Weinberg Foundation Announces Program Revisions to the Maryland Small Grants Program

BALTIMORE, MD, Jul 06 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private
foundations in the United States, today announced program changes to the
Maryland Small Grants Program. Launched in December 2007, the Foundation
initiated the Maryland Small Grants Program (MSGP) 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 Maryland Small Grants Program has been overwhelming.
The Foundation has awarded $10,463,450 to 181 nonprofits organizations
across the state since the program began less than two years ago.

Important Maryland Small Grants Program Updates

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

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

-- Revised Focus for the Maryland Small Grants Program: In response to
current economic circumstances, the Foundation Trustees have determined
that through the period of this economic crisis, the MSGP will focus its
grant funding for 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 improvements to an existing
structure. The Foundation may not contribute more than 30% of the total
cost of a capital project, and often contributes less.

The Weinberg Foundation is accepting applications for the Maryland
Small Grants Program, and will continue to do so for the remainder of
2009 and for 2010. To participate in the Maryland Small Grants Program,
an applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, headquartered in
Maryland or provide direct services primarily to residents of the state,
be in operation for a minimum of 3 years, provide services for poor and
vulnerable populations, maintain a budget of less than $5 million, and
request funds for general operating support, program support, or certain
capital requests. Funding requests must represent no more than 25 percent
of an organization's total annual operating budget. For more information
or an application, nonprofits may visit the Weinberg Foundation's web
site at www.hjweinbergfoundation.org.

Grant inquiries should be directed to Phyllis Bloom, Director, Maryland
Small Grants Program. She can be reached by phone at 410-654-8500, ext.
256, or by email at pbloom@hjweinberg.org.

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.

Media Contact:
Danielle Davis
443-834-6725
Email Contact

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

-0-