How the Richard A. Henson Foundation Gives in Maryland

Born and raised in Maryland, Richard A. Henson knew he wanted a career in aviation and lived a long life pursuing that goal. Henson was a commercial pilot, bought a flying service, established a pilot training program and is credited with the idea of using commuter planes to serve small cities and connect passengers to larger cities.

He worked in the airline industry until the age of 80 and then shifted his attention to philanthropy, setting up the Richard A. Henson Foundation. Henson was active with the foundation until his death in 2002 at the age of 92. To guide Maryland grantseekers, here are some top things to know about the Richard A. Henson Foundation and its local giving.

A focus on Salisbury, Maryland

The Henson Foundation’s primary geographic focus is Salisbury, Maryland, the largest city in the state’s Eastern Shore region and just south of the Delaware border. However, Henson was committed to the entire state of Maryland, and the foundation supports organizations based throughout the state. It does not fund organizations outside of Maryland at all.

Broad interests

While the foundation’s geographic interest is narrow, its funding interests are broad. The Henson Foundation supports many different types of nonprofits in the region, including the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, Village of Hope Transitional Home for Women and Children, Wicomico Public Libraries and the Chesapeake Housing Mission. Public schools, affordable housing, youth development and cultural festivals are also of interest to this funder.

Different types of funding

Note also that the Henson Foundation provides different types of support based on what local nonprofits need the most. For instance, it regularly offers funding for general operating support, ongoing programs, capital campaigns and scholarships.

Applying for a grant

The first step in applying for a Henson Foundation is to submit an initial letter of inquiry. These inquiries should be no more than two pages and be submitted via email or fax by the second Monday of every month, except for August and December. The foundation’s board reviews letters of inquiry on an ongoing basis and then invites selected applicants to complete full applications. Organizations can submit inquiries once every 12 months for consideration.

Learn more about this funder and others that focus specifically on Maryland in our Maryland Grants for Nonprofits Guide.

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