The mission of the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers is to maximize the impact of philanthropic giving on community life through a growing network of diverse, informed and effective grantmakers.
The Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers (ABAG) is the Greater Baltimore region’s premier resource on philanthropy, dedicated to informing grantmakers and improving our community. ABAG was founded in 1983 to provide a forum in which colleagues could address common problems, approaches and interests.
Over the years, ABAG has become a sophisticated network of corporate and foundation leaders. Our members now include representatives of over 135 private foundations and corporations with strategic, ongoing grantmaking programs. Our primary purposes are to strengthen and promote organized private philanthropy in the Baltimore region, facilitate effective grantmaking by our member organizations, and provide supportive activities to enhance the nonprofit sector.
We strive to be:
A resource, providing critical information and services to the philanthropic community; A convener, bringing grantmakers together to address issues and create lasting solutions; An educator, working to raise public awareness and understanding about the role and impact of philanthropy in our society; and An advocate, representing the philanthropic sector to key audiences, including the media, legislators, and national organizations. We provide opportunities for grantmakers to connect with peers, locate others with similar interests, and find guidance on tax and legal issues and national resources and trends. We host weekly programs on community issues and grantmaking/grant management concerns, and we publish several print and electronic newsletters to connect members to information and resources for the field.
ABAG's core values are:
- Generosity: We believe generosity is one of the most important values. It is essential to communal welfare and something everyone should practice in some form.
- Inclusive and Respectful: We value the perspectives and contributions of all people, and incorporate the viewpoints of diverse communities in our work.
- Diversity: We are committed to supporting a funding community that encompasses differences in the attributes of both individuals (such as race, ethnicity, age, socio-economic status, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, and religion) and organizations (foundations and giving programs of differing sizes, missions, geographic locations, and approaches to grantmaking).
- Welcoming: We create an open, compassionate and trusting environment that facilitates learning, dialogue and healthy debate to inform and strengthen philanthropy.
- Forward-Thinking: We seek strategic opportunities to meet new and existing needs in new ways.
- Forthright Stewards: We conduct our business with honesty and integrity and utilize best practices in the stewardship of our resources and accountability for our results.
Over the last 27 years, thanks to the commitment and perseverance of our present and former board of directors, our members, and our dedicated staff, we have built a thriving community of grantmakers in the Baltimore region.
Those interested in an organization serving grantseekers may contact the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations.
Click here for a copy of ABAG’s 2009 audited financial statement. Find 990s for recent years at www.Guidestar.com.
Click here for ABAG's Inclement Weather Policy.
