The Sam L. Cohen Foundation, based in Portland, Maine, provides responsive grants to support nonprofit organizations that directly serve residents of Cumberland and York counties. The Foundation aims to advance equity, human rights, and access to resources, while promoting collaboration and inclusive community development. It seeks to fund projects and operations that demonstrate responsiveness to community needs, promote inclusion, and reduce systemic barriers faced by underserved populations.
Eligible applicants must be either a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a religious institution (such as a church, synagogue, temple, or mosque), or a political subdivision of the State of Maine that is exempt from federal tax. Applicants must have a direct service impact in Cumberland or York counties. Organizations that have received grants in the previous calendar year, or those that have not submitted required final reports for past grants, are not eligible to apply in the current cycle.
The Foundation offers two funding cycles annually, with initial inquiries accepted from December 1 to January 15 for the spring cycle and from June 1 to July 15 for the fall cycle. Full applications are due March 1 and September 1, respectively. Applicants must first submit an initial inquiry, which will be reviewed within two weeks following the deadline. Selected organizations are then invited to complete a full application via the Foundation’s online portal. Required documents include financial statements, operating and project budgets, 501(c)(3) verification, and, where applicable, letters of agreement or support from collaborators.
Funding requests of up to $50,000 are considered, though typical awards are under $15,000. The Foundation supports new and ongoing programs, capital improvements, and general operations when the organization’s mission aligns with its values. Projects must not limit access to reproductive health services or conflict with the Foundation’s stated principles. Annual fund appeals, endowments, and multi-year commitments are generally not supported.
The application process uses a two-step online portal system powered by Blackbaud. First-time applicants and returning organizations must use a Blackbaud ID to access the system. Gloria Nicholson is the main contact for application-related questions, and the Foundation encourages pre-submission outreach, particularly from new applicants. Final decisions are made in June for spring applications and November for fall applications.
Discuss your project with staff in advance, especially for first-time applicants. Submit reports before reapplying. Clearly state community impact in Cumberland/York counties.
