Questions about the Herbert Bearman Foundation

The foundation was created to carry forward values associated with Herbert Bearman’s life, including generosity, compassion, responsibility, and a commitment to helping others in meaningful ways.

The foundation’s leadership includes family members and advisors whose backgrounds span medicine, economics, education, philanthropy, community service, and nonprofit engagement.

The foundation supports charitable efforts that align with its values and mission, including initiatives connected to community support, opportunity, well-being, heritage, and meaningful long-term impact.

Yes. The foundation generally prefers funding specific projects, although general operating support and new initiatives may be considered when short-term needs can be demonstrated.

No scholarships are funded, and the foundation has limited interest in capital or endowment campaigns.

Grants are awarded only to organizations with current 501(c)(3) status.

The formal process begins with a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which should be emailed to mbearman@comcast.net by the applicable deadline.

To be considered for the spring cycle, the LOI should be received by December 15. To be considered for the fall cycle, the LOI should be received by June 15.

If a proposal is accepted for further review, the complete application should be submitted by February 15 for the spring cycle and by August 15 for the fall cycle.

Yes. A full proposal must be emailed to mbearman@comcast.net. In addition, one hard copy of the full proposal and sixteen copies of the Executive Grant Request Summary with required documentation must be mailed to the foundation.

Yes. Small discretionary grants may be considered throughout the year.

The foundation seeks to fund programs in greater Baltimore, Maryland, Palm Beach County, Florida, and Israel. Other geographic areas may be considered under exceptional circumstances.

These areas reflect the foundation’s established geographic priorities and broader charitable relationships.

Mark Bearman, Chief Operating Officer, is the primary public contact for general foundation inquiries and grant-related communication. He can be reached at mbearman@comcast.net or 410-215-8027.

Hard copy proposal materials should be mailed to The Herbert Bearman Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1428, Brooklandville, MD 21022.