The Cabin Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Cabin Foundation is a private foundation in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.3 million in 39 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $498,040. 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$2.3 million
- Number of grants39
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$498,040
- Assets$44.1 million
- New grantees59%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.4 million the year before.
59% 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 | $1.7 million | 24 | $43.0 million |
| 2024 | $1.4 million | 21 | $57.6 million |
| 2025 | $2.3 million | 39 | $44.1 million |
How to apply
The Cabin 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.
What The Cabin Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to Maine.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | 20 | $781,250 |
| Texas | 4 | $657,551 |
| Minnesota | 4 | $260,004 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $204,574 |
| Iowa | 1 | $100,004 |
| Virginia | 1 | $100,004 |
| Montana | 1 | $100,000 |
| New Hampshire | 2 | $55,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $50,002 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $26,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Parkinson Voice Project | General fund | $498,040 |
| Charity Water Donation Processing | General fund | $204,574 |
| Cape Elizabeth Land Trust | General fund | $149,511 |
| Baylor Scott & White Dallas Fndn | General fund | $149,511 |
| Preble Street Resource Center | General fund | $100,004 |
| Camp Chippewa Foundation | General fund | $100,004 |
| Grinnell College | General fund | $100,004 |
| TNC Central Region - Enhancement | General fund | $100,004 |
| Animeals | General fund | $100,000 |
| Portland Community Squash | General fund | $99,735 |
| Dorobo Fund for Tanzania | General fund | $85,000 |
| Trout Unlimited | General fund | $50,002 |
| St Joseph's Foundation | General fund | $50,000 |
| Northern Forest Center | General fund | $50,000 |
| Southern Maine Agency on Aging | General fund | $50,000 |
| Maine Farmland Trust | General fund | $50,000 |
| Hospice of Southern Maine | General fund | $50,000 |
| Foundation for Portland Public Sch | General fund | $30,000 |
| Friends of Portland Adult Education | General fund | $30,000 |
| Side X Side | General fund | $25,000 |
| Portland Trails | General fund | $25,000 |
| Khmer Maine | General fund | $25,000 |
| Portland Wheelers | General fund | $25,000 |
| Good Shepherd Food Bank | General fund | $25,000 |
| Wsu Foundation | General fund | $25,000 |
| Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project | General fund | $25,000 |
| Bowdoin College | General fund | $22,000 |
| Umass Amherst Foundation | General fund | $20,000 |
| Presumpscot Regional | General fund | $15,000 |
| Portland Parks Conservancy | General fund | $10,000 |
| Public Media Bridge Fund | General fund | $10,000 |
| Rippleffect | General fund | $10,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy | For enhancement endowment | $10,000 |
| New England Grassroots Environment | General fund | $5,000 |
| Dallas Zoo Adoption | General fund | $5,000 |
| Dallas Arboretum | General fund | $5,000 |
| Sailmaine | General fund | $5,000 |
| National Trust for Local News | General fund | $5,000 |
| Mass Institute of Technology | General fund | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John W Norris Jr
- Terry R Norris
- John W Norris III
- Jeffrey C Norris
- Julie A Norris
Questions people ask
Does The Cabin Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Cabin Foundation give?
$2.3 million in tax year 2025, across 39 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Cabin Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John W Norris Jr (Director), Terry R Norris (Secretary-Di), John W Norris III (President-Di) and Jeffrey C Norris (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Cabin Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, environment and conservation and education.