Cogswell Benevolent Trust
The Cogswell Benevolent Trust is a private foundation established in 1929 by Leander A. Cogswell, a New Hampshire businessman who spent most of his life in the shoe business in Manchester. The Trust was formally granted charitable status in January 1931 and is currently located in Bedford, New Hampshire. It operates as an independent foundation providing grants to charitable organizations to enhance the quality of life in New Hampshire.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$33.2M
+4.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.7M
-20.3% YoY
Grant Count
108
-0.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$16K
-19.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Trust has no formally stated mission. However, its grantmaking priorities focus on:
- Basic needs and human services
- Health and healthcare
- Food pantries
- Children and youth services
- Out-of-school education programs
- Arts and culture
- Community development
The Trust supports nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and public agencies working in the public benefit.
Grantmaking
Trustees, Cogswell Benevolent Trust
Review Cycle
; proposals may be submitted at any time
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with Cogswell Benevolent Trust?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Trust primarily funds organizations located within New Hampshire. Limited funds may be available for out-of-state projects.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total assets: $33,175,388
- Total giving: $1,706,074
- Total revenues: $3,448,015
- Total expenses: $2,163,395
As of 2023:
- Total assets: $31,890,768 (ledger value)
- Income: $12,049,417
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $33,175,388 | $31,890,768 | $32,935,939 |
| Revenue | $3,448,015 | $1,601,867 | $1,483,678 |
| Expenses | $2,163,395 | $2,647,038 | $2,218,413 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,826,724 | $2,239,261 | $1,849,915 |
| Net Investment Income | $3,005,191 | $1,217,689 | $1,171,022 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,940,591 | $1,820,143 | $1,851,521 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Cogswell Benevolent Trust
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHARLES GOODWIN | TRUSTEE | 20 | $30,000 |
| PETER KACHAVOS | TRUSTEE | 20 | $30,000 |
| MARK NORTHRIDGE | TRUSTEE | 20 | $30,000 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Recent grant recipients include:
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester: $75,075 for purchase of new bus (2024)
Young Men's Christian Association of Greater Nashua: $50,000 for renovation of temporary childcare classrooms (2024)
The Derryfield School: $50,000 for The Matarese Commons (2024)
American Independence Museum: $11,200 grant
American Independence Museum Receives $11,200 Grant from Cogswell BenevolentCOAST (Community Alliance for Social and Transportation): $25,000 to support construction of new facility
COAST Receives $25,000 Grant from Cogswell Benevolent Trust: To supportGibson Center: $10,615 grant
Wright Museum of World War II: Grant award recipient
American Independence Museum Receives $11,200 Grant from Cogswell BenevolentRelated Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Maine Dental Service Corporation
CONCORD, NH
Assets
$86.4M
Grants
1
Total Given
$331K
Hefflon Fbo Various Charities Tr Xxx-xx-xxxx
MANCHESTER, NH
Assets
$439K
Grants
3
Total Given
$25K
Lighthouse Federal Credit Union
PORTSMOUTH, NH
Assets
$1.9B
Grants
3
Total Given
$42K
Bhbt Ttee Henderson Charitable Trust
CONCORD, NH
Assets
$309K
Grants
4
Total Given
$16K
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
LEBANON, NH
Assets
$285.1M
Grants
77
Total Given
$3.3M
Serve and Succeed Charitable Foundation
CLAREMONT, NH
Assets
$1.8M
Grants
2
Total Given
$25K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Cogswell Benevolent Trust on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities