Weinberg Foundation Increases Annual Distribution to $125 Million for 2019

BALTIMORE, Nov. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the United States, today announces a significant increase in the amount of its annual grantmaking, as part of its Biennial Community Gathering. In 2016, the Foundation's leadership decided to host major events such as the Community Gathering every two years, rather than every year, with the goal of dedicating more of the Foundation's funds to grants rather than expenses.

"Thanks to the leadership of our Board of Trustees as well as our investment, finance, and real estate teams, the Foundation's assets have grown to approximately $2.6 billion," said Robert T. Kelly, Jr., Weinberg Foundation Board Chair and Trustee. "This growth allows the Foundation to expand its philanthropic reach and impact. Specifically, we are pleased to announce that the Foundation's total grant distribution in 2019 will grow to $125 million."

The Foundation's growth in assets and increase in grant dollars is part of a transformational time for the organization, including its five-member Board of Trustees. In just two and a half years, the Foundation has on-boarded three new trustees. Ambassador Fay Hartog-Levin (Ret.) joined the Foundation in May 2016, followed by Paula B. Pretlow in January 2018. As previously announced, Alvin Awaya will retire from the Foundation on November 30, 2018 and will be succeeded by Gordon Berlin on December 1, 2018. The Foundation now has also begun the process of identifying the successor to Donn Weinberg, who retired on October 2, 2018.

More than 1,000 community, civic, and business leaders are expected to attend today's event which will include keynote remarks by Becky Margiotta, Principal/Owner, the Billions Institute. This organization strives to answer one question: how can we engage one billion people to solve the world's biggest problems in the next 50 years?

Weinberg Foundation Biennial Community Gathering

• Wednesday, November 14, 2018
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. reception begins, 5:00 p.m. program begins, 5:45 p.m. program concludes)
• Beth El Congregation, 8101 Park Heights Avenue, Pikesville, MD 21208

"The Foundation would like to thank its many partners for the meaningful work they do to make our communities better and stronger," stated Rachel Garbow Monroe, President and CEO. "Although the past few weeks have been especially painful for all of us—the Pittsburgh and California mass shootings, and the devastating wildfires in California—we can all take comfort in the good work that has been accomplished by so many. At the Foundation, these accomplishments would not be possible without the leadership and support of our mission-driven board, as well as the commitment of our superb staff."

Program highlights include the Foundation's recent $12 million grant to support inclusion at Jewish camp, as well as the announcement that the Foundation will host a national convening on Jewish poverty, March 19, in San Francisco. Monroe will also promote the 15^th library grand opening as part of the Baltimore Library Project. The celebration of the new space at James McHenry Elementary/Middle School is scheduled for January 23, 2019.

Past Community Gatherings have featured videos showcasing select grantees that demonstrated the Foundation's broader work and mission. This year, the Foundation invited all of its current grantees to tell their own stories in a 60-second video, as part of the Show Us Your Story video contest. More than 100 organizations—from Israel to Hawaii and throughout the US—submitted entries. An expert panel judged the finalists and, at today's event, the Foundation will recognize the top 10, sharing those videos with the audience.

Today the Foundation also launches a new, fully redesigned website, which includes a new grantmaking structure and online application process. The Foundation has simplified and re-framed all of its grant work into four primary areas: Housing, Health, Jobs, and Education. Please visit www.hjweinbergfoundation.org for more information.

About The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private charitable foundations in the United States, is dedicated to meeting the basic needs of vulnerable people and families experiencing poverty. In 2019, the Foundation will provide approximately $125 million in grants to nonprofits that provide direct services in the areas of Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, and Community Services. The Foundation's priority communities include Baltimore, Chicago, Hawaii, Israel, New York City, Northeastern Pennsylvania, San Francisco, and Rural Communities (primarily surrounding other priority communities). The Foundation's trustees include Robert T. Kelly, Jr., Board Chair; Ambassador Fay Hartog-Levin (Ret.); Paula B. Pretlow; and (effective December 1, 2018) Gordon Berlin. Rachel Garbow Monroe continues to serve as President and CEO. For more information, please visit www.hjweinbergfoundation.org.

SOURCE Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

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http://www.hjweinbergfoundation.org