Insights from Samantha Lafontaine, Maude’s Ventures Program Director
We at Maude’s Ventures want to ensure we receive as many high-quality applications as possible – and for that reason, we are providing some guidance on this process! During the 2026 Maude’s Ventures and Young Founders Program funding application period, which began June 1 and ends August 31, we want to provide some additional support throughout this process.
This week, we’re featuring insights from Samantha Lafontaine, MBS the Maude’s Ventures Program Director. In her role, Mrs. Lafontaine will be reviewing the applications for Maude’s Ventures and the Young Founders Program throughout the application cycle before working with the Maude’s Ventures Team to select the final winners.
“As someone who has been on the other end of funding applications many times throughout my career; I can certainly empathize with the struggles and frustrations involved in this process.
Thank you so much for the incredible work you are doing and will do for people living with Dementia in our communities. We are so grateful to you for taking the time to apply and we are hopeful we can support your innovations in Dementia care!”
– Samantha Lafontaine, MBS
Maude’s Ventures Application Tips
- Ask if this funding source fits your program as you envision it – not if you can make your program fit the funding source.
In this funding landscape especially – it can be really tempting to try to manipulate your program to fit the funding application. Stay true to what your program needs to be; let your data or needs assessment or lived experience be your guide.
For Maude’s Ventures, this means asking if your program – as you are proposing it – is something new and innovative in the Dementia space. Let that be your guiding principle throughout the application process.
If your program does not fit this description, please consider applying to one of the other funding sources through the Ferry Foundation. Maude’s Awards offers funding ($25,000 for organizations and up to $5,000 for individuals) for an existing program, practice, or innovation that has already shown significant accomplishments since its inception. The Young Founders Program offers funding ($2,500) to young entrepreneurs with a drive to make a positive impact. - Plan Ahead
The Maude’s Ventures application cycle is from June 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026. In order to submit the application, we are requesting some basic information, a 2 page proposal (see the application itself for details), and up to 2 letters of support from existing, past, or potential partners or collaborators. Reach out for these letters well in advance to ensure your partners have sufficient time to complete them! - Don’t Be Afraid to Aim High – Just Be Sure to Back it Up!
Maude’s Ventures offers up to $50,000 of funding to support new solutions that improve the well being of people living with dementia and their caregivers. Our application asks you to not only describe this, but consider how it may be scalable and opportunities for growth. Consider how this or future funding can allow your program to grow and reach people in need! - Read All of the Details
To prepare effectively, please review the Maude’s Ventures website. I would especially recommend reading through the Frequently Asked Questions and reviewing the application requirements in detail. If you have any additional questions that are not effectively answered; please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I can be reached through the website, or directly at samantha.lafontaine@ferryfound.org. - Check. Check. and Double Check.
Somehow it always seems the most important communications are the ones most likely to contain an error. Review your application multiple times for any missing information, spelling or grammatical errors, and flow.
In my experience applying for grants, I’ve found all of the editing (writing, rewriting, reorganizing) can sometimes make sections harder to understand. Try reading the application out loud, in its entirety, prior to submission.
Finally, ensure the proposal answers every question included. This will ensure the Maude’s Ventures Team gets a complete picture of the innovation and can make an informed decision.
About Maude’s Ventures
We invest in new solutions to improve the well-being of people with dementia and their caregivers.
- Our Story Founded by Maude and Richard Ferry, our passion stems from a deep-seated commitment to improving care for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s while we wait for a cure. Learn more.
- Maude’s Ventures Grants Every year, we provide seed investments of up to $50,000 to kickstart groundbreaking ideas poised to make a difference for the dementia community. Learn more.
- Young Founders Program We award annual grants of up to $2,500 to empower the next generation of dementia care pioneers. Learn more.
We encourage you to stay connected with Maude’s Ventures through our newsletter and social media.