Grantmaking
Investing in Baltimore’s Future
What we fund, who’s eligible, and how to apply.
Grantmaking
Investing in Baltimore’s Future
What we fund, who’s eligible, and how to apply.
Grantmaking
Investing in Baltimore’s Future
What we fund, who’s eligible, and how to apply.
© 2026 Jacqueline Malonson for JAX PHOTOGRAPHY
© 2026 Jacqueline Malonson for JAX PHOTOGRAPHY
© 2026 Jacqueline Malonson for JAX PHOTOGRAPHY
What We Fund
Four priority areas, united by our commitment to Baltimore.
We’re focused on these areas — and how they intersect.
What We Fund
Four priority areas, united by our commitment to Baltimore.
We’re focused on these areas — and how they intersect.
What We Fund
Four priority areas, united by our commitment to Baltimore.
We’re focused on these areas — and how they intersect.
Eligibility
Who can apply
The Straus Foundation funds almost exclusively in the Baltimore metropolitan region.
We fund
Organizations recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) public charities serving Baltimore and surrounding Maryland communities
Established institutions and first-time applicants alike
Proposals consistent with our programmatic priorities
Projects that attempt to influence the effective spending of public funding streams
We don’t fund
Individuals
Endowment campaigns
Political campaigns
We also strongly encourage
The use of vendors in Baltimore City or the State of Maryland for business or research-related contracts
All nonprofit organizations to urge their employees or clients to access the Earned Income Tax Credit and all other benefits for which they might be eligible
Eligibility
Who can apply
The Straus Foundation funds almost exclusively in the Baltimore metropolitan region.
We fund
Organizations recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) public charities serving Baltimore and surrounding Maryland communities
Established institutions and first-time applicants alike
Proposals consistent with our programmatic priorities
Projects that attempt to influence the effective spending of public funding streams
We don’t fund
Individuals
Endowment campaigns
Political campaigns
We also strongly encourage
The use of vendors in Baltimore City or the State of Maryland for business or research-related contracts
All nonprofit organizations to urge their employees or clients to access the Earned Income Tax Credit and all other benefits for which they might be eligible
Eligibility
Who can apply
The Straus Foundation funds almost exclusively in the Baltimore metropolitan region.
We fund
Organizations recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) public charities serving Baltimore and surrounding Maryland communities
Established institutions and first-time applicants alike
Proposals consistent with our programmatic priorities
Projects that attempt to influence the effective spending of public funding streams
We don’t fund
Individuals
Endowment campaigns
Political campaigns
We also strongly encourage
The use of vendors in Baltimore City or the State of Maryland for business or research-related contracts
All nonprofit organizations to urge their employees or clients to access the Earned Income Tax Credit and all other benefits for which they might be eligible
What Gets our Attention
We are especially interested in opportunities where our relatively small size can be an advantage—where flexible capital, a thoughtful risk, a connection, or early support can help strong work become more durable, reach more people, unlock other resources, or influence a larger system.
Strong leadership and a clear vision.
We are willing to bet on people and organizations with a compelling understanding of what they’re trying to accomplish.
An opportunity for leverage.
Straus’ dollars may help unlock public funding, earned revenue, additional philanthropy, partnerships, or broader adoption.
Work that builds on Baltimore’s existing strengths.
We aren’t only looking for brand-new ideas; sometimes innovation means recognizing valuable work already happening and building the infrastructure that allows it to grow.
A place where flexible capital matters.
Particularly when conventional or restricted funding cannot easily support what is needed.
Potential beyond the individual grant.
An idea may demonstrate a new approach, strengthen a field, connect organizations, change a system, or leave an organization stronger than before.
Willingness to take risks.
Because innovation requires it.
What Gets our Attention
We are especially interested in opportunities where our relatively small size can be an advantage—where flexible capital, a thoughtful risk, a connection, or early support can help strong work become more durable, reach more people, unlock other resources, or influence a larger system.
Strong leadership and a clear vision.
We are willing to bet on people and organizations with a compelling understanding of what they’re trying to accomplish.
An opportunity for leverage.
Straus’ dollars may help unlock public funding, earned revenue, additional philanthropy, partnerships, or broader adoption.
Work that builds on Baltimore’s existing strengths.
We aren’t only looking for brand-new ideas; sometimes innovation means recognizing valuable work already happening and building the infrastructure that allows it to grow.
A place where flexible capital matters.
Particularly when conventional or restricted funding cannot easily support what is needed.
Potential beyond the individual grant.
An idea may demonstrate a new approach, strengthen a field, connect organizations, change a system, or leave an organization stronger than before.
Willingness to take risks.
Because innovation requires it.
What Gets our Attention
We are especially interested in opportunities where our relatively small size can be an advantage—where flexible capital, a thoughtful risk, a connection, or early support can help strong work become more durable, reach more people, unlock other resources, or influence a larger system.
Strong leadership and a clear vision.
We are willing to bet on people and organizations with a compelling understanding of what they’re trying to accomplish.
An opportunity for leverage.
Straus’ dollars may help unlock public funding, earned revenue, additional philanthropy, partnerships, or broader adoption.
Work that builds on Baltimore’s existing strengths.
We aren’t only looking for brand-new ideas; sometimes innovation means recognizing valuable work already happening and building the infrastructure that allows it to grow.
A place where flexible capital matters.
Particularly when conventional or restricted funding cannot easily support what is needed.
Potential beyond the individual grant.
An idea may demonstrate a new approach, strengthen a field, connect organizations, change a system, or leave an organization stronger than before.
Willingness to take risks.
Because innovation requires it.
How to Apply
Four cycles a year + rolling submissions for existing grantees.
1
Tell us about your work.
Start with the grant application. LOIs will be answered promptly by email. Follow-up meetings and/or full grant proposals may be invited, based on strategic alignment.
2
We review in four cycles.
Letters of interest from prospective grantees are reviewed four times a year. Submissions from existing grantees are accepted on a rolling basis.
3
You hear from us quickly.
We know you’re moving quickly and we commit resources without significant delays.
How to Apply
Four cycles a year + rolling submissions for existing grantees.
1
Tell us about your work.
Start with the grant application. LOIs will be answered promptly by email. Follow-up meetings and/or full grant proposals may be invited, based on strategic alignment.
2
We review in four cycles.
Letters of interest from prospective grantees are reviewed four times a year. Submissions from existing grantees are accepted on a rolling basis.
3
You hear from us quickly.
We know you’re moving quickly and we commit resources without significant delays.
How to Apply
Four cycles a year + rolling submissions for existing grantees.
1
Tell us about your work.
Start with the grant application. LOIs will be answered promptly by email. Follow-up meetings and/or full grant proposals may be invited, based on strategic alignment.
2
We review in four cycles.
Letters of interest from prospective grantees are reviewed four times a year. Submissions from existing grantees are accepted on a rolling basis.
3
You hear from us quickly.
We know you’re moving quickly and we commit resources without significant delays.
Our Process
A General Breakdown of Our Review Process
Determine whether you are eligible for a grant using our grantmaking policies above.
If you have not received a grant from The Straus Foundation before, create a grant application login. If you have previously received a grant from The Straus Foundation, please reach out to alohnes@strausfoundation.org.
Once in our grants system, you will fill out a short letter of interest (LOI) in the portal.
Foundation staff will review your LOI and notify you whether we would like a meeting or full proposal.
If applicable, Foundation staff will review your full proposal, then notify you on whether you will receive a grant and for how much.
Our Process
A General Breakdown of Our Review Process
Determine whether you are eligible for a grant using our grantmaking policies above.
If you have not received a grant from The Straus Foundation before, create a grant application login. If you have previously received a grant from The Straus Foundation, please reach out to alohnes@strausfoundation.org.
Once in our grants system, you will fill out a short letter of interest (LOI) in the portal.
Foundation staff will review your LOI and notify you whether we would like a meeting or full proposal.
If applicable, Foundation staff will review your full proposal, then notify you on whether you will receive a grant and for how much.
Our Process
A General Breakdown of Our Review Process
Determine whether you are eligible for a grant using our grantmaking policies above.
If you have not received a grant from The Straus Foundation before, create a grant application login. If you have previously received a grant from The Straus Foundation, please reach out to alohnes@strausfoundation.org.
Once in our grants system, you will fill out a short letter of interest (LOI) in the portal.
Foundation staff will review your LOI and notify you whether we would like a meeting or full proposal.
If applicable, Foundation staff will review your full proposal, then notify you on whether you will receive a grant and for how much.
Questions
Before you apply
Do you accept unsolicited applications?
Yes. Many grants begin with an invitation, but inquiries from organizations aligned with our focus areas are always welcome.
What size grants do you make?
Grant size varies with the work. We make both single-year and multi-year commitments, and we’re comfortable being an early funder.
Do you only fund established organizations?
No. Newer nonprofits, emerging leaders, and ideas without a long track record are part of how we give.
Where do you fund?
Our giving is rooted in Baltimore and the surrounding Maryland communities.
Still have a question?
Questions
Before you apply
Do you accept unsolicited applications?
Yes. Many grants begin with an invitation, but inquiries from organizations aligned with our focus areas are always welcome.
What size grants do you make?
Grant size varies with the work. We make both single-year and multi-year commitments, and we’re comfortable being an early funder.
Do you only fund established organizations?
No. Newer nonprofits, emerging leaders, and ideas without a long track record are part of how we give.
Where do you fund?
Our giving is rooted in Baltimore and the surrounding Maryland communities.
Still have a question?
Questions
Before you apply
Do you accept unsolicited applications?
Yes. Many grants begin with an invitation, but inquiries from organizations aligned with our focus areas are always welcome.
What size grants do you make?
Grant size varies with the work. We make both single-year and multi-year commitments, and we’re comfortable being an early funder.
Do you only fund established organizations?
No. Newer nonprofits, emerging leaders, and ideas without a long track record are part of how we give.
Where do you fund?
Our giving is rooted in Baltimore and the surrounding Maryland communities.
Still have a question?
ready to apply?
Take the next step
ready to apply?
Take the next step
ready to apply?
Take the next step