Wineburg Foundation

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, established in 1959 by businessman Harry Weinberg, is one of the largest U.S. private philanthropies, with over $3 billion in assets and $150 million in annual grants. Rooted in Weinberg's immigrant experience from poverty, its mission centers on combating poverty and fostering vibrant communities through practical, direct services for low-income and vulnerable populations. Guided by values of dignity, independence, and tangible impact, the foundation emphasizes strategic investments in regions tied to the founders' history and trustees' residences, blending Jewish philanthropy with broader community support via a collaborative board-staff model.

It prioritizes five themes—housing, health, jobs, education, and aging—with cross-cutting focus on basic needs like food security and opportunities to thrive. Key causes include enabling older adults to age independently, workforce preparation for 21st-century jobs, high-quality education for children, disability inclusion, and aid for military families, immigrants, homeless individuals, at-risk women/children, and people with disabilities. Grants support capital projects, programs, and operating costs for direct-service nonprofits delivering measurable improvements.

Eligible organizations are established medium-to-large nonprofits with proven track records and audited finances, operating in Baltimore, Hawaiʻi, Israel, New York City, Northeastern Pennsylvania, San Francisco, or adjacent U.S. rural areas; no UK focus unless aligned. Applications are strictly by invitation only—no unsolicited proposals—with timelines provided to selected invitees; the Maryland Small Grants Program accepts rolling applications from small nonprofits for up to $50,000 annually (two years max).

Grants typically start at $50,000, ranging $100,000 to over $1 million for capital awards. Distinctives include exclusion of universities, colleges, orchestras, museums, policy advocacy, and research; its scale, geographic precision, Jewish-general balance, and grantee partnerships set it apart for high-impact anti-poverty work.