Patricia D. Klingenstein Grant Program

The Patricia D. Klingenstein Grants Program is a funding initiative of the Sadie & Harry Davis Foundation, operating under the broader umbrella of the Klingenstein Philanthropies. The Foundation is inspired by the longstanding philanthropic values of the Klingenstein family, which emphasize giving back to society through support for initiatives related to children's health, neuroscience, early literacy, and environmental causes. The Patricia D. Klingenstein Grants Program is designed to support projects that directly improve the health and well-being of children in Maine, focusing on individuals from birth through 18 years of age. This includes physical, mental, and social health dimensions. Each year, the program invites applications from eligible organizations during a defined application window. For the current cycle, the portal opens on April 15 and closes on May 31. Awards range between $5,000 and $25,000 and support a broad range of project types including general operating support, program-specific funding, capacity building, challenge, and matching grants. However, capital expenses such as building infrastructure and grants to individuals are generally not funded. All funded projects are expected to span a 12-month period starting September 1 and ending August 31 of the following year. A final report is required by October 31. The Foundation prefers to fund organizations with annual operating budgets under $5,000,000. Eligible applicants must serve children in Maine and focus their efforts on underserved populations. This includes children from low-income families, under-resourced communities, and racially or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Although oral health proposals are not accepted directly, applicants are encouraged to liaise with the Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine for related initiatives. Past grant recipients must observe a two-year waiting period before reapplying; for example, organizations funded in 2023 or 2024 are ineligible until 2026 or 2027, respectively. Application requirements are comprehensive. In addition to standard organizational information and financial documentation, applicants must submit a proposal summary outlining intended use and impact of the requested funds, funding history with the Foundation, and details on fiscal agency relationships, if applicable. The narrative should also include the organization’s mission, founding history, geographical area served, core programs, demographic information on target populations, and specifics about children and families served. A detailed budget including projected revenues and expenditures is required unless the request is for general operating support. Applicants must also provide lists of project personnel and the organization’s Board of Directors, and may optionally include up to five photographs illustrating program impact. All applications are reviewed by staff and the Patricia D. Klingenstein Small Grants Committee between June and July, with award decisions made in August. Notification follows shortly thereafter, and funded projects begin on September 1. The Foundation does not offer feedback on declined applications and does not conduct site visits. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual information session in May and can direct questions to Emilie Knight, the program’s director, via SHDFgrants@gmail.com. The Foundation emphasizes clarity and preparedness throughout the application process due to the competitive nature of the program.

Attend virtual info session or email for help.