Davis Family Foundation Grants

Davis Family Foundation Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Davis Family Foundation
Last Updated: March 16, 2026

Summary

The Davis Family Foundation, established in Maine, focuses on granting support to educational, medical, and cultural/arts organizations. With over $63.5 million awarded since 1986, the foundation emphasizes innovative projects that make a significant impact on Maine communities. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and align with the foundation's priorities, ensuring projects enhance educational outcomes or address medical issues effectively. The foundation seeks unique projects that engage the community and preserve Maine's cultural heritage.

Overview

History The Davis Family Foundation is a public charitable foundation established by Phyllis C. Davis and H. Halsey Davis of Falmouth, Maine, to support educational, medical and cultural/arts organizations located primarily in Maine. The Foundation was established following Mr. Davis' retirement as President and Chairman of Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. Their overriding goal for the Foundation was simple and straightforward: “to make grants where they will do the most good and where our gifts make a real difference.” The Foundation has provided more than $63.5 million in grants since its grantmaking activities began in 1986. Project Guidance Education projects Ideal education projects Are innovative, inspirational, and based on research Involve educators in both design and execution Strive to make a meaningful impact:Transforming the learning experience or post-academic outlook for specific learners Inspiring systemic change in Maine education Medical projects Ideal medical projects: Solve systemic medical issues through programs or initiatives backed by evidence. The project should be scalable, replicable and ultimately sustainable independent of grant funding Are unique and not ongoing and/or managing care Cultural/Arts projects The Foundation seeks Cultural/Arts Projects that will create an engaging and/or informative cultural/arts experience for Maine community members, or preserve important cultural and historic elements of Maine in a manner that reflects best practice. Ideal cultural/arts projects: Are unique and not ongoing Increase/expand access to year-round residents of Maine Support an organization's strategic goals as defined in a strategic planInclude multiple funding sources

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible Organizations must be:Tax Exempt: 501(c)(3) with 509(a)(1) or (2) status. Aligned with Davis Family Foundation's Giving AreasLocated in a Geographic Priority Area (listed in order of priority): Southern Maine, other parts of Maine, New England (project must impact Maine learners), Outside of New England (100% of project must impact Maine learners)Educational: Colleges, universities, and other accredited educational institutions are encouraged to apply. Trustees will also consider requests from other educational organizations whose purpose is to improve academic outcomes for Maine students, provided that they meet some or all of these four criteria:The organization works directly with schools. The organization has certified teachers on staff or offers programming approved by certified teachers. The organization has a formal curriculum with educational goals that connect to Maine standards. The organization enhances learning by offering credit or certification.Medical Organizations: Hospitals, clinics and medical research organizations are encouraged to apply. Trustees will also consider requests from other health organizations for programs designed to increase the effectiveness of medical care.Cultural/Arts Organizations: Organizations whose customary and primary activity is to promote music, theater, drama, history, literature, the arts or other similar cultural activities. Fiscal Sponsorships: Additional information is required at the time of application. Please contact our team to begin this process early.Returning organizations should confirm:At least 24 months have passed since your last approved grantAt least 36 months have passed since the last approved grant for a Cultural/Arts applicant You have submitted a completion report for your last grantAll governmental entities should contact staff to confirm eligibility before applying.

Ineligibility

Ineligible governmental entities: Cities, Towns, Public schools/RSUsThe Foundation is Unable to FundOrganizations with a project that aligns with the Foundation, but whose organizational primary mission does not fall within a primary funding category Human services/social services organizations Individuals Religious programs Public elementary and secondary schools Charter schools, although requests for startup funds are eligible Youth organizations with no academic or medical mission Schools which receive financial support from a church or other religious organization Health/Medical organizations with no licensed clinician Organizations outside of New England, unless the project is 100% Maine based 509(a)(3) organizationsDiscouraged project expenses:General operating requestsAny inclusion of overhead including general administration, rent, and any ongoing salary of positions that would exist regardless of this proposal. All costs should be project-specific.Budgets that reflect the request is similar/repetitive to past requests Shortfalls Re-granting projects Multi-year grants Scholarships EndowmentsProhibited expenses (application will be declined):Religious programs/projects Annual giving campaigns Deficit reduction Fellowships Loans