Cowin Special Account
Accepts applications
Cowin Special Account is a private foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. In tax year 2025 it gave $66,450 in 14 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $40,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$66,450
- Number of grants14
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$40,000
- Assets$1.1 million
- New grantees71%
Giving in 2025 was down from $79,500 the year before.
71% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $58,700 | 7 | $801,329 |
| 2024 | $79,500 | 14 | $936,998 |
| 2025 | $66,450 | 14 | $1.1 million |
How to apply
| Contact | James P Cowin 2238 Pinson Valley Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35217-2009 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (205) 841-6666, jcowin@cowin.com |
What Cowin Special Account funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Alabama.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 11 | $53,950 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $10,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $1,500 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchells Place | Community/public benefit | $40,000 |
| University of the South | Community/public benefit | $10,000 |
| Nature Conservancy in Al | Community/public benefit | $5,000 |
| Tum Tum Tree Foundation | Community/public benefit | $5,000 |
| American Cancer Society | Community/public benefit | $1,500 |
| Reed Foundation | Community/public benefit | $1,000 |
| Unless U | Community/public benefit | $1,000 |
| WISE4AL | Community/public benefit | $1,000 |
| Linly Heflin | Community/public benefit | $500 |
| Birmingham Museum of Art | Community/public benefit | $400 |
| Magic Moments | Community/public benefit | $300 |
| Alabama Symphony Orchestra | Community/public benefit | $250 |
| Birmingham Children's Theatre | Community/public benefit | $250 |
| Jimmy Hale Mission | Community/public benefit | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- James P Cowin
- Charles T Cowin
Questions people ask
Does Cowin Special Account accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does Cowin Special Account give?
$66,450 in tax year 2025, across 14 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Cowin Special Account?
Its 2025 filing lists James P Cowin (Chairman & Secretary) and Charles T Cowin (Vice-Chair).
What does Cowin Special Account fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.