Our History

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The Goldseker Foundation was created through the generosity and foresight of Morris Goldseker (1898–1973).

Since the original bequest of his $11 million estate in 1975, the Foundation has granted over $130 million to nearly 650 nonprofit organizations throughout Baltimore.

Investing in Baltimore's People and Institutions

The Goldseker Foundation was established with a charge to invest in Baltimore’s people and institutions and envisioned as a perpetual source of support for the local community. Endowed at a time when many foundations operated with little formal structure, Founding Directors Sheldon and Simon Goldseker were intentional about building an organization grounded in professionalism, transparency, and responsible stewardship. Over five decades, the Foundation has partnered with civic, nonprofit, and philanthropic colleagues in ways both large and small.

Strengthening Baltimore’s Philanthropic Infrastructure

Since its founding, the Foundation has contributed to the development of Baltimore’s philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. In 1983, the Foundation co-founded the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers (now Maryland Philanthropy Network), and from 1989 to 2000, led the establishment of the Baltimore Community Foundation through a shared leadership and operating model designed to accelerate its growth and sustainability.

Supporting Nonprofit Initiatives

In addition to philanthropic institutions, the Foundation has provided early support for a range of successful initiatives, including, but not limited to:

Maryland Food Bank (1979)
32nd Street Farmers Market (1980)
The Leadership (1983)
Associated Black Charities (1985)
Baltimore Neighborhood Collaborative (1995)
Live Baltimore (1997)
Healthy Neighborhoods Inc. (2001)
Central Baltimore Partnership (2008)
Baltimore’s Promise (2012)
Southwest Partnership (2013)
No Boundaries Coalition (2015)
Greater Baybrook Alliance (2017)
Baltimore Corps (2018)
Cherry Hill Strong (2021)

Advancing Education and Community Life

Through longstanding partnerships with The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University, and Morgan State University—each of which receives five percent of the Foundation’s annual grantmaking—the Foundation has awarded more than $15 million in support of initiatives such as the Baltimore Scholars Program at Johns Hopkins University and the Goldseker Fellows Program at Morgan State University, the university’s largest privately sponsored graduate fellowship.

Responding to Civic Challenges

The Foundation has also contributed to coordinated civic initiatives in response to emerging needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation helped lead private-sector coordination in support of the City’s emergency response. In 2024, the Foundation joined the State of Maryland’s Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Council to support the implementation of large-scale neighborhood investment strategies.

A Legacy of Leadership

Sheldon Goldseker and Simon Goldseker served as the Foundation’s Founding Directors until their passing in 2023 and 2018, respectively. Members of the Goldseker family continue to serve on the Board of Directors, along with independent directors and members of an advisory committee. Timothy D. Armbruster served as President and CEO of the Foundation from 1978 to 2012. Matthew D. Gallagher has held the position since 2013.

Our Team