The Venable Foundation – Community Grants

Supporting Equity, Access, and Opportunity in Communities Where Venable Works

Organization: The Venable Foundation
Support Type: Charitable grants (general operating support and project support)
Geographic Focus: Communities where Venable has major offices
Application Deadline: February 1, 2027

About the Funder

The Venable Foundation was established to promote the health and well-being of communities where Venable’s clients and employees live and work. Funded annually by equity partner contributions, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that create meaningful connections to opportunity, resources, and one another—particularly for low-income and underrepresented communities.

The Foundation emphasizes accessible, high-impact programs that remove barriers to success and help individuals of all ages thrive.

Priority Communities

Funding is place-based and prioritized in the following regions:

• Washington, DC & Northern Virginia (Fairfax County, Arlington County, Alexandria, Falls Church)
• Baltimore City and County
• New York City (all five boroughs)
• Los Angeles City and County
• San Francisco Bay Area (with emphasis on San Francisco)
• Chicago (citywide, extending into Cook County)
• Miami
• Denver

Organizations must be based in or directly impacting one or more of these regions.

What This Program Supports

The Venable Foundation provides funding for general operations and programmatic support in the following priority areas:

• Human Services
  Programs addressing homelessness, food insecurity, domestic violence, housing instability, immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, and reentry support for returning citizens.
• Legal Services
  Free or low-cost legal services, “know your rights” education, and training initiatives that expand diversity and access to careers in the legal profession.
• Education
  Early childhood, in-school, and out-of-school programs that provide meaningful learning opportunities for economically disadvantaged youth.
• Workforce Development
  Job training and placement programs that prepare low-income, unemployed, or underemployed individuals—especially youth—for sustainable careers and living wages.
• Youth Impact
  Services that support the safety, health, and long-term success of children and teens in underserved communities.
• Health
  Initiatives improving access to healthcare, reducing stigma, and eliminating barriers to care across the lifespan.
• Environment
  Environmental preservation, disaster response, and community education addressing issues such as pollution, wildfires, and climate impacts.
• Arts & Culture
  Arts initiatives that promote public engagement, strengthen the creative economy, and expand access for low-income and underserved communities.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Be place-based in or directly serving one of the Foundation’s priority regions
• Apply once per calendar year

The Foundation does not fund:

• Religious programs that promote or proselytize
• Organizations that discriminate on any protected basis
• Research-only projects
• Individual schools or parent/teacher associations
• Event sponsorships, galas, or fundraising events

Funding Amounts

• Average grant size: Approximately $10,000
• First-time grantees typically receive awards on the lower end of the range
• Organizations should request an amount appropriate to their scope and need

Application Process

The Venable Foundation accepts applications three times per year.

📅 Deadlines:

• February 1
• June 1
• September 1

How to Apply

• Recent grantees (within past 2 years) and invited organizations: Submit a full application
• New or uninvited applicants: Submit a Letter of Interest (LOI), reviewed on a rolling basis
  • No LOI deadline, but review is not guaranteed before an upcoming cycle

All applicants must register and apply through the Foundation’s online grants portal.

📩 Decision Timeline: Funding decisions are announced approximately four months after each deadline.

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This grant is a strong fit for organizations that:

• Serve low-income and underrepresented communities
• Operate in Venable’s core metropolitan regions
• Deliver direct services with measurable impact
• Seek flexible funding for operations or programs

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

• Review Type: Competitive, fixed deadlines
• Next Deadline: February 1, 2027
• Typical Grant Size: ~$10,000
• Best Suited For: Place-based nonprofits working in human services, legal aid, education, workforce development, health, environment, or arts & culture

Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.venable.com/community/foundation?accordion=application-deadlines