Venable Foundation Grant

The Venable Foundation, established in 1983 by equity partners of Venable LLP, is a private grantmaking institution dedicated to fostering the health and well-being of communities where the firm operates. Rooted in Venable LLP’s longstanding culture of community engagement and civic responsibility, the Foundation annually supports nonprofit organizations that serve economically disadvantaged and underrepresented populations. The Foundation’s resources are drawn exclusively from the firm’s equity partners, reinforcing its philanthropic mission and the shared commitment of the organization to invest in local impact. The Foundation prioritizes a diverse array of issue areas, including human services, education, legal services, workforce development, health, environment, arts and culture, and youth impact. Eligible organizations deliver programming that addresses homelessness, food insecurity, domestic violence, legal access, environmental preservation, healthcare, academic enrichment, and employment training. The Foundation supports both general operating and project-specific grants, with a strong preference for programs that benefit low-income communities and remove systemic barriers to success. Applicants must clearly articulate how their work aligns with these core funding priorities. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants must operate in or serve specific geographic areas tied to Venable’s major offices, including Washington, DC and Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church), Baltimore (city and county), New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Miami, and Denver. Religious, political, or discriminatory organizations are ineligible, as are school-specific projects, parent-teacher associations, and event sponsorships. Organizations using fiscal sponsorship must follow defined registration protocols and clearly describe their relationship with the sponsor. The grant application process occurs three times annually, with deadlines on February 1, June 1, and September 1. Prior grantees and invited organizations must submit a full application, while new applicants or those not funded in the last two years must first submit a Letter of Interest (LOI), reviewed on a rolling basis. All submissions must be made through the Foundation’s online portal, where applicants register and follow the “Apply Now” process. Only one application or LOI may be submitted per year. Webinars held in advance of deadlines offer additional guidance, and first-time applicants are encouraged to attend. Decisions are typically announced approximately four months after each application deadline. While specific award amounts are not published, the average grant size is approximately $10,000, with smaller awards common for first-time recipients. Application reviews are conducted by location-specific committees, and applicants are advised to select the most relevant geographic area for their project. Organizations working nationally must tailor their applications to a specific Venable Foundation city or region. Each application should clearly outline the organization’s mission, the target population served, and anticipated outcomes. Michael W. Bigley, the Foundation’s Director, serves as the primary contact for questions and registration assistance. He can be reached via email at [email protected]. While no downloadable PDF guidelines were referenced, all critical information and instructions are accessible via the Foundation’s web platform. The recurring nature of this grant cycle means that opportunities will be available in future years for eligible applicants. The Foundation remains committed to equitable community investment and long-term support for impactful nonprofit programs.

Attend webinars before applying; focus your proposal on one eligible geography; align clearly with funding priorities