Photo Credit: The Associated

What We Fund

Early Childhood Development/Youth and Families

Photo Credit: La rel Easter

Early Childhood

We believe that all children in Baltimore should experience childhood free of toxic stress and enter school healthy and ready to learn. We will invest in –

  • Early learning programs that provide high-quality learning environments for children from 0 to 5, with a particular emphasis on literacy;
  • Mental health services and programs for children from 0 to 5, with a focus on programs that reduce toxic stress and trauma; and
  • Programs that nurture and strengthen families.
children in Baltimore should have access to high-quality education

Photo Credit: Sam Bayle

Education

We believe that all children in Baltimore City from Kindergarten through 12th grade should have access to high-quality educational opportunities that prepare them for college or careers. We will invest in programs and initiatives that –

  • Have demonstrated success in increasing student literacy, math skills, and overall academic achievement;
  • Prepare motivated students for college and careers and provide the supports needed for success; and
  • Prioritize the engagement of parents and caregivers.

We will consider requests from high-performing schools that provide the above and that primarily serve students from low-income families.

Mental Health and Healthcare.

Photo Credit: Priscilla du Preez

Mental Health and Health Care

We believe that all people have a right to robust health care and mental health care services. We will invest in programs that support people struggling with health care and mental health care access and other challenges, with a particular emphasis on direct services and advocacy in the areas of children’s mental health and maternal health and mental health.

What We Fund, Jewish Agency for Israel

Photo Credit: Jewish Agency for Israel

Jewish Causes

We believe in the importance of works inspired by the Jewish faith tradition and its values. Although our primary focus is Baltimore, we will support Jewish causes and programs in the Baltimore community and around the world.

In addition to supporting work within our stated priority areas, we are interested in and encourage racial equity in grantees’ organizational leadership. 

We encourage you to contact us to discuss the type of support you are seeking even prior to submission of the Letter of Inquiry. Please note that the foundation is not accepting requests for capital support (for the purpose of purchasing, renovating, or construction of facilities) at this time. We are also not accepting unsolicited requests to support Jewish causes and programs.

Quote from Katie Esser, Senior Clinician, Center for HopePhoto Credit: Center for Hope

“Funds from The Richman Foundation have allowed the mental health team at Center for Hope to continue and expand free, flexible, and culturally appropriate trauma therapy that best meets the individual needs of our families. The training opportunities as well continue to build therapeutic capacity to better guide clients through their healing of complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, and so many other challenges resulting from the traumatic experiences that bring families through our door. We and these families are extremely grateful for the commitment to investing in client-centered healing spaces. “

— Katie Esser, Senior Clinician, Center for Hope

“Too many people in Baltimore do not have the opportunity to fulfill their potential. The Richman Foundation wants to contribute in ways that enhance the growth and success of people in this community.”

— Arnold I. Richman

“Our society is faced with some of the greatest challenges in our history. The philanthropy of Arnie and Alison Richman expressed through their Foundation to address these challenges represents their strong commitment to making the world a better place…. one step at a time. As an advisor to the Foundation, I am pleased to contribute to this important work, any way I can.”

— Daniel W. Geary, J.D., Advisory Committee Member