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Giving Is Not Just for the Very Rich

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Home » philanthropy organizations » Maryland Philanthropy Network: What It Is and Why It Matters

Maryland Philanthropy Network: What It Is and Why It Matters

by | Sep 5, 2025

Who are they?

Maryland Philanthropy Network (MPN) is a group that helps people who give money to good causes work together better. They don’t give out grants or take proposals for money themselves—but they build a friendly network of people and groups who do give.(Maryland Philanthropy Network)

What’s their goal?

They want to make giving stronger and smarter in Maryland. Their aim is to create a diverse, well-informed, and effective group of helpers who can make big positive changes in the community.(Maryland Philanthropy Network,

Are they trustworthy?

Yes! Charity Navigator gives MPN a top-notch Four-Star rating (93%) for their good use of money and clear ways of working.(Charity Navigator)

How Maryland Philanthropy Network Operates

Revenue & Spending

  • In 2022, MPN earned about $4.83 million and spent around $4.76 million.
  • Out of that spending, $2.2 million went toward salaries.
  • They also gave $481,200 in grants to other groups like the Black Women and Girls Fund, Civic Works, and a few others.

Grants & Support Received

  • From 2020 to 2023, MPN received 14 grants from the Open Society Foundations totaling over $1.5 million.(InfluenceWatch)
  • In 2024, they received a $40,000 grant from the Blaustein Philanthropic Group and $25,000 from the Abell Foundation.
  • In 2021, they got a $200,000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to fund a program that offers interest-free loans to nonprofits led by people of color.(InfluenceWatch)

Leadership

Their current President & CEO is Daniste Hunte, who took the role in October 2023.(InfluenceWatch)

Why It’s Helpful for Maryland

  1. Learning and Sharing
    MPN hosts events, shares resources, and helps funders learn from each other.(Maryland Philanthropy Network,


  2. Winning Trust
    Their top rating from Charity Navigator shows they follow good practices.(Charity Navigator)


  3. Smart, Fair Funding
    They get money from big foundations and help money go where it can do the most good—especially supporting racial equity.(InfluenceWatch)


  4. Local Impact
    Even though MPN itself doesn’t give out grants broadly, they guide and strengthen others who do.


Evergreen Stats That Tell the Story

YearRevenueSpendingGrants GivenNoteworthy Grants Received
2022$4.83M$4.76M$481,200
2020–23$1.5M+ from Open Society
2021$200K from Rockefeller
2024$65K from two foundations


FAQs about Maryland Philanthropy Network

Does MPN award grants directly?

No. MPN does not give out grants or take funding proposals—though they do share grant money from larger sources with certain initiatives.

Who leads MPN?

Daniste Hunte became President & CEO in October 2023.

How much money do they manage?

They managed about $4.83 million in revenue and spent $4.76 million in 2022.

Where does their funding come from?

They get funding from big foundations like Open Society, Rockefeller, Blaustein, and Abell.

Are they transparent and reliable?

Yes. They earned a 4-Star rating (93%) from Charity Navigator, showing they follow high standards in accountability and results.

What do they provide?

MPN provides learning events, group networking, and helps philanthropists give better and with greater impact.


Final Thoughts

Maryland Philanthropy Network acts like a helpful guide for givers and funders in Maryland. They don’t give out money directly but help others give wisely. The organization is financially sound, well-managed, and respected—earning a top rating from Charity Navigator.

Their work stays important year after year because they focus on how to give better, not just what to give. This makes them a steady, reliable resource for anyone who wants to help Maryland communities grow stronger and fairer.

Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson

Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson

Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson, PhD, is an author, philanthropist, and consultant with 40+ years in international relations. She wrote Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich (2024) and has held roles as a professor and organizational leader, advocating for inclusive philanthropy and empowering all to give. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram.
Book cover: Giving Is Not Just For The Very Rich by Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson

A How-to Guide for Giving & Philanthropy

Giving Is Not Just
for the Very Rich

By Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson

Practical, real-world ways to make a difference—at any budget. Learn simple steps, tools, and ideas you can use this week to turn generosity into impact.

  • Foreword by Robert M. Morgenthau
  • Perfect for individuals, families & clubs
  • Actionable checklists inside

Giving Is Not Just For The Very Rich” by Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson is an inspiring, practical guide offering creative ideas for meaningful philanthropy, fostering connection, purpose, and joy through giving

A How-to Guide for Giving and Philanthropy

Understanding Philanthropy

Practical Ways to Give

Strategic Giving & Long-Term Impact

Giving by Demographics or Role

Overcoming Barriers to Giving

Legal, Financial & Ethical Aspects

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