About Alvin and Fanny B Thalheimer Foundation
The Alvin and Fanny B Thalheimer Foundation makes relatively large, targeted gifts to prominent Baltimore–area institutions that advance education, arts, and basic human services. Their grants favor universities, cultural institutions and community nonprofits addressing food insecurity, homelessness and public-school support, indicating a local, civic-minded portfolio focused on institutional capacity and program support. Gifts are sizable and directed to a small number of well-established organizations rather than many small awards.
Focus Areas
Higher education and research support in Baltimore (e.g., Johns Hopkins University)Visual arts and college-level arts education (Maryland Institute College of Art)K–12 education improvement and public-school support (Fund for Educational Excellence; United Way education programs)Food security and emergency food distribution in Maryland (Maryland Food Bank)Health care services for people experiencing homelessness in Baltimore
Giving Approach
Concentrated, high-dollar grants to a small number of established regional institutions; no evidence of many small or experimental grants. Emphasis on program and institutional support rather than seed funding, with a clear Baltimore/Central Maryland geographic focus.
About Alvin and Fanny B Thalheimer Foundation
The Alvin and Fanny B Thalheimer Foundation Inc made three $500,000 grants in 2024 to Maryland Food Bank Inc, Maryland Institute College of Art, and The Johns Hopkins University, a clear signal that its largest gifts go to established Baltimore institutions. The foundation’s recent giving centers on education, arts, health, and basic needs, with support flowing to organizations that serve Baltimore and nearby Maryland communities. Its portfolio includes both general support and program grants, suggesting a mix of flexible operating help and designated project funding. That pattern continues through the rest of the 2024 list. United Way of Central Maryland Endowment Fund and Health Care for the Homeless Inc each received $250,000, while Fund for Educational Excellence also received $250,000. The foundation also backed Lifebridge Health Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, The Jewish Museum of Maryland, and Enoch Pratt Free Library of Baltimore City at the $100,000 level. Smaller awards to organizations such as Improving Education and Maryland Book Bank show continued attention to public education and access to essential services. Overall, the foundation gives targeted, institution-focused grants, mostly within Maryland.
What Alvin and Fanny B Thalheimer Foundation Funds
Education is a major thread in the foundation’s giving. In 2024, it awarded $250,000 to Fund for Educational Excellence for general support and $40,000 to Improving Education for general support, while also giving $20,000 to Civic Works Inc for a program grant. Earlier grants include $25,000 to Reading Partners and $15,000 to Kipp Baltimore for program support. The foundation also supports arts and cultural organizations. Maryland Institute College of Art received $500,000 for a program grant, and The Jewish Museum of Maryland received $100,000 for a program grant. In higher education, The Johns Hopkins University received $500,000 for a program grant, and Sarah Lawrence College received $200,000 for a program grant. Human services are another consistent area. Maryland Food Bank Inc received $500,000 for general support, Health Care for the Homeless Inc received $250,000 for general support, and Maryland Book Bank received $15,000 for general support.
How Alvin and Fanny B Thalheimer Foundation Gives
Typical grants cluster in the mid-five-figure to low-six-figure range: p25 is $15,000, median is $20,000, and p75 is $37,500. The recent list also shows several much larger awards, including multiple $500,000 grants. The foundation’s 2024 docket includes both general support and program grants, with no pattern of individual giving or program-related investments. Recipients appear repeatedly across years in some cases, such as Fund for Educational Excellence, Urban Teachers, Improving Education, The Literacy Lab, and Charm Voices of Baltimore Youth, indicating ongoing relationships rather than one-off awards.
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$2.2M
Total Assets
$0
Total Revenue
$2M
Total Expenses
$2.4M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $15K and $38K, with a median of $20K.
25th Percentile
$15K
Median
$20K
75th Percentile
$38K
Geographic Reach
Local7 states funded
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
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