found them."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Galen Cole Family Foundation does not appear to have a formal public application process for most grants. The foundation primarily makes grants through established partnerships with specific organizations and institutions.

For Scholarship Applications:
Applications are available through the Cole Museum website (colemuseum.org) with a priority deadline of April 1st annually. Applicants must submit a completed scholarship application, demonstrate financial need via FAFSA, and agree to complete 30 volunteer hours at the Cole Land Transportation Museum.

For Veteran Heating Assistance:
Veterans in Aroostook County (or family members applying on their behalf) can complete an application online through Maine Veterans Project, who verifies eligibility and coordinates with the foundation.

For Institutional Grants:
The foundation appears to work through pre-existing relationships and trustee discretion. Organizations interested in grant support should contact the foundation directly at (207) 990-3600 to inquire about funding opportunities.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation has demonstrated long-term commitment to specific partners, such as the University of Maine's College of Education and Human Development (20+ years of Reading Recovery funding). This suggests they value:

  • Direct connection to the Cole Land Transportation Museum: The scholarship program requires 30 volunteer hours at the museum, demonstrating the foundation's preference for programs that engage with their core mission.

  • Programs serving financially distressed Maine families and children: Organizations working in early childhood education, food security, or veteran services aligned with the foundation's stated priorities may find opportunities.

  • Established track records: The foundation's multi-decade partnerships suggest they prefer proven programs with demonstrated impact.

Contact the foundation directly to discuss alignment with their mission before submitting any formal proposals.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary by program:

  • Scholarships: Applications reviewed after April 1 priority deadline
  • Veteran Heating Assistance: Fuel delivery within 7-10 days of approval
  • Institutional grants: Timeline not publicly specified

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. The foundation distributed $1,291,787 in charitable disbursements in 2024.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly documented. The foundation's long-term partnerships suggest they support successful programs on an ongoing basis.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented giving patterns and mission:

Alignment with core mission is critical: The foundation states clearly that maintaining the Cole Land Transportation Museum is their "first and foremost priority," with secondary focus on "lifting the aspirations of children, particularly those from financially distressed families."

Focus on Maine's most vulnerable: Programs serving children from low-income families, struggling students, and veterans align with documented giving. The Reading Recovery program specifically targets "identified struggling 1st grade readers," and food programs focus on "children in need."

Long-term partnerships over one-time grants: The 20+ year relationship with University of Maine's Reading Recovery program demonstrates the foundation values sustained impact over time.

Measurable outcomes in education: The foundation supported the CIMME data system for tracking literacy intervention outcomes, suggesting they appreciate data-driven program evaluation.

Connection to founder's legacy: Galen Cole's commitment to veterans is evident in multiple programs (Walking Sticks, Heating Assistance, Ambassadors of Patriotism). Programs honoring veterans or connecting them with Maine communities may resonate.

Geographic specificity: All documented grants serve Maine communities, with some programs targeted to specific regions (e.g., Aroostook County veteran heating assistance).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The foundation operates primarily through established partnerships rather than open application cycles - building a relationship and demonstrating alignment with mission is essential
  • Direct contact is recommended: Call (207) 990-3600 to discuss potential alignment before developing a full proposal
  • Maine focus is absolute: All programs must serve Maine residents, with preference for financially distressed families and children
  • Education and veteran services are proven priorities: Two decades of Reading Recovery funding and multiple veteran programs demonstrate sustained commitment
  • Long-term thinking wins: The foundation's partnerships span decades, suggesting they seek sustainable programs with lasting community impact
  • Museum connection matters: The scholarship requirement of 30 volunteer hours at the museum shows the foundation values engagement with their core institution
  • Founder's legacy guides giving: Understanding Galen Cole's commitment to veterans, education, and "leaving his fellow man better off" provides insight into what resonates with trustees

References

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