Weinberg Foundation Announces Total of $200 Million in Grants for Next Two Years

More than 1,000 confirmed nonprofit, business and community leaders will attend the event, which includes the major announcement that $200 million in grants will be distributed in total over the next two years, including $21 million in new grant funds. The announcement includes an explanation of a new grant cycle that begins August 3, 2009 when The Weinberg Foundation will accept new Letters Of Inquiry from nonprofits seeking to secure some of the $21 million in new funds available.

The event begins at 8:00 am with registration and a light breakfast. Remarks will start at 9:00 am, followed by breakout sessions. The event will end at 10:30 am.

Chief Operating Officer Rachel Monroe, who has been named as the next President (effective 2/2010), will welcome the enormous crowd. Donn Weinberg, Trustee, and named as the next Chair of the Board (effective 2/2010), will give a presentation describing the "State of the Foundation." Following Donn Weinberg's remarks, the more than 1,000 guests will be given the opportunity to attend breakout sessions specific to each grant allocation area.

"Like the rest of the world today, foundations are faced with economic challenges, and must respond accordingly," states Donn Weinberg. "The Weinberg Foundation is especially proud to announce a total of $200 million in grants in the next two years, including $21 million in new grants to be approved. We are also proud that we will honor, fully and completely, every current grant commitment. Because The Weinberg Foundation has one of the smallest staffs of any its size in the country, we have not laid off any staff due to the economy. Even in these difficult times, The Weinberg Foundation is doing its part to make a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of those in need."

Rachel Monroe adds, "In the world today, The Weinberg Foundation's mission to help those in need is more important than ever. We look forward to working with hundreds of nonprofits in Baltimore, the US and Israel to navigate the uncertainties and take advantage of the opportunities that lie before us."

The breakout sessions will give each nonprofit seeking a grant the ability to learn specific information regarding the grant process and priorities for funding in each grant allocation area. After a presentation by the program director, each session will include substantial time for questions and answers. The breakout sessions include:

Grant Allocation Area                          Program Director Presenting
                                               at the Session
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- Older Adults                                 Michael Marcus
- Workforce Development                        Marci Hunn
- Education, Children, Youth & Families        Amy Gross
- Disabilities & Health                        Stan Goldman
- Basic Human Needs                            Amy Kleine
- Maryland Small Grants Program                Phyllis Bloom
- General Questions                            Barry Schloss, Trustee

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.