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Collins Foundation

Annual Giving
$13.6M
Decision Time
4mo

Collins Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $13.6 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Approximately 3-4 months from initial screening
  • Grant Range: Varied (specific amounts not publicly disclosed)
  • Geographic Focus: Oregon

Contact Details

Overview

The Collins Foundation is a family foundation established in 1947 by Truman W. Collins Sr. and the E.S. Collins family. With total assets of approximately $235 million as of 2024, the foundation distributes over $13.6 million annually to Oregon nonprofit organizations. The foundation's mission centers on improving the quality of life and well-being for people in Oregon communities, with a strong emphasis on building an equitable and just future for Oregon's lands and people. The foundation operates through a values-aligned, relationship-driven approach to grantmaking, prioritizing partnerships with organizations that share their commitment to equity and community impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates three distinct grant programs (specific details and amounts not publicly disclosed):

  • Partnership-based grants through their Partnership Alignment Screener process
  • Strategic grants in identified priority areas
  • Responsive grants to community needs

Priority Areas

  • Arts and culture
  • Child welfare and development
  • Education
  • Environmental protection
  • Health equity

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions not publicly detailed on website; determined through eligibility screening process

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel:

  • Carol Cheney - Chief Executive Officer
  • Jacqueline F Meyer Murphy - Chief Program Strategist
  • Emilie Cortes - Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

The foundation maintains a board of trustees who meet five times annually (February, April, June, August, October) to make funding decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Collins Foundation uses a unique 5-step Partnership Alignment Process:

  1. Partnership Alignment Screener (Currently closed until Spring 2026)

    • 6 multiple-choice questions evaluating organizational culture, leadership, and policies
    • 1-week response time

  2. Eligibility Questionnaire

    • 8 Yes/No questions
    • 1-week response time

  3. Legal Information Submission

    • Organization legal name, EIN, CEO contact, physical address
    • Approximately 1-month response time

  4. Organization Exploration

    • Informal conversations and potential site visits
    • Dialogue about shared values
    • Recent financial statements required

  5. Funding Decision

    • Final determination by trustees

All communication occurs via email with specific instructions at each stage.

Decision Timeline

  • Initial screening to final decision: Approximately 3-4 months
  • Trustees meet 5 times per year for funding decisions
  • Notification via email

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Organizations must wait until the Partnership Alignment Screener reopens (Spring 2026) to begin a new application process

Application Success Factors

The Collins Foundation emphasizes a relationship-driven, values-aligned approach to grantmaking. Key factors for success include:

  • Strong alignment with foundation values - The foundation prioritizes organizations committed to equity and justice for Oregon's lands and people
  • Clear demonstration of community impact - Organizations should articulate how their work improves quality of life and well-being in Oregon communities
  • Responsive communication - The multi-step process relies heavily on email; timely and thorough responses are critical
  • Financial transparency - Be prepared to share recent financial statements during the Organization Exploration phase
  • Patience with the process - The foundation takes a deliberate approach to building partnerships through conversation and site visits

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Partnership Alignment Screener is currently closed and won't reopen until Spring 2026 - plan accordingly
  • The foundation prioritizes relationship-building over traditional grant applications - no written proposals required initially
  • Focus on demonstrating shared values around equity and community well-being rather than just program details
  • The process is highly selective with multiple screening stages before reaching trustees
  • Geographic focus is exclusively Oregon - ensure your organization serves Oregon communities
  • With $13.6 million in annual giving from $235 million in assets, the foundation has substantial capacity for significant grants
  • Email responsiveness is critical - the entire process relies on email communication with specific deadlines

References

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