James And Tanya Mahood Foundation

## Approach Strategy

This is a by-invitation-only foundation. No application portal exists and unsolicited proposals are explicitly not reviewed or returned. The only viable path to funding is through a personal relationship with James or Tanya Mahood.

If a connection exists: Reach out informally to share your organization's mission and how it aligns with their focus areas (Women and Children, Healthcare Access, Hunger, Clean Water, Education). Let the relationship develop naturally before any formal ask.

If no connection exists: Monitor professional networks (LinkedIn) for any board members or associated individuals. Attend relevant conferences in the Portland, ME area or in Utah (their phone prefix suggests Utah ties). Do not cold-email or cold-call.

Best fit organizations: Those with clear, measurable impact in one or more of the five focus areas, operating in ME, UT, DC, NY, or IL — though national organizations with strong reputations may also qualify.

## Funding Patterns

Based on IRS 990-PF filings and ProPublica data (2019–2023):

• Annual grantmaking budget: Estimated $100,000–$140,000/year (inferred from total expenses net of admin)
• Grant size range: $1,500 – $40,000 (18 grants in historical data)
• Median grant: $5,000 | Average grant: $6,942
• Fiscal trajectory: Assets peaked at ~$2.52M in 2020 and have modestly declined due to operating deficits (investment returns insufficient to cover grant distributions). 2023 showed negative revenue (-$12,722).
• No public funding cycle or deadline — grantmaking appears discretionary and year-round
• Geographic giving: Maine (home state), Utah, Washington DC, New York, Illinois — notably national in scope despite small size

## Peer Comparison

Positioning: Mahood's $5,000 median grant is mid-range for comparable foundations. Its geographic diversity (5+ states) is broader than most peers at this asset level, suggesting genuine national philanthropic interests rather than local-only giving.

## Recent Activity

• 2023 filing: Total expenses $144,861; assets $2,277,195 (slight decline from $2,278,872 prior year). Negative total revenue (-$12,722) driven by investment losses.
• 2022 filing: Expenses $123,852; assets $2,436,455.
• 2021 filing: Expenses $191,723 (highest in 5-year window); assets $2,513,842.
• 2020 filing: Expenses $131,445; assets $2,522,624 (peak asset year, $505K revenue including likely large contribution).
• Website: Active GoDaddy-hosted site last updated 2026. States "some of the areas we often donate to" — language suggests consistent multi-year priorities but no formal program announcements.
• No press releases, grant announcements, or social media presence identified.

## Application Tips

1. Do not apply cold. The foundation's website explicitly states: "We do not review or return unsolicited requests for funding." Cold applications waste your time and will receive no response.

2. Relationship is the only door. Identify any connection to James or Tanya Mahood through board members, advisors, or mutual philanthropic networks. LinkedIn and Maine nonprofit community events are the best venues.

3. Mission alignment is paramount. Any conversation with the founders should center on how your organization's work advances Women and Children, Healthcare Access, Hunger, Clean Water, or Education — the five stated priorities.

4. Size your ask appropriately. First-time grants likely fall in the $1,500–$10,000 range based on historical data. A $5,000 ask is well within the median and less likely to trigger scrutiny.

5. Geography is not a barrier. Despite being Maine-based, this foundation funds nationally (UT, DC, NY, IL confirmed). Do not self-disqualify based on location.

6. Be patient and relationship-focused. The foundation makes thoughtful, values-driven decisions. An ongoing relationship over 12–18 months is more likely to result in a grant than any single ask.