How We Give

The Small Grants Program (SGP)

Through the Small Grants Program (SGP), the Foundation supports nonprofits with a streamlined grant application and review process. Grants awarded under the SGP—operating, program, or capital—must still align with the Foundation’s strategic priorities in the areas of Housing, Health, Jobs, and Education.

The maximum Small Grant amount is $50,000 over two years. Organizations are eligible to apply if they meet the Foundation’s eligibility criteria

Geographic Focus Areas

Currently, the Small Grants Program is available to organizations operating in the following Foundation priority communities: Baltimore, Chicago, Hawaiʻi, New York City, Northeastern Pennsylvania, and San Francisco, as well as rural communities within proximity to priority communities.

Eligibility

To be considered for funding, an organization must meet several prerequisite requirements:

• Be a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3), tax-exempt status.
• Provide direct services to low-income and vulnerable populations.
• Have two years of 990s.
• Have two years of audited financial statements or external financial reviews.
• Have at least one year of program outcomes.

The Foundation has an online application process for all capital, program, and operating grant requests, including Small Grants. To find out if you are eligible to apply, click here, and follow the instructions provided. You can save and return to your application at any time using the link that will be emailed to you upon accessing the application portal. This specific link will direct you to your account and saved application.

If the Foundation determines that your organization is eligible for funding, you will be directed to submit a brief application. You may also be asked to submit additional materials to support your application.

Baltimore City Community Grants Program

This program was created to provide support to small nonprofits (with an annual operating budget of $500,000 or less) that serve low-income individuals and families in Baltimore City through direct services. Eligible organizations may apply for up to $20,000 to assist with general operating expenses, program, or capital costs, including equipment purchases, capacity building (e.g., evaluation and audit costs), and other eligible expenses. Nonprofits that receive a grant under this program may reapply each year, provided all eligibility and reporting requirements are met.

Geographic Focus Areas

The Baltimore City Community Grants program is only available to organizations in Baltimore City.

Eligibility

To be considered for funding, an organization must meet several prerequisite requirements:

1. An organization seeking funding may be engaged in advocacy but primarily must provide direct services. The Foundation’s charter prohibits funding advocacy work. (Please note that additional restrictions for Weinberg Foundation funding are listed here and should be reviewed. For example, the Foundation may not award grants to colleges or universities.)
2. An organization seeking funding may not be a current Foundation grantee through either the Small Grants program or the regular grants process. However, nonprofits funded through the Summer Funding Collaborative may be considered under the Community Grants program.
3. Organizations must also submit the following documents:
   • A letter from the organization’s professional leader on the organization’s letterhead outlining the specific request for funding along with a summary of the organization (not to exceed two pages). The letter should include the following specific information:
     • A copy of the organization’s mission statement demonstrating a commitment to providing direct services to low-income and vulnerable populations of Baltimore City.
     • Population served (and total estimated number of unique individuals served annually).
     • Specific purpose of grant request–how the grant funds will be used, including area of funding–Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, Community Services, or other (if other, please describe).
     • Any previous contact with the Weinberg Foundation.
     • Specific dollar amount requested (up to $20,000).
     • Total organizational budget (not including any in-kind funds).
     • Specific contact information for one person from the organization–name, title, phone, address, and email address.
   • Proof of 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor.
   • A copy of the organization’s most recent 990 filing. If the organization is only required to file a 990-N with the Internal Revenue Service, please submit the 990-N along with a completed and signed 990-EZ or 990. The Foundation will not accept a 990-N alone.
   • A copy of the organization’s current and previous year’s budgets, including confirmation that the annual operating budget is less than $500,000.
   • A list of the Board of Directors and organization’s staff.

The Baltimore City Community Grants Program does not have an online application. Instead, all grant applications for this program should be submitted by email, with pdf attachments (not word or other formats), to BaltimoreCityGrants@hjweinberg.org.