Maryland small grants program

The Foundation initiated the Maryland Small Grants Program (MSGP) on December 1, 2007, 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 MSGP has been overwhelming. The Foundation is pleased to announce that since the establishment of the Maryland Small Grants Program, $10,463,450 has been awarded to 181 nonprofit organizations across the state.

Important MSGP Updates

The MSGP was launched as a two-year program. After careful review at the one-year mark, the Trustees have made several decisions regarding the program.

Post MSGP: At the conclusion of two years of MSGP funding, the nonprofit grantee may apply for future funding through the standard Foundation full grant application process.

Revised Focus for the Maryland Small Grants Program: In response to the difficult economic challenges, the Foundation Trustees have determined that through the economic crisis, the MSGP will focus its grants to 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 improvement to a structure. The Foundation may not contribute more than 30% of the total cost of the capital project.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the Maryland Small Grants Program, an applicant must:

• Be a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status.
• Be headquartered in the State of Maryland or provide direct service primarily to residents of the State of Maryland.
• Be an operating nonprofit for a minimum of three years.
• Meet The Weinberg Foundation’s mission of providing direct services to poor and vulnerable populations.
• Request funds for general operating support, program support, or capital projects that address home repair, modifications, or improvement of a structure.
• Maintain an organizational budget of less than $5 million.
• Submit requests that represent no more than 25% of an organization’s total annual operating budget.

Through the economic crisis, MSGP will focus its grants on organizations that address basic needs, such as food security, homelessness, health, family safety, economic assistance, and workforce development.

The maximum award available under the Maryland Small Grants Program is $50,000 per year for up to two years or a total maximum grant of $100,000. However, most grants awarded are between $10,000 and $25,000 a year.

The Foundation does not provide funds for the following:

• Individuals
• Debt reduction
• Annual appeals and fundraising events (in most cases)
• Endowments (in most cases)
• Publications
• Arts and culture
• Colleges and universities
• Political action groups
• Academic or health research
• Scholarships for higher education
• Think tanks
• More than two years of MSGP funding