The Kahlert Foundation Inc - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $21,741,943 (2024)
• Average Grant Size: ~$102,000
• Decision Time: 2 weeks after board meeting (MD); 4-6 weeks for LOI review
• Number of Awards: 186 grants (2024)
• Geographic Focus: Maryland (Carroll, Howard, Frederick, Baltimore Counties & City) and Utah
• Application Deadlines: January 1, May 1, September 1 (Maryland); April 1 (Utah)
• Established: 1991 (IRS ruling 1993)

Contact Details

Website: www.thekahlertfoundation.org

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1701, Sykesville, MD 21784

Email: lkarp@thekahlertfoundation.org (Utah correspondence)

Contact Page: www.thekahlertfoundation.org/contact-us

Overview

The Kahlert Foundation Inc was established in 1991 by William "Bill" E. Kahlert, co-founder of EVAPCO Inc., a global manufacturing company headquartered in Maryland. After Bill's passing in 2011, the foundation expanded significantly through a bequest from his estate and extended its philanthropic reach to Utah in 2015. Now led by his son Greg W. Kahlert as President & CEO, the foundation has grown to become one of the largest private foundations in both Maryland and Utah, with an annual grant budget exceeding $21 million. The foundation was named Outstanding Foundation of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Maryland Chapter in 2017. The foundation focuses on improving quality of life in communities through strategic grantmaking in healthcare, education, youth programs, veterans support, and human services, with healthcare and education representing 65% of annual distributions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates separate grant programs for Maryland and Utah:

Maryland Grants

• Application deadlines: January 1, May 1, and September 1
• Board meets three times annually
• Average grant: ~$102,000 (based on total giving divided by number of awards)
• Examples: $50,000-$100,000 for specific programs; $10 million for major capital projects

Utah Grants

• Application deadline: April 1
• Board review: June (once annually)
• Notification: July
• Examples: $15 million to University of Utah School of Computing

Priority Areas

Healthcare (32.5% of funding): Medical technology, surgical innovation, nursing programs, addiction medicine, cancer treatment facilities. The foundation seeks grants that "ensure care in the community."

Education (32.5% of funding): STEM programs, computer science, scholarship programs (especially for first-generation students, veterans, and caregivers), K-12 initiatives. The foundation aims to "inspire the next generation of student leaders."

Youth Programs (12.5% of funding): Youth development, after-school programs, leadership development. Focus on "investing in our youth and their futures."

Veterans (12.5% of funding): Veteran services, scholarships for service members and their families, veteran organizations. The foundation is committed to "appreciating our nation's heroes."

Human Services (<10% of funding): NOTE: As of August 2025, applications for Human Services grants are temporarily suspended due to overwhelming demand.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated in available materials, the foundation:

• Requires organizations to have been in operation for at least three years
• Limits organizations to one request per 12-month period
• Prioritizes organizations serving Carroll and Howard Counties in Maryland (though considers broader Maryland and Utah applications)
• Does not support organizations without 501(c)(3) status or current Maryland Charitable Registration (for MD applicants)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

• Greg W. Kahlert - President & CEO
• Roberta Kahlert - Director
• Heather Kahlert - Executive Vice President (leads Utah philanthropy)
• Scott Kahlert - Director
• Harold Walsh - Treasurer
• James Stone - Secretary
• Ronald Tutrone, MD - Director

The foundation maintains a family governance structure, with three generations of the Kahlert family actively involved in leadership and decision-making.

Leadership Insights

Greg Kahlert has emphasized that visionary leadership is a key criterion in their grantmaking decisions: "In deciding where to make philanthropic investments, The Kahlert Foundation looks for visionary leadership and innovative programs that align with the foundation's priorities."

On their investment philosophy, Greg stated: "We have supported several different areas at GBMC over the years and this has developed from the hospital's priorities and our areas of passion. In each case, the leaders have been special, and we had confidence in the programs."

Regarding education priorities, he noted: "It all starts with education, and having lived in Howard County most of my life, I want to support the college that provides great learning opportunities for so many local students. Supporting education is one of the priorities of the Kahlert Foundation."

On technology and healthcare: "But technology alone doesn't improve care; it takes knowledge, practice and teamwork. That's why a central focus of the Institute will be education and hands-on training."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For First-Time Grantees (Maryland and Utah):

1. Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) at least 90 days before the full grant request deadline
2. LOI review takes 4-6 weeks
3. Foundation may request site visits or meetings with organizational leadership
4. If approved to proceed, submit full grant application
5. Full application review takes up to 60 days

For Returning Grantees (Previous Recipients):

• May proceed directly to full application if recently funded
• Organizations with a five-year or longer gap since last grant must coordinate a meeting before reapplying

Maryland Deadlines:

• January 1
• May 1
• September 1

Utah Deadline:

• April 1 (for June board review)

Application Method: Online portal available through website

Important: Only one request per organization will be considered within a 12-month period.

Decision Timeline

Maryland:

• Full application review: up to 60 days
• Notification: approximately 2 weeks after board meeting
• Board meets three times annually (aligned with application deadlines)

Utah:

• Board reviews once annually in June
• Notification in July

Key Timeline Note: "The earlier a new LOI and grant application is received, the greater the likelihood the grant will be reviewed and presented at the corresponding board meeting."

Success Rates

With 186 awards made in 2024, 184 in 2023, and 187 in 2022, the foundation consistently funds approximately 180-190 organizations annually. However, specific acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed. The suspension of Human Services applications as of August 2025 indicates significant competition for funding, suggesting the foundation receives substantially more applications than it can fund.

Reapplication Policy

No explicit reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is stated in public materials. However:

• Organizations can submit only one request per 12-month period
• Organizations with a five-year gap since last funding must meet with the foundation before reapplying
• The foundation acknowledges in their materials that "our resources are limited and are unable to support all good ideas and proposals"

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and leadership guidance, successful applications should emphasize:

1. Visionary Leadership and Innovation Greg Kahlert explicitly states the foundation looks for "visionary leadership and innovative programs." Applications should highlight the leadership team's vision and track record, as well as what makes the proposed program innovative or cutting-edge.

2. Multi-Focus Area Impact The foundation has stated: "Grants impacting multiple funding areas are especially appealing. For example, organizations serving both youth and education, or health care and youth, are particularly attractive." Structure applications to demonstrate impact across multiple priority areas when possible.

3. Strong Financial Health and Transparency The foundation "will look most favorably on those organizations with a Platinum Seal of Transparency" from GuideStar and is "committed to supporting organizations that spend a high percentage of their funds on programs and service, not administration and fundraising." Ensure your GuideStar profile is up-to-date and prominently feature your program expense ratio.

4. Measurable Results Grant requests must "improve the quality of life of individuals and communities, with measurable results." Applications should include clear metrics, evaluation plans, and outcome measures.

5. Geographic Alignment For Maryland grants, priority goes to "organizations that primarily serve residents of Carroll County and Howard County," though the foundation considers applications serving Frederick County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City. Be explicit about which communities you serve and emphasize Carroll/Howard County impact if applicable.

6. Early Submission The foundation explicitly states that earlier submissions have "greater likelihood" of being reviewed at the corresponding board meeting. Submit well before deadlines.

7. Established Track Record Organizations must have been operating for at least three years. Applications should demonstrate sustainability and proven impact.

Recent Successful Projects Include:

• LifeBridge Health: $10 million for Kahlert Surgical Innovation Institute (largest gift in health system's 27-year history)
• University of Utah: $15 million for School of Computing
• UMGC: $100,000 for Pillars of Strength Scholarship Program supporting caregivers of service members
• Notre Dame of Maryland University: $50,000 for first-generation student scholarships
• Hood College: $50,000 for nursing department laboratory equipment
• Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation: Partnership for county-wide STEM centers in Carroll County

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Submit early: The foundation explicitly states earlier applications have better chances of board review. Don't wait until deadlines.

• Demonstrate cross-cutting impact: Applications that address multiple priority areas (e.g., youth + education, healthcare + youth) are particularly appealing to the foundation.

• Maximize your GuideStar profile: Achieve at least Bronze Seal (required), but aim for Platinum as this receives the most favorable consideration. Showcase your program efficiency ratio.

• Emphasize visionary leadership: Highlight your leadership team's credentials, vision, and track record. The foundation invests in leaders as much as programs.

• Target Carroll and Howard Counties (Maryland applicants): While the foundation considers broader Maryland applications, priority goes to organizations primarily serving these two counties.

• First-time applicants must plan ahead: LOI submission required 90+ days before deadline, plus 4-6 weeks for review, plus full application time. Start 6+ months before desired funding date.

• Build relationships before applying: The foundation values site visits and meetings. First-time applicants and those with 5+ year gaps should expect to meet with foundation staff.

References

1. The Kahlert Foundation Official Website - Accessed December 2024
2. Maryland Grants Guidelines - Accessed December 2024
3. Kahlert Foundation GuideStar Profile - Accessed December 2024
4. Kahlert Foundation Instrumentl 990 Report - Accessed December 2024
5. Kahlert Foundation History Page - Accessed December 2024
6. LifeBridge Health $10 Million Gift Announcement - Accessed December 2024
7. University of Utah $15 Million Donation Announcement - Accessed December 2024
8. Greg Kahlert Donor Profile - Howard Community College - Accessed December 2024
9. Kahlert Foundation AFP Maryland Outstanding Foundation Award - Accessed December 2024
10. Kahlert Foundation Board of Directors - Accessed December 2024
11. Towson University $3M Gift Announcement - Accessed December 2024
12. UMGC Pillars of Strength Scholarship - Accessed December 2024
13. Notre Dame of Maryland University Scholarship Program - Accessed December 2024
14. Hood College Nursing Grant - Accessed December 2024
15. Kahlert Foundation Candid Profile - Accessed December 2024