• joining others in seeking solutions to pervasive and stubborn social and economic problems;
  
  
• promoting the development of fuller human potential and achievement of self-sufficiency through educational opportunities; and
  
  
• strengthening organizations to provide greater access and more effective services.

Special emphasis will be given to the underserved segment within the state and local communities.

• by responding to unsolicited requests initiated by organizations and institutions which demonstrate a high-priority need;
  
  
• by requesting, from time to time, that an organization or institution submit a proposal for a special program if its purpose will further the Foundation's goals;
  
  
• by initiating programs addressing key issues which reflect community-wide needs and which show promise of effecting systemic changes and impacting quality of services; and
  
  
• by commissioning studies designed to gather information pertaining to particular community needs.
  

The Foundation will give consideration to:

• public educational institutions requesting support for efforts to strengthen management skills, promote professional and faculty development, increase parental involvement, encourage higher expectations and levels of motivation, further basic skills and enrichment, and encourage students to pursue higher education;
  
  
• private educational institutions which seek to improve excellence of academic programs and provide access for the less affluent to pursue educational opportunities;
  
  
• community service organizations seeking to reach underserved, disadvantaged and "at-risk" populations, in order to help them more fully participate as contributing members of the community -- with special emphasis given to criminal justice, crime reduction, addictions, homelessness and hunger;
  
  
• human service organizations seeking to reach underserved, disadvantaged and “at risk” populations in order to help them more fully participate as contributing members of the community - with special emphasis give to child welfare, mental disabilities, pregnancy prevention, homelessness, hunger, and extra-curricular recreational activities for Baltimore youth;
  
  
• programs that increase the availability and effectiveness of substance abuse treatment and initiatives focusing on criminal justice, crime reduction, and transitional services for returning ex–offenders.
  
  
• community development projects stabilizing and revitalizing neighborhoods, strengthening businesses, cultural tourism, technology, retail and service industries to encourage balanced growth, reenergized economy and on-going job creation;
  
  
• workforce development activities designed to strengthen skill training opportunites for low income, underemployment and unemployed workers and seek job placements providing family-sustaining wages;
  
  
• cultural organizations that demonstrate strong and ongoing programming and leadership, base of support, community outreach and financial stability into underserved neighborhoods and demonstrate potential for favorably strengthening neighborhoods;
  
  
• environmental organizations seeking to preserve ecologically significant and endangered natural resources; to balance smart growth with conservation; and to advocate for clean air and water.