Based in Manlius, organization started by a Pulaski philanthropist manages $50 million
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
It’s tough for tax-exempt organizations to survive.
According to Forbes, 50% of these close within the first year of operation. Receiving financial help when they need more working capital can make a big difference between folding and flourishing.
The John Ben Snow Foundation functions as a private foundation focusing on providing funding for tax-exempt organizations in Onondaga, Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, and Oswego counties, among other locations nationwide such as Nevada and New Jersey.
The local emphasis reflects the nature of its founder, John Ben Snow, a Pulaski native who delighted in spreading philanthropy among his neighbors. Snow enjoyed “investing” in young people and sharing his wealth for the betterment of his community.
Many of the foundation’s donations are to organizations that need funds for improving or adding programs, along with one-time grants to help stabilize a program. Grant matching and boosting a capital campaign are also among the giving strategies.
What the John Ben Snow Foundation doesn’t do is entertain proposals from individuals, for-profit companies, religious organizations or government agencies. It also does not contribute toward endowments, contingency funds or debt reduction. The foundation doesn’t have a minimum or maximum contribution cap; however, most initial grants are between $5,000 and $10,000 but subsequent grants can be $20,000 or higher.
The current president, Jonathan L. Snow, is first cousin three times removed to the foundation’s namesake. John Ben Snow’s grandfather was Jonathan Snow’s great, great, great grandfather. Jonathan Snow has led the John Ben Snow Foundation and Memorial Trust since 1992. Based in Manlius, the organization manages $50 million. Jonathan Snow also directs consulting at Peraton, a security company in Reston, Virginia.
The other Snow, John Ben Snow, increased his fortune through retailing and investment. After retiring from retail work in 1939, he worked in publishing, including the glossy magazine Western Horseman. He never married or had children. Snow established his charitable organization in 1948 and it still operates under the same charter today, under the guidance of a diverse board.
“The goal of the Snow Foundation for the upcoming year remains focused on fostering strategic and collaborative partnerships with local nonprofit agencies that foster their missions and more broadly support Central New York with prioritized investment in education, community and youth initiatives, and arts and culture,” Jonathan Snow said. “I believe the John Ben Snow Foundation plays an important role in the local funding landscape by offering responsive and flexible funding to non-profits of all sizes.”
Qualified nonprofit organizations may apply for grants only online at https://johnbensnow.org.
