Grantmaking Policies
The Foundation's grantmaking policies reflect the donor's wishes, the legal requirements governing private philanthropy, and the inherent limitations in the Foundation's ability to respond favorably to the many grant requests we receive each year. To be considered for funding, an organization must meet several requirements:
- Applicants must be nonprofit organizations as defined in Section 501(c)(3) and Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Applicants must carry on their work principally in metropolitan Baltimore.
- Applicants may not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, physical handicap, or sex.
The Foundation does not provide funds for the following:
- Endowments
- Individuals
- Building campaigns
- Deficit financing
- Annual giving
- Publications
- Arts and culture
- Religious programs or purposes
- Political action groups
- Specific disabilities or diseases
- Projects normally financed by government
In accordance with the donor's instruction, the Foundation awards no more than five percent of its grant budget in any calendar year to any single recipient. Because the Foundation is not normally a long-term source of funds, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how proposed activities will be sustained. Applicants are expected to demonstrate adequate administrative capacity and financial stability and to describe evaluation criteria and methods in their requests.
Application Process
Before applying, please consider whether your proposal agrees not only with the basic eligibility criteria, but also with the Foundation's program interests and grantmaking policies.
To apply for funding within the Foundation’s priority areas of community development or regional initiatives, or within the established program areas of community affairs, education, and human services, please submit a brief letter describing the project. It should include:
• Evidence of 501(c)(3) and 509(a) tax-exempt
status
• Background information about the applicant
• Objectives of the proposed project
• Methods for accomplishing objectives
• Projected program budget and amount sought from the Goldseker Foundation
Foundation staff will review the materials and will notify you promptly about whether a fully developed proposal is in order. Foundation staff also will be happy to answer any questions throughout the application process and provide whatever other assistance seems appropriate.
We welcome telephone inquiries about funding, preliminary letters, and grant proposals throughout the year. However, for best assurance of receiving formal consideration at one of the three meetings of the Board of Directors held each year, fully developed proposals should be submitted by the following dates:
• February 1 for consideration at the spring meeting
• May 1 for consideration at the summer meeting
• September 1 for consideration at the autumn meeting
Applicants are notified in writing of the outcome
of their requests immediately after each meeting.
Management Assistance Grants provide funds for nonprofit organizations to engage the consulting expertise needed to facilitate initiatives such as strategic planning, program evaluation, merger exploration, and fund development and sustainability. The Foundation accepts Management Assistance Grant applications throughout the year. Before submitting an application, please call the Foundation’s program officer to briefly describe your initiative and discuss its general eligibility for grant consideration. Management Assistance Grant applications that arrive without prior approval to submit will not be considered.
Guidelines for applying for Management Assistance Grants can be found by clicking here.
Correspondence and requests for information should be directed to:
Laurie M. Latuda
Program Officer
The Goldseker Foundation
Symphony Center
1040 Park Avenue, Suite 310
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Telephone 410-837-5100
Fax 410-837-7927
lmlatuda@goldsekerfoundation.org