Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation Grant

The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation Grant invites applications from public 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the United States. The Foundation's core mission is to inspire philanthropy and community service, supporting organizations that address complex problems or assist people in need. This specific grant program aligns with their commitment by focusing on critical community support, particularly during the holiday season, by funding initiatives that provide meals to vulnerable individuals and families. The grants available range from $10,000 to $100,000, with a key funding constraint that requests over $25,000 will not be considered for this particular call. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals and families in need within the New York City metropolitan area, specifically targeting those requiring meal assistance during Thanksgiving 2024. The impact goal is to alleviate food insecurity during this critical time by ensuring access to Thanksgiving meals. Eligible activities must occur on or around Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024) and conclude by December 6, 2024, emphasizing immediate and direct relief. The program prioritizes organizations operating in New York City (five boroughs), Westchester County, NY, or Fairfield County, CT, ensuring geographic focus on communities served by the Foundation. The main focus of this grant is strictly on the purchase of foods related to Thanksgiving meals. This specificity highlights the Foundation's strategic priority to address immediate, tangible needs within communities. While the grant does not explicitly detail a "theory of change," its direct approach to funding meal provisions implies a straightforward theory: providing resources for food directly leads to reduced food insecurity and increased well-being for beneficiaries during a significant holiday. The Foundation also requires that it not be the sole funder, encouraging shared responsibility and broader community engagement in addressing these needs. Expected outcomes include a demonstrated impact on underserved communities through the provision of Thanksgiving meals. Measurable results would likely involve the number of individuals and families served, the quantity of meals provided, and the effective utilization of funds for food purchases. Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with eligibility criteria, operational feasibility, documented impact on underserved communities, the financial health of the organization, and the appropriateness of activities in relation to the Foundation's mission. These evaluation criteria underscore the Foundation's strategic intent to support well-managed projects that deliver concrete, positive outcomes.