Meeting basic human needs through grants to nonprofit organizations

Geographic focus:

• Maryland (emphasis on metropolitan Baltimore)
• Northeastern Pennsylvania

Goals

Goal 1: People will have a safe and stable place to call home.

To this end, the Foundation supports programs that:

• Provide temporary shelter with comprehensive case management in order to ensure the shortest possible shelter stay
• Facilitate the transition to housing for the previously homeless and particularly high-risk populations such as ex-offenders, veterans, and domestic violence survivors
• Employ effective strategies that move people out of homelessness through placement into long-term housing with the necessary supportive services. This may include provision of relocation assistance including security deposits and furnishings

Goal 2: People will have access to short term economic and social service support in times of hardship.

To this end, the Foundation supports programs that:

• Provide short-term financial assistance for utilities, rent, and other expenses to prevent eviction, loss of electricity, etc.
• Provide pro-bono legal counsel that assists low-income individuals to avoid foreclosure, obtain entitlements, and exercise other rights

Goal 3: People will have access to sufficient and nutritious food in the most dignified possible way.

To this end, the Foundation supports programs that:

• Expand the capacity of community food banks and pantries to effectively process and distribute goods
• Increase access to fresh produce and proteins
• Assist eligible individuals to apply for local, state, and federal food resource benefits

Goal 4: Increase access to health care and improve the health status of low-income populations.

To this end, the Foundation supports programs that provide comprehensive primary care (somatic, behavioral, reproductive, and oral health care) to a low-income population. Applicants should:

• Demonstrate a history of commitment to serving the underserved and uninsured
• Offer patients a sliding fee scale, and accept, and encourage enrollment in, Medicaid and Medicare

The Foundation will fund those clinics that can leverage funds from the federal and state governments and thus have the financial sustainability to serve large numbers of patients and maintain a balanced patient mix of insured and uninsured. Health care should not be dependent on the skill of a clinic’s fundraiser.

Outpatient and residential substance abuse treatment programs will be considered if there is a mental health component to address co-occurring disorders. Preference will be given to programs that include wrap-around services and community linkages.

Seeking a grant?

Answer the following questions specific to each of the goals outlined above. Please identify which of the goals within Basic Human Needs & Health most closely aligns with your program. If a question is not applicable or relevant to your program, please explain why.

Your first step in the grants process is the Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

Questions for Goal #1 (a safe home):

1. List the three major services that you provide in addition to housing or shelter.
2. What percentage of the clients leaving your program each year go to a stable living situation?
3. If you provide permanent housing, what percentage of your residents have remained housed for one year or longer?

Questions for Goal #2 (economic and social services support):

1. If you provide financial assistance, confirm that all payments are made to a third party.
2. What is the percentage of repeat clients that you see (% served this year and last year)?
3. List the outcomes you track after providing emergency assistance, if any.

Questions for Goal #3 (food security):

1. List the social services that you provide in addition to meals and/or food packages?
2. List the food bank network(s) with which you are affiliated.
3. Do you assist clients to apply for SNAP (food stamps)?

Questions for Goal #4 (health care):

1. If you run a medical clinic, what is your patient payer mix (%Medicaid, %Self-Pay, %Private Insurance, etc.)?
2. If you run an addictions treatment program, explain your mental health component.
3. How do you expect health care reform to impact your operations?

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Amy Kleine, Program Director, Basic Human Needs; akleine@hjweinberg.org or 410-654-8500, x268.