Guiding and Operating Principles
Guiding Principles
The Foundation's guiding principle is to underwrite philanthropic activities that demonstrate clear and effective programs for their chosen endeavors. To this end, the Foundation provides financial support, usually in the form of charitable grants. The Foundation considers diverse programs addressing some of the following areas: medical research, medical and social outreach programs, the arts, after school enrichment programs, women's issues, and scholarships for qualified men and/or women. The Foundation places particular emphasis on programs that benefit disadvantaged women and school aged children.
Grants are provided to any qualified charitable organization that can demonstrate tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) (3) or other similar provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Primary funding efforts are focused in Annapolis, Maryland; Anne Arundel County, Maryland; greater New Orleans; or the Treasure Coast area of Florida. However, the Foundation has made numerous grants to qualified organizations in other areas of the country, including the city of Chicago.
Additionally, the Foundation provides financial support in the form of low interest rate loans, known as Program Related Investments (PRI), to a variety of tax-exempt charitable organizations and institutions that can demonstrate that they are self sustaining, or have the potential to become self sustaining, or that focus on self sustaining operations and activities.
Funding is provided after the Foundation approves a written request from an appropriate organization. See, Application Procedures. Such funding may involve a single year or multi-year programs.
In order to have a greater impact on the causes it supports, the Foundation prefers to make larger grants for longer periods of time to a fewer number of qualified organization.
Operating Principles
The Foundation's grant making policies reflect the donor's interests, the legal requirements governing private philanthropy, and the inherent limitations in the Foundation's ability to respond favorably to the many requests it receives in a year.
To be considered for funding, an organization must meet several requirements:
Applicants must submit evidence of tax exemption under Section 501 (c)(3) or similar provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
Applicants must adhere to the concepts described in the Foundation's Mission Statement.
In general, applicants must provide their services principally in Annapolis, Maryland; Anne Arundel County; greater New Orleans; or the Treasure Coast area of Florida; although other areas will be considered.
The Foundation does not provide funding to applications reflecting discrimination, or for any of the following:
Individuals;
Deficit financing;
Publications;
Religious programs or purposes;
Political action groups;
Projects normally financed by governments;
Applications reflecting discrimination.
The Foundation recognizes the importance of utilizing its assets to make a meaningful and substantial impact in its selected philanthropic activities. Consequently, the Foundation is focused on:
Effectiveness- Requiring a direct connection between the expenditure of its funds and their contemplated impact. Special attention is given to low cost organizations.
Clarity- Focusing on problems or issues and related charitable activities, which offer a clear strategy or solution to the problem or issue.
Simplicity- Favoring projects that provide straightforward, problem-solving approaches with an effective and near term impact.
Leverage- Providing funding in such a way as to result in significantly greater funding than that initially provided, by providing matching grants or by using other innovative approaches and techniques.
Accountability- Emphasizing the funding of institutions or organizations directly responsible and accountable for the effective use of the resources.
Necessity- Ascertaining that the need for funding is clearly evident and that the funds being sought cannot readily be obtained from other sources.