Selected Grants Made : 2018
Below is a sampling of grants awarded in 2018. Additional grantmaking activities may be reflected on the foundation's form 990-PF. This list, however, is representative of the grants approved by the board as a whole (exclusive of discretionary gifts) and is an accurate representation of our grantmaking priorities for 2018.
As noted, the foundation shifted its focus and mission in mid-2017, so grant activity from 2013-2017 may not be indicative of future direction. Grants made in 2018 and beyond are more reflective of our current priorities for 2018-2022. For more information on our grants process, what we’re looking for, and how to apply, visit our Grants Page.
General Grants
Adoptions Together (Maryland) - $10,000, Multiyear General Operating Support: Adoptions Together is a child and family health and welfare agency that provides therapeutic support and education for children and their families, works to build healthy, lifelong connections between children and families, and provides advocacy for best practices in child welfare systems. Their programs strive to ensure that children of all ages have the opportunity to grow up in healthy, supportive and permanent families by addressing the issues of abuse, neglect and family stability. First installment of a three-year, $30,000 commitment.
Baltimore Community ToolBank (Baltimore City and surrounding areas, MD) - $12,000, Multiyear General Operating Support: The Baltimore Community ToolBank serves hundreds of community-based organizations annually with a wealth of tools and resources. In addition to their tool lending program, the ToolBank intentionally connects partners to each other in order to share knowledge, skills and resources to make our communities vibrant. First installment of a three-year, $36,000 commitment.
Baltimore Community ToolBank (Baltimore City and surrounding areas, MD) - $3,000, Project-Specific Support: The Baltimore Community ToolBank serves hundreds of community-based organizations annually with a wealth of tools and resources. In addition to their tool lending program, the ToolBank intentionally connects partners to each other in order to share knowledge, skills and resources to make our communities vibrant. Funding supported the purchase of revenue-generating tools.
Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation (Baltimore, MD) - $7,500, General Operating Support: Banner Neighborhoods promotes resident-based leadership, neighborhood pride and stability, and provides direct services that contribute to the overall viability of parts of East and Southeast communities in Baltimore City.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy (International) - $2,500, Disaster Relief: The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDC) transforms disaster giving by providing timely and thoughtful strategies to increase donors’ impact during domestic and international disasters. Funding provided support for mid- and long-term recovery following Hurricane Irma.
Civic Works (Baltimore, MD) - $7,500, Program-Specific Support for Real Food Farm: Civic Works’ mission is to strengthen Baltimore’s communities through education, community service, and skills development. Real Food Farm works to improve food access for low-income residents of Baltimore City and provide workforce development opportunities in urban agriculture.
Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (Anne Arundel County, MD) - $5,000, General Operating Support: The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) inspires and promotes giving in Anne Arundel County by connecting people who care to causes that matter.
Community Wealth Builders, fiscally sponsored by Strong City Baltimore (Baltimore, MD) - $10,000, General Operating Support: Community Wealth Builders fosters more equitable, inclusive, sustainable neighborhood economies by promoting and catalyzing community wealth building models and strategies across Baltimore City.
FreeState Justice (Maryland) - $10,000, Multiyear General Operating Support: FreeState Justice seeks to improve the lives of LGBTQ youth through legal services to represent LGBTQ youth in court; training service providers and government agencies in effectively serving LGBTQ youth; and policy advocacy. First installment of a three-year, $30,000 commitment.
Hood College (Frederick, MD) - $10,000, Program-Specific Support for the Frederick Food Security Network: Through an integration of the liberal arts and the professions, Hood College provides an education that empowers students to use their hearts, minds and hands to meet personal, professional and global challenges and to lead purposeful lives of responsibility, leadership, service and civic engagement. Funding to grow the Frederick Food Security Network, a community gardening program addressing food insecurity in Frederick County, Maryland.
Intersection of Change (Baltimore, MD) - $10,000, Program-Specific Support for Strength to Love II Farm: Intersection of Change (IOC) was founded in 1996 to address poverty-related issues in its underserved communities of west Baltimore. IOC's mission is to provide programs that enrich the economic, social, and spiritual lives of those dealing with poverty-related issues in Sandtown-Winchester, Upton, and the surrounding communities. Strength to Love II operates an urban farm that addresses community food desert issues and offers employment to returning citizens.
Life Asset, Inc (Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland) - $7,000, Program Specific-Support for Maryland Programs: Life Asset's mission is to help alleviate poverty in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia by empowering people through affordable financial products, services, and education, thereby promoting self-help and self-respect and expanding social and economic opportunities for low-income individuals. Funding supported the expansion of Life Assets’ Microloan and Financial Training Program to more low-income individuals in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Frederick County, creating financial self-sufficiency through small business ownership.
The Light House (Annapolis, Maryland) - $10,000, General Operating Support: The Light House is both a facility and a program. Their mission is to help rebuild lives with compassion by providing shelter and services to prevent homelessness and empower people as they transition toward employment, housing and self-sufficiency. First installment of a three-year, $30,000 commitment.
Literacy Council of Frederick County (Frederick, MD) - $12,000, General Operating Support: The Literacy Council of Frederick County teaches adults the reading and other English language skills they need to provide for their families and contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the community.
Maryland Center on Economic Policy (Maryland) - $10,000, Multiyear General Operating Support: The Maryland Center on Economic Policy advances innovative policy ideas to foster broad prosperity and help our state be the standard-bearer for responsible public policy. MDCEP engages in research, analysis, strategic communications, public education, and grassroots alliances promoting robust debate and greater public awareness of the policy choices Maryland residents face. First installment of a three-year, $30,000 commitment.
Maryland Farmers Market Association (Maryland) - $6,000, Maryland Market Money Program: The Maryland Farmers Market Association (MDFMA) cultivates a vibrant & sustainable farmers market community in Maryland as a means of supporting local agricultural producers, providing access to fresh, nutritious foods for all, and cultivating positive community spaces. Funding supported the Maryland Market Money Program.
Maryland Hunger Solutions (Maryland) - $12,500, General Operating Support: Through outreach, advocacy, technical assistance, research, public education, and collaboration, Maryland Hunger Solutions seeks to end hunger, improve nutrition, and promote the well-being of Marylanders in need by ensuring that federal nutrition programs are used the greatest extent possible, and that schools and program providers have access to federal funds to serve food that mets high nutrition standards.
Partners in Care (Anne Arundel County and Frederick County, MD) - $2,500, General Operating Support: Partners In Care is the recognized leader in Maryland for programs and services that support the independence of older adults by using the time and talents of PIC members, leadership, and staff.
Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs (Frederick County) - $6,000, Emergency Family Shelter Support: The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs coordinates donations of time, talent, money, food and other resources to meet the urgent needs of people of Frederick County. The Coalition works toward a more just and compassionate society.
Rob’s Barbershop Community Foundation (Maryland) - $5,000, MCVET Grooming Project: Rob’s Barbershop Community Foundation supports projects that improve the grooming, hygiene and well-being of individuals lacking access to regular hygienic care. Funding supported the installation of a full-service barber/beauty salon within the Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training Baltimore facility for former military personnel experiencing homelessness.
United Way of Frederick County (Frederick County, MD) - $5,000, ALICE Project & Intervention Model: United Way of Frederick County improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of the Frederick County community to advance the common good. Funding supported the 2018 ALICE Report and provide training and analyses to inform local funders about root causes of systemic barriers to education, financial stability, and health, and how to develop solutions.
Volunteering Untapped (Baltimore, MD) - $10,000, Capacity Building Support: Volunteering Untapped works to improvine Baltimore by increasing volunteerism through mass volunteer events for nonprofit organizations in Baltimore. Capacity-building support contributed to the first full-time staff hire for the organization.
Woman to Woman Mentoring (Frederick County, MD) - $2,500, General Operating Support: Woman to Woman Mentoring cultivate mentoring relationships that provide women with guidance, support, and community connections.
Youth Empowered Society, fiscally sponsored by Strong City Baltimore (Baltimore, MD) - $7,500, Multiyear General Operating Support: YES Drop-In Center is Baltimore City’s first and only opportunities. and allies that them make and sustain connections to long-term resources and drop-in center for homeless youth. YES Drop-In Center is a safe space for youth who are homeless and between the ages of 14-25, to get basic needs met and establish supportive relationships with peer staff. First installment of a one-year, $15,000 commitment.
Leadership Development Grants
The Leadership Development Grants Program, which awards organizations with up to 2 grants of a maximum of $1,500 each, was piloted in 2017. The goal of the program is to provide professional development support to non-profit staff (and/or key volunteers, depending on organization structure). Based on the high demand for the program in 2017, as well as feedback received from both applicants and recipients, the program was renewed at twice the budget for 2018. Additional funding for 2018 was made available for Frederick non-profits through co-funding provided by the Ausherman Family Foundation. More information about the program, including updates and announcements for future years of funding, can be found here.
Advocates for Homeless Families (Frederick County, MD) - $1,164, Leadership Development: Advocates for Homeless Families' works to achieve permanent solutions to homelessness by providing access to housing, education, employment, and supportive services to Frederick County families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. Leadership Development funding, co-funded by the Ausherman Family Foundation, supported continuing education workshops for a Family Advocate.
Baltimore Community ToolBank (Baltimore City and surrounding areas, MD) - $1,309, Leadership Development: The Baltimore Community ToolBank serves hundreds of community-based organizations annually with a wealth of tools and resources. In addition to their tool lending program, the ToolBank intentionally connects partners to each other in order to share knowledge, skills and resources to make our communities vibrant. Leadership Development funding supported professional development costs for staff to offset the costs of classes, conferences and some travel expenses.
Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation (Baltimore, MD) - $1,467, Leadership Development Support: Banner Neighborhoods promotes resident-based leadership, neighborhood pride and stability, and provides direct services that contribute to the overall viability of parts of East and Southeast communities in Baltimore City. Leadership Development funding supported attendance at a youth development training.
Catherine’s Family and Youth Services (Baltimore, MD) - $1,500, Leadership Development Support: Catherine’s Youth and Family Services (CYFS) organization helps to improve the quality of life for all the residents living in Northwest Baltimore City and surrounding areas. Leadership Development funding supported attendance for the CFO at a training around accounting rules and regulations for non-profit organizations.
Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (Frederick, MD) - $1,500, Leadership Development Support: COIPP believes that children of incarcerated parents are a group of children who lack a voice of their own. They work to give them such a voice in the community, in the schools, and in their family via resources and programs to meet the needs of the children and their caregivers. Leadership Development funding, co-funded by the Ausherman Family Foundation, supported the volunteer Executive Director’s attendance at an international conference for organizations serving children of incarcerated parents.
Collegiate Directions, Inc. (Maryland) - $1,055, Leadership Development Support: Collegiate Directions, Inc. (CDI) is a college access and success organization committed to closing the education and opportunity gap by providing comprehensive college counseling services and ongoing support—beginning in high school and continuing through college graduation—to a target population of low-income, primarily first-generation-to-college students. Leadership Development funding supported a staff person’s attendance at the NACAC Conference in September 2018, to identify the latest trends, technologies, and identify best practices available to counselors.
Community Wealth Builders, fiscally sponsored by Strong City Baltimore (Baltimore, MD) - $10,000, Leadership Development Support: Community Wealth Builders fosters more equitable, inclusive, sustainable neighborhood economies by promoting and catalyzing community wealth building models and strategies across Baltimore City. Leadership Development funding supported the Project Director’s participation in related conference and training opportunities focused on community wealth building.
Delaplaine Arts Center (Frederick County, MD) - $800, Leadership Development Support: The Delaplaine Arts Center provides the Frederick region with educational opportunities and experiences in the visual arts through classes, exhibits and programs. Leadership Development funding, co-funded by the Ausherman Family Foundation, supported a staff-wide Implicit Bias Workshop.
Delaplaine Arts Center (Frederick County, MD) - $1,890, Leadership Development Support: The Delaplaine Arts Center provides the Frederick region with educational opportunities and experiences in the visual arts through classes, exhibits and programs. Leadership Development funding, co-funded by the Ausherman Family Foundation, supported a two staff members’ participation in the 2018 Conference for Community Arts Education.
Interfaith Housing Alliance (Frederick County, MD) - $3,000, Leadership Development Support: IHA strengthens communities by providing affordable housing opportunities and supportive services to improve the quality of life and economic stability for seniors, working families and individuals. Leadership Development funding, co-funded by the Ausherman Family Foundation, supported a series of 5 internal training and team-building workshops for the leadership and admin team at Interfaith Housing Alliance.
Maryland Environmental Health Network, fiscally sponsored by the Association of Baltimore-Area Grantmakers (Baltimore, MD) - $1,500, Leadership Development: The Maryland Environmental Health Network seeks to improve the health of Marylanders by minimizing exposures to environmental threats and toxic chemicals through effective environmental legislation and institutional policies. Funding provided executive coaching for one staff person.
Mental Health Association of Frederick County (Frederick County, MD) - $1,500, Leadership Development Support: MHA's works to build a strong foundation of emotional wellness for our whole community by preparing resilient children, securing vulnerable families and standing with people to face crises together. Leadership Development funding, co-funded by the Ausherman Family Foundation, supported one staff person’s participation in the 2018 Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate Program.
MTM Foundation (Baltimore, MD) - $1,500, Leadership Development Support: MTM provides a multi-layered interactive youth and community development program designed to expose low income and the under-served youth of Baltimore City to the essential elements of college readiness (education) and entrepreneurship. Leadership Development funding supported professional development courses for new organization leaders.
Pigtown Main Street (Baltimore, MD) - $1,500, Leadership Development Support: Since 2000, Pigtown Main Street, has led the revitalization of the Washington Boulevard commercial corridor in Historic Pigtown, a neighborhood of Southwest Baltimore City. The organization offers technical assistance to small business owners; partners with property owners to recruit new small businesses; implements clean, green and safe initiatives; and hosts free neighborhood events that foster community pride and attract customers. Funding supporting participation in the Main Street Now Conference for one staff person.
Playworks Maryland (Baltimore, MD) - $1,085, Leadership Development Support: Playworks improves the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe and meaningful play. Leadership Development funding supported one staff person’s participation in the National Coalition Building Institute’s Leadership for Diversity Institute.
Southeast Community Development Corporation (Baltimore, MD) - $1,500, Leadership Development Support: Southeast CDC promotes healthy, vibrant and diverse communities in Southeast Baltimore through creative community development projects and proven programs. Leadership Development funding supported leadership development for parent leaders at its three Community Schools and professional development for two of its Community School Coordinators.