Begin Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Begin Family Foundation is a private foundation in Portland, Maine. In tax year 2025 it gave $10,000 in 6 grants; the typical grant was $1,500 and the largest $2,500. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$10,000
- Number of grants6
- Typical grant$1,500
- Largest grant$2,500
- Assets$313,372
- New grantees50%
Giving in 2025 was up from $8,000 the year before.
50% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8,000 | 5 | $278,988 |
| 2025 | $10,000 | 6 | $313,372 |
How to apply
Begin Family Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Maine.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | 3 | $5,500 |
| New York | 3 | $4,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Downeast Institute | General operating support | $2,500 |
| American Camping Association | Wohelo camps campership fund | $1,500 |
| Americans for Oxford | General operating support | $1,500 |
| Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland | General operating support | $1,500 |
| Downeast Salmon Federation | General operating support | $1,500 |
| Strive | General operating support | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Samuel P Begin
- Sarah Cameron
- Elizabeth W Begin
- Thomas Pierce
- Jeffory D Begin
Questions people ask
Does Begin Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Begin Family Foundation give?
$10,000 in tax year 2025, across 6 grants, with a typical grant of $1,500.
Who runs Begin Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Samuel P Begin (Trustee), Sarah Cameron (Trustee), Elizabeth W Begin (President/Trustee) and Thomas Pierce (Treasurer/Trustee) among 5 officers and trustees.