Community and Presidential Grants

In addition to our core programs, the Foundation operates a community grants program which permits Trustees and members of the Cummings family to recommend grants to the Board of Trustees for consideration. Generally, these grants are for activities in the communities where family members and Trustees live, for programs in which they take an active interest or have an established connection.

The program supports a broad range of issues, consistent with the Foundation's overall missign, and employs many approaches to grantmaking. For example, in 1993, community grants helped to house homeless people, combat domestic violence, and support the community outreach activities of Jewish institutions. They provided support to innovative art institutions and children's museums, and supported women's groups working on human rights issues. Community grants also sponsored many health projects, including clinics for people with AIDS and support services for their loved ones.

In addition, the Foundation operates a modest Presidential grants program which makes small, expeditious grants to support the Foundation's mission and program areas.

Community and Presidential grants are awarded at the initiative of Trustees, family members, and staff and are not awarded in response to grant applications.