The Ogden Codman Trust Grant

The Ogden Codman Trust was established under the will of Dorothy S.F.M. Codman and is dedicated to supporting the residents of the Town of Lincoln, Massachusetts. The Trust originates from assets transferred from an earlier trust created by her father, Ogden Codman, and it is managed by Trustees who are given sole discretion in utilizing the income generated from the fund. The Trust has a hyper-local focus and aims to address various community needs including essential services, educational support, cultural programming, and recreational facilities. The primary purposes for which the Trust may provide funding include: assistance for residents facing temporary hardship in obtaining food, shelter, or medical care; educational grants or loans for residents who are deemed highly qualified and cannot otherwise obtain secondary, college, technical, or professional education; support for liberal and cultural arts programs open to all Lincoln residents; and development or maintenance of parks, sports, and recreational spaces accessible to the public. Additionally, the Trust may support existing civic organizations operating within these areas. A fundamental principle guiding the Trust's activities is that its funds are to supplement—not replace—standard municipal services. The Trustees evaluate grant requests with the goal of enhancing community well-being without relieving the town of its usual responsibilities. Trustees may impose a matching fund requirement, encouraging applicants to generate additional financial support and raise awareness of their initiatives. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and must be submitted via email to Susan Monahan at [email protected] using the official application form. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to Ms. Monahan prior to submission to discuss project proposals. Required documents may include the organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, Form 990, and a CPA-signed financial statement for the most recent fiscal year. Reports are expected after grant completion, preferably using the Philanthropy MA Report and Expense Forms. Eligible applicants must serve the Town of Lincoln, and grants may be awarded to nonprofit organizations or directly to individuals, provided they meet the outlined criteria and demonstrate clear community benefit. There is no fixed deadline, and proposals may be submitted at any time, though early discussion with the Trust is advised. Susan Monahan remains the primary point of contact for application-related inquiries.

Applicants should contact Susan Monahan before submission; matching grants are frequently required.