Supporting Children and Families
Aaron and Lillie Straus never had children of their own. But their personal philanthropy and the foundation they created offered life-changing opportunities to countless children and families across Baltimore, elevating generational trajectories.
In more recent decades, the Foundation carried on their commitment in new ways, including by broadening access to child care, education, public benefits, protection from violence, and more. These long-term commitments to families and to innovative organizations supporting their dreams continue to shape Baltimore’s future.
Supporting Children and Families
Aaron and Lillie Straus never had children of their own. But their personal philanthropy and the foundation they created offered life-changing opportunities to countless children and families across Baltimore, elevating generational trajectories.
In more recent decades, the Foundation carried on their commitment in new ways, including by broadening access to child care, education, public benefits, protection from violence, and more. These long-term commitments to families and to innovative organizations supporting their dreams continue to shape Baltimore’s future.
Supporting Children and Families
Aaron and Lillie Straus never had children of their own. But their personal philanthropy and the foundation they created offered life-changing opportunities to countless children and families across Baltimore, elevating generational trajectories.
In more recent decades, the Foundation carried on their commitment in new ways, including by broadening access to child care, education, public benefits, protection from violence, and more. These long-term commitments to families and to innovative organizations supporting their dreams continue to shape Baltimore’s future.
1922
Years before incorporating Maryland’s first foundation, the Strauses founded Camp Louise and Camp Airy.
Moved by compassion for the immigrant families they met in Baltimore, and with no heirs, this was a driving love – how to offer Jewish families a respite from crowded urban conditions and a chance to play, without concerns for financial status. Over more than 100 years, the camps grew in size and popularity, serving over 50,000 children.
1922
Years before incorporating Maryland’s first foundation, the Strauses founded Camp Louise and Camp Airy.
Moved by compassion for the immigrant families they met in Baltimore, and with no heirs, this was a driving love – how to offer Jewish families a respite from crowded urban conditions and a chance to play, without concerns for financial status. Over more than 100 years, the camps grew in size and popularity, serving over 50,000 children.
1922
Years before incorporating Maryland’s first foundation, the Strauses founded Camp Louise and Camp Airy.
Moved by compassion for the immigrant families they met in Baltimore, and with no heirs, this was a driving love – how to offer Jewish families a respite from crowded urban conditions and a chance to play, without concerns for financial status. Over more than 100 years, the camps grew in size and popularity, serving over 50,000 children.
1924
The Central Scholarship Bureau was founded, consolidating the scholarship-focused activities of various organizations affiliated with Associated Jewish Charities.
We have only a rough estimate of the Strauses’ early giving to CSB, as Lillie — who chaired the Board from 1927-1936 and 1939-1947 — would often offer private funds to applicants who were not chosen for a scholarship. The Foundation’s support continues to this day.
1924
The Central Scholarship Bureau was founded, consolidating the scholarship-focused activities of various organizations affiliated with Associated Jewish Charities.
We have only a rough estimate of the Strauses’ early giving to CSB, as Lillie — who chaired the Board from 1927-1936 and 1939-1947 — would often offer private funds to applicants who were not chosen for a scholarship. The Foundation’s support continues to this day.
1924
The Central Scholarship Bureau was founded, consolidating the scholarship-focused activities of various organizations affiliated with Associated Jewish Charities.
We have only a rough estimate of the Strauses’ early giving to CSB, as Lillie — who chaired the Board from 1927-1936 and 1939-1947 — would often offer private funds to applicants who were not chosen for a scholarship. The Foundation’s support continues to this day.
1926
A youth-led plan to create a new, combined home for the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association, required raising half a million dollars.
Aaron not only led the campaign committee, he also offered the largest gift — $50,000 or 10% of the total. The new building opened in 1930, offering a gymnasium, library, billiards room, lounges, classrooms and a swimming pool. The “Y,” which attracted more than 2,000 members within two years, was a precursor to today’s Jewish Community Center.
1926
A youth-led plan to create a new, combined home for the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association, required raising half a million dollars.
Aaron not only led the campaign committee, he also offered the largest gift — $50,000 or 10% of the total. The new building opened in 1930, offering a gymnasium, library, billiards room, lounges, classrooms and a swimming pool. The “Y,” which attracted more than 2,000 members within two years, was a precursor to today’s Jewish Community Center.
1926
A youth-led plan to create a new, combined home for the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association, required raising half a million dollars.
Aaron not only led the campaign committee, he also offered the largest gift — $50,000 or 10% of the total. The new building opened in 1930, offering a gymnasium, library, billiards room, lounges, classrooms and a swimming pool. The “Y,” which attracted more than 2,000 members within two years, was a precursor to today’s Jewish Community Center.
1949
The Strauses supported the Boy and Girl Scouts Camps Development Fund, and Aaron was named chief scout of the boys’ organization.
1949
The Strauses supported the Boy and Girl Scouts Camps Development Fund, and Aaron was named chief scout of the boys’ organization.
1949
The Strauses supported the Boy and Girl Scouts Camps Development Fund, and Aaron was named chief scout of the boys’ organization.
1986
New Solutions to Intractable Challenges
The Straus Foundation partnered with Maryland’s Department of Human Resources to develop a new response to the comprehensive needs of families with young children.
The result was Friends of the Family, which advanced efforts to strengthen and support families with children under 3 years old. The Foundation provided nearly 20% of the partnership’s initial budget, which supported an initial three Family Support Centers. Within a few years, this effort expanded into a statewide network, garnering national recognition as a leading model for family support. The Foundation continued its support for Friends of the Family for more than two decades.
1986
New Solutions to Intractable Challenges
The Straus Foundation partnered with Maryland’s Department of Human Resources to develop a new response to the comprehensive needs of families with young children.
The result was Friends of the Family, which advanced efforts to strengthen and support families with children under 3 years old. The Foundation provided nearly 20% of the partnership’s initial budget, which supported an initial three Family Support Centers. Within a few years, this effort expanded into a statewide network, garnering national recognition as a leading model for family support. The Foundation continued its support for Friends of the Family for more than two decades.
1986
New Solutions to Intractable Challenges
The Straus Foundation partnered with Maryland’s Department of Human Resources to develop a new response to the comprehensive needs of families with young children.
The result was Friends of the Family, which advanced efforts to strengthen and support families with children under 3 years old. The Foundation provided nearly 20% of the partnership’s initial budget, which supported an initial three Family Support Centers. Within a few years, this effort expanded into a statewide network, garnering national recognition as a leading model for family support. The Foundation continued its support for Friends of the Family for more than two decades.
1988
With Straus Foundation support, Advocates for Children and Youth launched as a statewide, multi-issue child advocacy organization.
ACY was a champion for state-funded services for children and families, and public awareness of issues affecting the lives of children, especially those living in poverty or with special needs. By channeling public and private funding to community-based programs, ensuring families receive benefits, and pushing for accountability when evaluating services, ACY provided a collective voice for Maryland children.
1988
With Straus Foundation support, Advocates for Children and Youth launched as a statewide, multi-issue child advocacy organization.
ACY was a champion for state-funded services for children and families, and public awareness of issues affecting the lives of children, especially those living in poverty or with special needs. By channeling public and private funding to community-based programs, ensuring families receive benefits, and pushing for accountability when evaluating services, ACY provided a collective voice for Maryland children.
1988
With Straus Foundation support, Advocates for Children and Youth launched as a statewide, multi-issue child advocacy organization.
ACY was a champion for state-funded services for children and families, and public awareness of issues affecting the lives of children, especially those living in poverty or with special needs. By channeling public and private funding to community-based programs, ensuring families receive benefits, and pushing for accountability when evaluating services, ACY provided a collective voice for Maryland children.
1989
Project RAISE (Raising Ambition Instills Self-Esteem) connected volunteer mentors from local churches and businesses with hundreds of Baltimore City middle schoolers, with a promise to stay connected through high school graduation. The Foundation joined other private and public funders to support the years-long effort to provide a positive, nurturing connection.
1989
Project RAISE (Raising Ambition Instills Self-Esteem) connected volunteer mentors from local churches and businesses with hundreds of Baltimore City middle schoolers, with a promise to stay connected through high school graduation. The Foundation joined other private and public funders to support the years-long effort to provide a positive, nurturing connection.
1989
Project RAISE (Raising Ambition Instills Self-Esteem) connected volunteer mentors from local churches and businesses with hundreds of Baltimore City middle schoolers, with a promise to stay connected through high school graduation. The Foundation joined other private and public funders to support the years-long effort to provide a positive, nurturing connection.
1991
The Foundation started backing Maryland Committee for Children, which supported a statewide childcare network, allowing women entering the workforce to access day care services more easily.
A few years later, the Foundation helped expand the statewide network with a more robust infrastructure.
In 2009, Advocates for Children and Youth and Maryland Committee for Children merged to create Maryland Family Network, which the Foundation continues to support.
1991
The Foundation started backing Maryland Committee for Children, which supported a statewide childcare network, allowing women entering the workforce to access day care services more easily.
A few years later, the Foundation helped expand the statewide network with a more robust infrastructure.
In 2009, Advocates for Children and Youth and Maryland Committee for Children merged to create Maryland Family Network, which the Foundation continues to support.
1991
The Foundation started backing Maryland Committee for Children, which supported a statewide childcare network, allowing women entering the workforce to access day care services more easily.
A few years later, the Foundation helped expand the statewide network with a more robust infrastructure.
In 2009, Advocates for Children and Youth and Maryland Committee for Children merged to create Maryland Family Network, which the Foundation continues to support.
1992
To protect women and children facing domestic violence, the Foundation partnered with the Public Justice Center, first on a public-education video and later on legislation focused on enhancing legislation around protective orders, adding penalties for violations and reinforcing existing protections.
1992
To protect women and children facing domestic violence, the Foundation partnered with the Public Justice Center, first on a public-education video and later on legislation focused on enhancing legislation around protective orders, adding penalties for violations and reinforcing existing protections.
1992
To protect women and children facing domestic violence, the Foundation partnered with the Public Justice Center, first on a public-education video and later on legislation focused on enhancing legislation around protective orders, adding penalties for violations and reinforcing existing protections.
1995
A New Approach to New Schools
In the mid-1990s, Baltimore City Public Schools created the New Schools Initiative, opening the door for external organizations to apply to operate public schools. This was a few years after Minnesota passed the country’s first charter school legislation, and school districts across the U.S. were exploring new possibilities.
The Straus Foundation made its first grant—$60,000—to support the New Schools Initiative in 1996. Over the next two decades, the Foundation’s total giving to the initiative and related charter schools would top $3.2 million, undergirding, the potential for better educational options for families across Baltimore City.
That included a $500,000 grant in 2001 to Baltimore School for the Arts, which presented a new model for public education in the city.
Baltimore School for the Arts
Crossroads School
The Children’s Guild School
Green Street Academy
KIPP - Greenspring Campus
Midtown Academy
New Song Academy
SEED School
Clay Hill Public Charter School
1995
A New Approach to New Schools
In the mid-1990s, Baltimore City Public Schools created the New Schools Initiative, opening the door for external organizations to apply to operate public schools. This was a few years after Minnesota passed the country’s first charter school legislation, and school districts across the U.S. were exploring new possibilities.
The Straus Foundation made its first grant—$60,000—to support the New Schools Initiative in 1996. Over the next two decades, the Foundation’s total giving to the initiative and related charter schools would top $3.2 million, undergirding, the potential for better educational options for families across Baltimore City.
That included a $500,000 grant in 2001 to Baltimore School for the Arts, which presented a new model for public education in the city.
Baltimore School for the Arts
Crossroads School
The Children’s Guild School
Green Street Academy
KIPP - Greenspring Campus
Midtown Academy
New Song Academy
SEED School
Clay Hill Public Charter School
1995
A New Approach to New Schools
In the mid-1990s, Baltimore City Public Schools created the New Schools Initiative, opening the door for external organizations to apply to operate public schools. This was a few years after Minnesota passed the country’s first charter school legislation, and school districts across the U.S. were exploring new possibilities.
The Straus Foundation made its first grant—$60,000—to support the New Schools Initiative in 1996. Over the next two decades, the Foundation’s total giving to the initiative and related charter schools would top $3.2 million, undergirding, the potential for better educational options for families across Baltimore City.
That included a $500,000 grant in 2001 to Baltimore School for the Arts, which presented a new model for public education in the city.
Baltimore School for the Arts
Crossroads School
The Children’s Guild School
Green Street Academy
KIPP - Greenspring Campus
Midtown Academy
New Song Academy
SEED School
Clay Hill Public Charter School
1998
The Safe and Sound Campaign, focused on improving health and safety conditions for children under 10, launched with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, matched by the Straus Foundation and other local philanthropies.
Through after-school programs, health and wellness initiatives, education and support for formerly incarcerated individuals, the wide-reaching effort aimed to improve outcomes for children and families. It also explored compacts, a different model for financing change which aligned private and public resources in a new way.
1998
The Safe and Sound Campaign, focused on improving health and safety conditions for children under 10, launched with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, matched by the Straus Foundation and other local philanthropies.
Through after-school programs, health and wellness initiatives, education and support for formerly incarcerated individuals, the wide-reaching effort aimed to improve outcomes for children and families. It also explored compacts, a different model for financing change which aligned private and public resources in a new way.
1998
The Safe and Sound Campaign, focused on improving health and safety conditions for children under 10, launched with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, matched by the Straus Foundation and other local philanthropies.
Through after-school programs, health and wellness initiatives, education and support for formerly incarcerated individuals, the wide-reaching effort aimed to improve outcomes for children and families. It also explored compacts, a different model for financing change which aligned private and public resources in a new way.
2000
Teach For America launched in Baltimore in 1992 with 68 corps members. Eight years later, it was ready for a major expansion. The Straus Foundation stepped in with a transformational grant.
The Foundation’s support demonstrated its deep belief in the program and in the teaching talent brought to Baltimore. Today, more than 1,400 corps members and alumni fan out across our city affecting classrooms, school buildings, education policy and more.
2000
Teach For America launched in Baltimore in 1992 with 68 corps members. Eight years later, it was ready for a major expansion. The Straus Foundation stepped in with a transformational grant.
The Foundation’s support demonstrated its deep belief in the program and in the teaching talent brought to Baltimore. Today, more than 1,400 corps members and alumni fan out across our city affecting classrooms, school buildings, education policy and more.
2000
Teach For America launched in Baltimore in 1992 with 68 corps members. Eight years later, it was ready for a major expansion. The Straus Foundation stepped in with a transformational grant.
The Foundation’s support demonstrated its deep belief in the program and in the teaching talent brought to Baltimore. Today, more than 1,400 corps members and alumni fan out across our city affecting classrooms, school buildings, education policy and more.
2001
National Funding – Neighborhood Change
In 2000, Baltimore City Public Schools officials began planning ambitious high school reforms. The goals included breaking up large neighborhood schools and launching innovation high schools, with a consistent focus on academic rigor, supportive structures and accountability. When the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation expressed interest in contributing to these efforts, local foundations provided the necessary match to unlock their $12 million support. The Straus Foundation’s $500,000 commitment was part of that local push.
2001
National Funding – Neighborhood Change
In 2000, Baltimore City Public Schools officials began planning ambitious high school reforms. The goals included breaking up large neighborhood schools and launching innovation high schools, with a consistent focus on academic rigor, supportive structures and accountability. When the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation expressed interest in contributing to these efforts, local foundations provided the necessary match to unlock their $12 million support. The Straus Foundation’s $500,000 commitment was part of that local push.
2001
National Funding – Neighborhood Change
In 2000, Baltimore City Public Schools officials began planning ambitious high school reforms. The goals included breaking up large neighborhood schools and launching innovation high schools, with a consistent focus on academic rigor, supportive structures and accountability. When the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation expressed interest in contributing to these efforts, local foundations provided the necessary match to unlock their $12 million support. The Straus Foundation’s $500,000 commitment was part of that local push.
2002
The Baltimore CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Campaign launched in 2001 in alignment with IRS priorities to provide low-income families with appropriate tax preparation services and increase the number of workers taking advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
M+
That’s how much the Baltimore CASH campaign helped low- and moderate-income workers claim in federal EITC payments in the program’s first decade alone, according to a 2011 report from The Annie E. Casey Foundation.
The Foundation began funding this effort in 2002, and will continue to do so until every family in Baltimore eligible for this credit knows how to access it.
2002
The Baltimore CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Campaign launched in 2001 in alignment with IRS priorities to provide low-income families with appropriate tax preparation services and increase the number of workers taking advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
M+
That’s how much the Baltimore CASH campaign helped low- and moderate-income workers claim in federal EITC payments in the program’s first decade alone, according to a 2011 report from The Annie E. Casey Foundation.
The Foundation began funding this effort in 2002, and will continue to do so until every family in Baltimore eligible for this credit knows how to access it.
2002
The Baltimore CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Campaign launched in 2001 in alignment with IRS priorities to provide low-income families with appropriate tax preparation services and increase the number of workers taking advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
M+
That’s how much the Baltimore CASH campaign helped low- and moderate-income workers claim in federal EITC payments in the program’s first decade alone, according to a 2011 report from The Annie E. Casey Foundation.
The Foundation began funding this effort in 2002, and will continue to do so until every family in Baltimore eligible for this credit knows how to access it.
2005
At a time when half of Baltimore City Schools principals were at or nearing retirement age, and traditional channels to recruiting and promoting new leaders had proven insufficient, Baltimore turned to an innovative national nonprofit, New Leaders for New Schools.
The initial goal of NLNS was to train and certify more than three dozen principals for City Schools within three years, filling one fifth of the district’s principalships. The Straus Foundation joined other local and national philanthropies to fund this work, and continued supporting NLNS for several years.
2005
At a time when half of Baltimore City Schools principals were at or nearing retirement age, and traditional channels to recruiting and promoting new leaders had proven insufficient, Baltimore turned to an innovative national nonprofit, New Leaders for New Schools.
The initial goal of NLNS was to train and certify more than three dozen principals for City Schools within three years, filling one fifth of the district’s principalships. The Straus Foundation joined other local and national philanthropies to fund this work, and continued supporting NLNS for several years.
2005
At a time when half of Baltimore City Schools principals were at or nearing retirement age, and traditional channels to recruiting and promoting new leaders had proven insufficient, Baltimore turned to an innovative national nonprofit, New Leaders for New Schools.
2013
Cradle-to-Career—A New Approach in Baltimore
In 2012, a coalition of Baltimore’s community, public, private and nonprofit partners began a conversation about what it would take to support every child from birth through their chosen pathways to economic success. A year later, the Straus Foundation helped fund a Bridgespan Group study that analyzed the local landscape and catalyzed Baltimore’s Promise, a data-driven, city-wide collaborative focused on the cradle-to-career spectrum. The Foundation continued its support for years.
2013
Cradle-to-Career—A New Approach in Baltimore
In 2012, a coalition of Baltimore’s community, public, private and nonprofit partners began a conversation about what it would take to support every child from birth through their chosen pathways to economic success. A year later, the Straus Foundation helped fund a Bridgespan Group study that analyzed the local landscape and catalyzed Baltimore’s Promise, a data-driven, city-wide collaborative focused on the cradle-to-career spectrum. The Foundation continued its support for years.
2013
Cradle-to-Career—A New Approach in Baltimore
In 2012, a coalition of Baltimore’s community, public, private and nonprofit partners began a conversation about what it would take to support every child from birth through their chosen pathways to economic success. A year later, the Straus Foundation helped fund a Bridgespan Group study that analyzed the local landscape and catalyzed Baltimore’s Promise, a data-driven, city-wide collaborative focused on the cradle-to-career spectrum. The Foundation continued its support for years.
2016
Since ShareBaby’s founding in 2014, it has distributed more than 22M diapers and other essential items to more than 250K children in Baltimore City.
The Foundation began supporting this essential effort to meet the unmet basic needs of our youngest neighbors two years after its founding, and a Straus leader now chairs the Board of Directors.
Photo courtesy of ShareBaby
2016
Since ShareBaby’s founding in 2014, it has distributed more than 22M diapers and other essential items to more than 250K children in Baltimore City.
The Foundation began supporting this essential effort to meet the unmet basic needs of our youngest neighbors two years after its founding, and a Straus leader now chairs the Board of Directors.
Photo courtesy of ShareBaby
2016
Since ShareBaby’s founding in 2014, it has distributed more than 22M diapers and other essential items to more than 250K children in Baltimore City.
The Foundation began supporting this essential effort to meet the unmet basic needs of our youngest neighbors two years after its founding, and a Straus leader now chairs the Board of Directors.
Photo courtesy of ShareBaby
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