• ELIGIBILITY
• FUNDING INTERESTS
  • Overview
  • Program Areas
• APPLICATION PROCESS
• MARYLAND SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM

• Download MSGP brochure for application guidelines.

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.

The Maryland Small Grants Program differs from the Foundation’s standard grantmaking process. There is no deadline for grant requests within the Maryland Small Grants Program and a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is not required. To see if your organization falls within the guidelines of the Maryland Small Grants Program, please download the brochure.

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

• Download MSGP brochure for application guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have a payment pending for an existing grant through the regular process. May I also apply through the MSGP?
A: If you have an approved grant, you may apply for MSGP funding if your current grant is less than 25% of your annual budget. The total combined funding cannot exceed 25% of your total annual budget.

Q: I have a proposal pending with your Foundation for more than $50,000. May I amend the amount and go through the expedited process?
A: No. Any grants that are under review should continue to be reviewed until a decision is rendered.

Q: If my program serves populations in DC and MD, may I apply through the MD Small Grants program for the MD aspect of the program and go through the regular process for the DC part of the program?
A: Apply to the MSGP for the Maryland population served, and explain, in detail, the population in DC that would not be covered by the MSGP. Ask this question as part of your MSGP application, and a determination will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Is there a specific format to use when applying?
A: Follow the specifics of the 17 questions and 5 attachments on the application. You may contact Phyllis Bloom, Director, Maryland Small Grants Program, at 410-654-8500, ext. 256 or by e-mail to pbloom@hjweinberg.org if you have additional questions.

Q: May a nonprofit apply using the 501(c)(3) status of a national organization?
A: A nonprofit may only apply using the 501(c)(3) of a national organization if that organization’s budget does not exceed $5 million.

Q: Once the grant is completed, may I apply for a MSGP grant again?
A: An organization may receive a total of two years of funding from the MSGP. Following this, an organization may apply for funding through the regular Weinberg Foundation grant process.

Q: If my application is declined may I reapply for the same program at a later date?
A: You may reapply but not for the same program. Any new proposals must be substantially different.