Making an impact nationwide.
She boarded a bus traveling cross country to track down good people doing good work and support them in any way she could. Now a core initiative of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, The Giving Tour aims to make major gifts and inspire giving at a local level in “forgotten America,” particularly in the geographical areas that don’t typically receive funding or major interest.
In October 2022, the Foundation restarted the Giving Tour after the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed the search for organizations that are making a positive impact in their communities across the country.
Madison, WI
Urban League of Greater Madison (ULGM)
ULGM works to eliminate barriers that African Americans and other community members face by providing educational support, employment opportunities, and empowerment programs for youth, adults, families, and seniors. The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation awarded ULGM a $100,000 grant to purchase tablets for the IT Academy for Seniors, a program that provides tech training for seniors.
JustDane
JustDane provides services and training for individuals and families that have been impacted by the criminal justice system. JustBakery, a 12-week educational and vocational baking training initiative led by JustDane, offers wraparound support for individuals experiencing significant barriers to employment. The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation supported the JustBakery program with a $72,000 grant to purchase baking equipment and a van for delivering orders.
The River Food Pantry
The River Food Pantry aims to eliminate hunger in Dane County by providing access to free groceries, take away meals, and mobile meals in a dignified manner. The Munch Mobile truck delivers free healthy meals to low-income neighborhoods—no strings attached. The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation awarded $80,000 to the River Food Pantry to purchase a truck for the Munch Mobile program and update their technology infrastructure.
Des Moines, Iowa
Freestore
Freestore is a volunteer-run organization that supports children and families affected by domestic violence and natural disasters by providing furniture and household goods to help them begin new independent lives in safe environments. Freestore distributes donated goods at their warehouse where clients can come and pick out their own furniture including beds, couches, desks, and tables. The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation awarded Freestore a $100,000 grant to purchase beds for clients and a truck for collecting donated furniture items.
Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI)
PFI empowers farmers and their communities by providing expertise, access to capital, and assistance. PFI also hosts events and educational programs for farmers to share expertise. The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation gave a $99,000 grant to PFI in support of programs for beginning farmers, seed grants for underserved farmers, and infrastructure improvements.