General Questions

General Questions

1. What is The Cowan Foundation?

In 1995, The Cowan Foundation was activated in honour of Frank Cowan, our company founder. The Foundation is sustained due to the ongoing success of Cowan Insurance Group and Frank Cowan Company. Their continued success enables us to contribute to the broader well-being of our communities.

2. Where is The Foundation located?

The Foundation Office is located in Cambridge, Ontario.
Our mailing address is:
705 Fountain Street North
PO Box 1510
Cambridge, ON N1R 5T2

3. Where do I send the application form?

We have tried to make the application process as easy as possible. Please submit your application in any of the following ways:

1. Email it to: info@cowanfoundation.ca
2. Fax it to: 519-650-6369 Christine Cowan, Research / Executive Assistant
3. Mail it to:
   The Cowan Foundation
   705 Fountain Street North
   PO Box 1510
   Cambridge, ON N1R 5T2
   

*If you are applying to the Inspiring Youth Action Program - you can also submit it to the schools where the programs are run.

4. What happens after I send in my application?

Your application is considered at the next scheduled meeting of The Community Betterment Committee or the Cowan Youth Committee. If further information is required, you will be contacted by email.

5. When can I expect to receive a response?

We appreciate your funding request but, due to the volume of requests we receive, we will only respond to those we wish to pursue.

If we are able to support your request, you will hear from us following the respective Board meeting at which your proposal was reviewed.

6. How can our organization be considered for a donation?

The Cowan Foundation has established separate programs, each with its own mandate, in order to focus our support in clear, meaningful and directed ways. Several programs do not accept applications - and donations are initiated on a proactive basis.

The Cowan Family Youth Committee accepts applications through the Inspiring Youth Action Program. Please read over the Granting Guidelines to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements and submit your application within the specified timeframe.

7. I don't have Adobe Reader installed on my computer. How can I view PDF documents on the website?

You can download a free version of Adobe Reader by visiting: http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Inspiring Youth Action Program

1. What is the Inspiring Youth Action Program?

The Inspiring Youth Action Program is an initiative of the Cowan Family Youth Committee (CFYC). Under this program, The Cowan Foundation will match, dollar for dollar, funds raised by an eligible and approved student group for a qualifying charity.

2. Is this program only offered through certain schools?

Yes. This program is offered through the schools attended by the CFYC members. Currently, those schools are:

• Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener, Ontario

*Only students of the schools noted above are eligible to apply for consideration under this program.

3. Where can I get an application?

Applications are available at your School's front office. The Schools eligible for this program include:

• Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Kitchener, Ontario

4. What are the deadlines for applying for a grant?

Applications must be received at least 15 days prior to the meeting dates of the Committee to be considered.

5. What is the maximum amount of dollars you would match?

The maximum amount of a grant under this program is $1,000 per charitable organization.

6. What is the minimum amount you would match?

There is no minimum. We match dollar for dollar, any amount raised up to the maximum of $1,000.

7. What happens if I raise more than $1,000?

The maximum amount available as a match through this program is $1,000, but the charity will certainly benefit from any additional funds you raise.

8. How will the grants be provided?

A letter will be included from The Cowan Foundation that will acknowledge the students responsible for leading the fund raising effort and indicate that The Foundation's contribution is in response to their efforts. The letter, along with the cheque, may be provided to the Student leading the fundraising effort for delivery to the charity or may be mailed directly to the charity.