About Us
The Cohen Foundation, established in 2006 by Brad and Margo Cohen, was created to support worthy scientific research. The Foundation particularly focuses on heart disease and cancer research. Margo lost her father to sudden cardiac arrest in 2000. Brad's mother survived cancer, but his grandparents did not. We want to support and encourage support for scientific research that can contribute to the health of our loved ones and others. By funding research at universities, we aim to advance academic research that is not often as well funded as commercially- backed research. We met at the University of Maryland and would particularly like to recognize the efforts within the university.
There are many worthy charities that solicit contributions, but we hope you will find a personal or intellectual connection to the research projects supported by The Cohen Foundation. We have found that some percent of our contributions to other charities is often used to pay overhead expenses - especially with larger charities. While overhead expenses are unavoidable, the Cohen Foundation is committed to funding only direct research activities. In addition, the Cohens want to personalize the experience of donating to charity, provide an opportunity to support extraordinary research, and encourage others to participate. Margo and Brad will reimburse the Foundation for all overhead expenses, resulting in 100% of your donation going directly to the designated recipient.
Supporting Scientific Research
Our objective is to identify research facilities where funds would be best utilized. What laboratories are taking new and inventive approaches to understand and treat cancer, diabetes, and heart disease? The money raised is donated to the Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization, directed by Dr. George Lorimer, at the University of Maryland. The Center focuses on fundamental protein research, which can be applied to many medical research areas, including cancer and heart disease.
Why donate to the Cohen Foundation? Our goal is to donate 100% of the money we raise. The founders intend to cover administrative costs required to run the Cohen Foundation, allowing all funds raised to be donated directly to the designated recipients. Major charitable organizations, due to their size, cannot forward 100% of donations, having to use some donations to cover overhead expenses.
Legal Stuff
It's official! On February 15, 2007, the IRS granted The Cohen Foundation of Maryland 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This means that all of your donations are tax deductible and going to worthwhile causes. We are also registered as a Charitable Organization with the State of Maryland.
Our contact at the University of Maryland is Mary Hormozdi, Director of the Maryland Fund for Excellence.