BALTIMORE, Md., March 1, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the United States, today announced that Donn Weinberg has concluded his three-year term as Chairman of the Board.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve in this position," said Donn Weinberg, outgoing Chairman of the Board. "The past three years have been especially significant for me personally and, most importantly, for the Foundation as a whole. This organization continues to enhance its reputation as a national leader within the nonprofit philanthropic community."
During Weinberg's tenure, the Weinberg Foundation initiated several major funding projects including a $10 million gift to Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital in Baltimore, the largest gift to a long-term care center in the Foundation's history; the $8.1 million Weinberg Caregiver Initiative which concludes this year; a $5 million commitment over four years to the Weinberg Library Project; and a total $3 million investment in deeply-affordable housing for persons with disabilities including a joint venture with the State of Maryland, the first of its kind in the nation.
Ellen M. Heller, one of the Foundation's five Trustees, has succeeded Donn Weinberg as Chair of the Board and will serve in that role for the next three years. Weinberg and Heller will continue in their roles as Trustees.
"Donn has been a superior leader and ambassador for the Weinberg Foundation's many good works serving low-income and vulnerable individuals and families," said Judge Ellen M. Heller, incoming Chair of the Board. "Our individual roles may change, but we are all part of the Foundation's singular and steadfast commitment to organizational mission and the execution of Harry's vision to care for those in need."
The Foundation's leadership structure is dictated by the Foundation's charter, which was authored by Harry Weinberg before his death in 1990.
"As an organization, we have worked to make the Weinberg Foundation even more responsive and engaged with the community," said Rachel Garbow Monroe, Weinberg Foundation President. "I want to personally acknowledge and thank Donn for his significant contributions as Chairman of the Board, and I congratulate Ellen as she begins what I know will be another three years of exceptional leadership."
The Foundation's Trustees, who together comprise the Board of Directors, are responsible for the overall setting of policy for the Foundation. This includes oversight of roughly $2.1 billion in assets, approval of the annual grant budget of approximately $100 million, and weekly review of Foundation grants.
About The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private charitable foundations in the United States, provides approximately $100 million in annual grants to nonprofits that provide direct services to low-income and vulnerable individuals and families, primarily in the U.S. and Israel. Grants are focused on meeting basic needs and enhancing an individual's ability to meet those needs with emphasis on older adults, the Jewish community, and our hometown communities of Maryland, northeastern Pennsylvania, and Hawaii. The trustees, some of whom also serve as executive officers of the Foundation, are Donn Weinberg, Barry I. Schloss, Robert T. Kelly, Jr., Alvin Awaya, and Chair Ellen M. Heller.Rachel Garbow Monroe serves as the Weinberg Foundation's President. For more information please go to www.hjweinbergfoundation.org.