How We Give

The Weinberg Foundation fulfills its mission of meeting the basic needs of people experiencing poverty by providing grants across five focus areas that serve a range of populations, primarily within the Foundation’s priority communities. Grant requests should align with one of these areas: Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, or Aging.

Grants

The Weinberg Foundation’s grantmaking reflects the wishes of Harry and Jeanette Weinberg, as outlined in the Foundation’s charter, as well as the laws and public policy that govern private philanthropy in the United States and Israel.

Types of Grants

Capital Grants

Capital grants fund the purchase, construction, and/or renovation of a building; the purchase of major equipment; home modifications for low-income homeowners; and select technology projects. To qualify for capital grant consideration, the proposed project must meet the following criteria:

  • Specific, confirmed plans, including value-engineered drawings and confirmed total project costs.
  • At least 50% of project costs have been raised (either pledged or received).
  • Direct services provided as a result of the project should align with the Foundation’s funding priorities in its focus areas of Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, and Aging (detailed within each focus area page).

The Foundation prefers to provide support in the later stages of a capital campaign, after construction costs are fixed and a substantial portion of the funding has been raised. The Foundation’s charter also sets a threshold for the total funding that it can provide to any one capital project at a maximum of 30%. However, grants are often approved for lower amounts.

Operating Grants

Operating grants fund the overall operating costs of an organization.

Program Grants

Program grants fund specific programs within an organization.

Eligibility

To be considered for funding, an organization must meet several requirements:
  • Be a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status; or have a fiscal sponsor that has 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status; or be an Israeli equivalent.
  • Provide direct services to low-income and vulnerable populations.
  • Have audited financial statements or external financial reviews.
  • Have been in operation for at least three years.
Applying for one of our special grant programs? Find information on eligibility, geographic focus, and how to apply for our Baltimore City Community Grants, Leadership Grants, and Small Grants programs.

The Foundation does not fund the following interests/entities:

  • Individuals
  • Arts and culture
  • Postsecondary scholarships
  • Debt reduction
  • Colleges and universities
  • Religious institutions and facilities (including churches, congregations, mosques, synagogues, and temples)
  • Think tanks
  • Endowments
  • Political action groups
  • Annual appeals (in most cases)
  • Publications
  • Academic or health research
  • Fundraising events

Special Grant Programs

  • Baltimore City Community Grants Program

    This program supports small nonprofits with an annual operating budget of $500,000 or less that provide direct services to low-income individuals and families in Baltimore City. Eligible organizations may apply for up to $20,000 to assist with general operating expenses, program, or capital costs.
    Learn more about this program.

  • Leadership Grants Program

    This program supports the development of leaders of color at grantee organizations. With grants of up to $20,000, the Foundation aims to honor and invest in these individuals while also expanding the pipeline of candidates for nonprofit executive leadership opportunities.
    Learn more about this program.

  • Small Grants Program

    The program supports nonprofits with a streamlined grant application and review process. Grants awarded under this program — operating, program, or capital — must still align with the Foundation’s strategic priorities in the areas of Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, or Aging. The maximum small grant amount is $50,000 over two years.
    Learn more about this program.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, or require any additional information regarding the grant process, please contact grantsintake@hjweinberg.org.