David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation supports Jewish causes, education and literacy, human services, summer camps and intergroup understanding in the Baltimore metropolitan area.
IP TAKE: This is one of several Blaustein family philanthropies. Grantseekers in the Baltimore area are advised to reach out to a program officer prior to submitting letters of inquiry to discuss opportunities. This funder appears to prioritize organizations that provide direct services to Baltimore communities.
PROFILE: Established in 1986, the David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation is a family foundation based in Baltimore, Maryland. It remains active after the dissolution of the Louis & Henrietta Blaustein Foundation in 2001 and is one of several foundations that form the Blaustein Philanthropic Group. The Blaustein family originated from Lithuania, settled in Baltimore, founded the American Oil Company (Amoco) and is currently represented by three businesses: the American Trading and Production Corporation, Lord Baltimore Capital Corporation and Rosemore, Inc. The foundation aims to "improve the lives of families and children and cultivate a ‘level playing field.” It funds local efforts for Jewish and secular initiatives that expand educational opportunity, address human service needs, and promote intergroup tolerance and understanding.
The David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation awards education and literacy grants to help children and adults gain the skills they need to contribute to society. The foundation supports family literacy programs, but not public, parochial or independent schools. Summer camp grants help disadvantaged children gain summer learning experiences that are fun, educational and enriching. Human services grants primarily address the needs of vulnerable seniors and children. Hirschhorn grants for intergroup understanding promote tolerance and understanding among all people, regardless of their religious, ethic and racial backgrounds.
Grants range between about $5,000 and $25,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its tax filings or the Blaustein Group’s grants database. Grantmaking focuses on the Baltimore metropolitan area of Maryland. Past local grantees include CHARM: Voices of Baltimore Youth, the Hearing and Speech Agency of Metro Baltimore and the Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits by mail and by email. It also encourages nonprofits to contact the foundation staff prior to submitting a proposal to determine the most appropriate Blaustein Philanthropic Group funder to request funds from. The foundation meets two to three times per year to review applications, which are accepted on a rolling basis. The program officer on staff can advise of any specific application deadlines. Direct general questions to the staff at info@blaufund.org or 410-347-7204.
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