The Venable Foundation was established to promote the health and well-being of the communities where Venable’s clients and employees work and live. The Foundation supports a wide range of civic, cultural, and charitable endeavors, as well as public interest law and legal education. The Venable Foundation is particularly interested in how its grants impact low-income and underrepresented communities, working to eliminate barriers to success.

Grantees provide a variety of programs for the community, including out-of-school time activities, arts education, academic enrichment, homeless services, transitional and supportive housing, access to food, LGBTQ+ services, college access, workforce development, environmental preservation, health-based initiatives, legal services, immigration support, and a variety of other issues affecting low-income individuals and domestic violence survivors.

Grant support is provided to assist with general operations and projects. Currently, the Venable Foundation’s funding priorities include:

Human Services – The Foundation has a strong track record of supporting a breadth of essential human services, including programs that impact people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, incarcerated and returning citizens, LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities, and those affected by domestic violence and housing insecurity.

Legal Services – We support the delivery of free or affordable legal services in our communities. Pro bono consulting and representation focus on a variety of issues, including domestic violence, housing, immigration, public benefits, and discrimination, among other areas. Legal service nonprofits providing “know your rights” training and other activities are also supported. The Foundation also supports training for youth and adults to ensure diversity and access to careers in the legal profession.

Education – The Foundation supports a wide array of early childhood, in-school, and out-of-school time initiatives that provide in-depth opportunities for learning and engagement to position children for success and level the playing field for economically disadvantaged youth.

Workforce Development – We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to pursue gainful employment. Thus, we support organizations with the goal of developing the workforce of today and tomorrow. Successful programs recruit and train individuals and place them in relevant jobs so that they can earn a sustainable living wage for themselves and their families. Skill development is focused on low-income, underemployed, and unemployed community members, and on preparing youth for careers after their schooling is complete.

Youth Impact – The Foundation invests in services that impact children in each of our communities. These initiatives ensure economically disadvantaged youth are healthy and safe and have opportunities to thrive.

Health – The Foundation is committed to improving wellness and increasing access to care for economically disadvantaged individuals in the region. Successful organizations and programs work to eliminate barriers to healthcare for all ages and provide accessible and no-stigma testing for a variety of diseases. We support pediatric to geriatric services that address a variety of health concerns.

Environment – We support organizations involved in the preservation of our natural resources and those that are addressing natural or man-made disasters in our target regions. Programs educate communities and work for change on a variety of environmental issues, from wildfires to pollution.

Arts and Culture – The Foundation supports initiatives in the arts that promote deeper public engagement and build up the creative economy, with an emphasis on low-income and underserved communities.

Funding is prioritized to the following locations:

• Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Arlington County, Alexandria, and Falls Church

• Baltimore City and County

• New York City, specifically within the five boroughs

• Los Angeles City and County

• San Francisco Bay Area, with an emphasis on San Francisco

• Chicago, specifically within the city but extending into Cook County

• Miami

• Denver

Applicants have the option to apply for either General Operating Support or Project Support, depending on the needs of the organization at a particular time. Organizations with a scope of work that includes geographic areas beyond the Venable Foundation's boundaries should apply for a project that is centered around a single Venable location. For example, a national organization may target its proposal at Baltimore-focused initiatives. Each project request must include a separate budget.

The average size of a Venable Foundation grant is approximately $10,000. First-time awardees are usually on the smaller end of the spectrum. It is up to the organization to determine what it feels is an appropriate request.

A Letter of Interest (LOI) is now required that will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Venable Foundation accepts applications three times per year. Deadlines are February 1st, June 1st, and September 1st each year.