Amazin' Mets Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5,253,530 (2024)
• Total Grants Since 2021: $19+ million to 200+ organizations
• Grant Range: $120 - $483,000
• Number of Awards: 127 grants (2024), 115 grants (2023)
• Geographic Focus: Queens, NY and surrounding areas (NY, FL, PA)
• Application Method: RFP-based (invitation only)
• Founded: January 2021
• EIN: 86-1432100

Contact Details

Address: 41 Seaver Way, Flushing, NY 11368

Phone: 718-565-4321

Email: info@amazinmetsfoundation.org

Website: https://amazinmetsfoundation.org

Grant RFP Information: Check https://amazinmetsfoundation.org/about/contact/ for RFP announcements

Overview

The Amazin' Mets Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets, established in January 2021 by Alexandra M. Cohen following her husband Steve Cohen's purchase of the team. As a private foundation with assets of approximately $5.2 million, the foundation has made a significant impact in a short period, distributing more than $19 million in grants to over 200 nonprofit organizations. The foundation is committed to providing needed services and opportunities to children, families, and underserved groups in neighborhoods and communities near Citi Field, with a particular focus on Queens—the most diverse county in the United States. President Alexandra Cohen emphasizes that their work goes "beyond the words of the mission," focusing on inspiring philanthropy and community service by leading by example.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through periodic Request for Proposals (RFPs) rather than accepting rolling applications. When RFPs are announced, application portal links appear on their contact page.

Recent Grant Initiatives:

• Little League Support: $280,000+ distributed in 2025 to local baseball and softball programs for uniforms, equipment, field repairs, and scholarships
• Healthcare Infrastructure: $50,000 grants for medical equipment and facility development
• Community Services: $5,000 - $50,000 for various community support programs
• Major Projects: Up to $483,000 for significant initiatives (e.g., $350,000 to International Women's Baseball Center)

Priority Areas

Youth Baseball & Softball Cultivating the next generation of athletes by investing in youth baseball and softball leagues. The foundation has made ongoing commitments to local Little Leagues, encouraging annual applications.

Education From workforce development to college scholarships, funding creates opportunities for future community leaders, empowering people both in and out of the classroom.

Health & Wellness Supporting programs that promote health and wellness in youth across New York, including nutrition and fitness programs. Notable investment in the Cohen Family Wellness Center (a 10,000 sq ft facility in Woodside offering mental health and substance use disorder services).

Hunger Relief Since 2021, the foundation has donated over 25,000 turkeys and supports various food security programs across all five boroughs.

Military & First Responders Grants awarded to organizations including Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, National September 11 Memorial and Museum, Tuesday's Children, Answer the Call, FDNY Foundation, New York City Police Foundation, and America's VetDogs.

Community Services Support for senior services (Encore Community Services, Chinese-American Planning Council, Carter Burden Network, City Parks Foundation) and youth development programs.

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals: The foundation does not make grants directly to individuals
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations: Only partners with public 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in the United States
• Unsolicited proposals: Does not accept applications outside of announced RFP periods

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Alexandra M. Cohen - Owner & President Created the Amazin' Mets Foundation in 2020 after she and her husband Steve purchased the New York Mets. Alex Cohen has stated: "Some of our most impactful work is done by providing smaller grants to local community-focused organizations that help people obtain essential items like diapers, food, and a roof over their heads."

Jeanne Melino - Board Member & Senior Vice President Former New Jersey official who joined in March 2021. Leads the Foundation team in its mission to inspire giving and leads all operations and grant-making decisions.

Key Staff

• Jane - Supervises incoming and outgoing charitable donations; serves as liaison to external nonprofit, civic, and youth organizations
• Donovan - Senior Director, Community, Inclusion & Player Relations - Focuses on non-media related player initiatives and cultivating an inclusive environment
• Erica - Oversees community engagement programming, specifically education, health and wellness, and youth development initiatives
• Natalie - Program Officer - Shapes young minds through STEM initiatives and Fun At Bat program
• Ryan - Senior Program Officer - Manages key fundraising initiatives
• Justin - Oversees and executes game day events; primary liaison between fans and the Foundation

Board

Steve Cohen (New York Mets Owner, Chairman and CEO) and Chris Christie (former New Jersey Governor) serve on the Mets Board of Directors, which oversees the foundation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: The Amazin' Mets Foundation does not accept any unsolicited grant proposals.

RFP-Based Application Process:

1. The foundation announces periodic Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for specific grant initiatives
2. When an RFP is announced, a description and link to the Grant Application Portal appears at https://amazinmetsfoundation.org/about/contact/
3. Organizations should monitor the contact page periodically for RFP announcements
4. Applications are only accepted during active RFP periods through the online portal

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Must be based in the United States
• Geographic preference for Queens, NY and surrounding areas, though grants have been made in NY, FL, and PA

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed but vary by RFP. Organizations are encouraged to apply annually for ongoing programs like Little League support, suggesting an annual grant cycle for certain initiatives.

Success Rates

With 127 awards made in 2024 and 115 in 2023 from a foundation that does not accept unsolicited proposals, success rates are not calculated in the traditional manner. Organizations invited to apply through RFPs have a reasonable chance of funding if they align well with the announced priorities.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation has explicitly encouraged organizations, particularly Little Leagues, to "continue applying for grants each year," indicating that reapplication is welcomed and expected for ongoing program support.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Foundation Priorities

President Alex Cohen's Vision: "It's beyond the words of the mission. It's about the work we will do. We're committed to inspiring philanthropy and community service by creating awareness, offering guidance and leading by example to show the world what giving can do."

This statement suggests the foundation values:

• Tangible Impact: Focus on concrete outcomes and measurable community benefit
• Leadership by Example: Organizations that inspire others and demonstrate best practices
• Community Service: Direct service to underserved populations

Geographic Focus

Strong preference for Queens and communities near Citi Field. As Cohen notes, "With Queens being the most diverse county in the United States, the Amazin' Mets Foundation strives to provide much needed resources and opportunities to underserved communities."

Recent Funding Patterns Show Preference For:

1. Youth Sports Development Recent awards exceeding $280,000 to Little Leagues demonstrate ongoing commitment. Organizations should emphasize:

• Equipment and uniform needs
• Field repairs and facility improvements
• Scholarship programs for underserved youth
• Accessibility and inclusion

2. Essential Services Cohen emphasizes impact of "smaller grants to local community-focused organizations that help people obtain essential items like diapers, food, and a roof over their heads." This suggests value for:

• Basic needs provision
• Grassroots community organizations
• Direct service delivery
• Dignity-focused programs

3. Health & Wellness Innovation The $5 million Cohen Family Wellness Center demonstrates interest in comprehensive, innovative approaches to health services, particularly:

• Mental health services for youth
• Holistic family support
• Multi-service delivery models
• Culturally responsive programming

4. First Responder & Military Support Consistent funding to 9/11 organizations and veteran services shows sustained commitment to honoring public servants

Application Strength Indicators

Based on funded organizations:

• Specific, measurable needs (e.g., "1,000 duffle bags with hygiene products")
• Community-rooted presence near Citi Field or in Queens
• Direct service delivery rather than overhead or administrative requests
• Sustainability plans that show how funding creates lasting impact
• Alignment with one or more focus areas (education, health, hunger, youth sports, veterans/first responders)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Monitor the RFP schedule closely - This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, so timing is everything. Check their contact page regularly for announcements.

• Emphasize Queens/local connection - Geographic proximity to Citi Field and service to Queens communities is a clear priority. Demonstrate deep community roots and understanding of local needs.

• Focus on direct services and tangible outcomes - President Cohen's emphasis on helping people obtain "essential items like diapers, food, and a roof over their heads" suggests preference for concrete, measurable impacts over programmatic overhead.

• Annual reapplication is encouraged - For ongoing programs like Little League support, the foundation has explicitly encouraged annual applications, so don't be discouraged by single-year grants.

• Consider partnership opportunities - The foundation works with the separate Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation on major initiatives (e.g., Cohen Family Wellness Center), suggesting openness to collaborative funding models for significant projects.

• Demonstrate community leadership - Cohen's statement about "leading by example to show the world what giving can do" suggests they value organizations that inspire others and demonstrate best practices in their field.

• Size your request appropriately - With grants ranging from $120 to $483,000 and an average around $40,000 based on total giving divided by number of awards, be realistic about request size relative to project scope and organizational capacity.

References

1. Amazin' Mets Foundation Official Website. "About." Accessed March 11, 2026. https://amazinmetsfoundation.org/about/

2. Amazin' Mets Foundation. "Contact." Accessed March 11, 2026. https://amazinmetsfoundation.org/about/contact/

3. Amazin' Mets Foundation. "Our Programs." Accessed March 11, 2026. https://amazinmetsfoundation.org/our-programs/

4. Charity Navigator. "Amazin Mets Foundation Inc." Profile for EIN 86-1432100. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/861432100

5. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Amazin Mets Foundation Inc." IRS Form 990 filings. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/861432100

6. Cause IQ. "Amazin' Mets Foundation." Organizational profile. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/amazin-mets-foundation,861432100/

7. QNS. "Amazin' Mets Foundation awards over $280,000 in grants to local Little Leagues." March 2025. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://qns.com/2025/03/amazin-mets-foundation-grants-little-leagues/

8. Episcopal Health Services. "St. John's ICARE Foundation Receives Grant from Amazin' Mets Foundation." Accessed March 11, 2026. https://ehs.org/about/news/st-johns-icare-foundation-receives-grant-from-amazin-mets-foundation/

9. International Women's Baseball Center. "IWBC Receives $2,000,000 Grant from Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation and $350,000 Grant from Amazin' Mets Foundation." Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.iwbc.org/cohenfoundationgrant/

10. LEADERS Magazine. "Interview with Alexandra M. Cohen, President, Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation." October 2023. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.leadersmag.com/issues/2023.4_Oct/MAD/LEADERS-Alexandra-Cohen-Cohen-Foundation.html

11. Amazin' Mets Foundation. "Meet Our Team." Accessed March 11, 2026. https://amazinmetsfoundation.org/about/meet-our-team/

12. MLB.com. "Press release: Amazin' Mets Foundation launches new website, releases 2021 annual report." February 2023. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-amazin-mets-foundation-launches-new-website-releases-2021-annual-r