BALTIMORE, MD -- 07/06/09 --
The Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation,
one of the largest private foundations in the United States, today
announced program changes to the Maryland Small Grants Program. Launched in
December 2007, the Foundation initiated the Maryland Small Grants Program
(MSGP) to help eligible nonprofits more easily and efficiently apply for a
grant. The MSGP supports nonprofits seeking general operating support,
program support, or certain capital requests of up to $50,000 a year for up
to two years, or a total maximum grant of $100,000. All that is required is
a simple, five-page proposal. In most cases it takes only 50 days to go
from "Our application is enclosed" to "Your check is in the mail."
The response to the Maryland Small Grants Program has been overwhelming.
The Foundation has awarded $10,463,450 to 181 nonprofits organizations
across the state since the program began less than two years ago.
Important Maryland Small Grants Program Updates
The MSGP was launched as a two-year program. After careful review at the
one-year mark, the Trustees of the Weinberg Foundation have made several
decisions regarding the program.
-- Post Maryland Small Grants Program: At the conclusion of two years of
MSGP funding, the nonprofit grantee may apply for future funding through
the standard Weinberg Foundation full grant application process.
-- Revised Focus for the Maryland Small Grants Program: In response to
current economic circumstances, the Foundation Trustees have determined
that through the period of this economic crisis, the MSGP will focus its
grant funding for organizations that address basic needs, such as food
security, homelessness, health, family safety, economic assistance, and
workforce development.
-- Addition of Certain Capital Requests: Capital requests will be
considered for home repairs, modifications, or improvements to an existing
structure. The Foundation may not contribute more than 30% of the total
cost of a capital project, and often contributes less.
The Weinberg Foundation is accepting applications for the Maryland Small
Grants Program, and will continue to do so for the remainder of 2009 and
for 2010. To participate in the Maryland Small Grants Program, an applicant
must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, headquartered in Maryland or
provide direct services primarily to residents of the state, be in
operation for a minimum of 3 years, provide services for poor and
vulnerable populations, maintain a budget of less than $5 million, and
request funds for general operating support, program support, or certain
capital requests. Funding requests must represent no more than 25 percent
of an organization's total annual operating budget. For more information or
an application, nonprofits may visit the Weinberg Foundation's web site at
www.hjweinbergfoundation.org.
Grant inquiries should be directed to Phyllis Bloom, Director, Maryland
Small Grants Program. She can be reached by phone at 410-654-8500, ext.
256, or by email at pbloom@hjweinberg.org.
About The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation:
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation annually distributes
approximately $100 million to a wide range of charitable organizations. The
Foundation is dedicated to assisting the poor through operating and capital
grants to direct service organizations primarily located in Maryland,
Hawaii, Northeastern Pennsylvania, New York, Israel, and the Former Soviet
Union. Grants are focused on meeting basic needs such as shelter, health
and socialization, nutrition, and on enhancing an individual's ability to
meet those needs. Within that focus, emphasis is placed on older adults and
on the Jewish community. The trustees, some of whom also serve as executive
officers of the Foundation, are Alvin Awaya, Robert T. Kelly, Jr., Barry
Schloss, Donn Weinberg, and President Shale D. Stiller. For more
information go to www.hjweinbergfoundation.org.
Media Contact:
Danielle Davis
443-834-6725
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