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Benito And Frances C Gaguine Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.1M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.2M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1.1 million
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Not applicable - trustee discretion
  • Grant Range: $2,000 - $243,000
  • Geographic Focus: Juneau/Alaska (primary), National/International (selective)

Contact Details

  • Address: 1940 Fritz Cove Road, Juneau, AK 99801
  • Phone: (907) 789-2986
  • Website: None
  • Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Benito and Frances C. Gaguine Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1996 by Benito Gaguine, a distinguished Washington DC attorney who practiced law for over 60 years. With assets exceeding $5 million and annual giving of approximately $1.1 million, the foundation makes 15-18 grants annually primarily supporting health and social services in Juneau, Alaska. Currently managed by founder's son John Gaguine and family, who were recognized with Juneau Community Foundation's Founders' Award in 2020, the foundation operates through trustee discretion and maintains strong partnerships with local organizations. The foundation demonstrates strategic philanthropy through matching grants and challenge gifts that leverage community support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have formal grant programs but makes discretionary grants in the following ranges:

  • Large Grants: $100,000 - $243,000 (major community initiatives)
  • Mid-Range Grants: $25,000 - $60,000 (established programs)
  • Small Grants: $2,000 - $20,000 (specific projects)
  • Matching/Challenge Grants: Variable amounts to leverage community support

Priority Areas

  • Health and social services for vulnerable populations
  • Homeless services and transitional housing
  • Food security and nutrition programs
  • Domestic violence and sexual assault services
  • Legal services for disadvantaged populations
  • Arts and culture organizations in Juneau
  • Community foundation capacity building
  • Selected international health initiatives (malaria prevention)

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but based on grant patterns they appear not to fund:

  • Individual requests
  • For-profit entities
  • Religious activities
  • Political campaigns
  • General operating support outside their established relationships

Governance and Leadership

John Gaguine - President/Trustee, son of founder Benito Gaguine. Recognized philanthropist in Juneau community, recipient of Juneau Community Foundation's 2020 Founders' Award for "lifetime of achievement and service to Juneau and Alaska."

Cindy Gaguine - Co-manages foundation with husband John. Active in Juneau philanthropic community.

The foundation maintains close partnership with Juneau Community Foundation, operating a donor advised fund for additional grant-making flexibility.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on:

  • Pre-existing relationships with organizations
  • Proactive identification of community needs
  • Partnerships through Juneau Community Foundation
  • Invitation-only basis

Getting on Their Radar

  • The Gaguines are active participants in Juneau Community Foundation events and initiatives
  • They maintain a donor advised fund at Juneau Community Foundation which may facilitate introductions
  • John Gaguine received the Founders' Award from Juneau Community Foundation, indicating regular presence at their events
  • Organizations like The Glory Hall, AWARE, and Haven House receive consistent multi-year support, suggesting the foundation values building relationships with effective local organizations
  • The foundation has shown particular interest in matching grant opportunities that demonstrate broader community support

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants made at trustee discretion throughout the year

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation only foundation

Reapplication Policy

Not stated, but grant history shows many organizations receive multi-year support

Application Success Factors

Based on funded organizations and grant patterns:

  • Juneau connection essential: Nearly all grants go to organizations serving Juneau directly
  • Track record matters: Funded organizations like St. Vincent de Paul ($243,000) and Juneau Community Foundation ($225,000) are well-established
  • Matching grants appeal: Foundation frequently uses challenge grants to leverage community support - Feed Juneau Kids ($100,000 challenge) and Haven House ($25,000 match)
  • Focus on vulnerable populations: Consistent support for Glory Hall (homeless), AWARE (domestic violence), Haven House (women exiting incarceration)
  • Long-term relationships valued: Same organizations appear year after year in grant lists
  • Community collaboration: Many grants flow through or coordinate with Juneau Community Foundation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is an invitation-only foundation - do not submit unsolicited proposals
  • Building reputation in Juneau community is essential for consideration
  • Consider approaching through Juneau Community Foundation connection
  • Propose matching grant structures to leverage foundation dollars
  • Focus on measurable impact for vulnerable populations in Juneau
  • Establish track record with smaller local funders first to build credibility
  • Multi-year relationships appear to be the norm rather than one-time grants

References

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