Venable Foundation Annual Report | FY2024

As I reflect on my first year as president of the Venable Foundation, I am struck by the unique nature of our work. From the beginning, our partnership envisioned giving back wherever Venable has a presence, deepening the connections between the firm and the communities it serves. And now, after more than 40 years, the Foundation is stronger than ever. In 2024, we saw unprecedented demand, receiving and reviewing more than 1,000 grant applications—a 25% increase since 2022. Our staff and grants committees in each location have paid close attention to the issues impacting their city, supporting both first-time awardees that have impressive track records in their community, as well as our long-standing nonprofit partners. We take pride in how many of these nonprofit partners have ties to the firm, whether through attorney and staff volunteerism, board memberships, pro bono representation, or community connections. This year, a new program expanded how our stakeholders and donors—the Equity Partnership of the firm—can assist in the selection of Foundation grantees, reflecting the causes and organizations that are important to our partners. In 2024, the firm itself expanded its reach. And as Venable grows, the Foundation does as well. Over the past four years, the Foundation has grown from five cities to eight, broadening our impact across the country. In 2024, reflecting the growth of our Florida presence, we began At Venable, we are dedicated to uplifting the communities where we live and work. We see them as part of a larger family and strive to empower their success. Robert L. Waldman President, Venable Foundation PHOTOS: opposite page, clockwise from upper left : Girls on the Run Chicago, Insight Memory Care Center, Friends of the National Arboretum, Maryland Book Bank, Buddy System MIA; front cover : Overtown Youth Center.