Klein & Mary Lee Leister Foundation Incorporated
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes. Its mission centers around community service, education, health services, and human services, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the well-being of local populations. The foundation provides funding to a diverse range of recipients, including educational institutions, healthcare organizations, libraries, food pantries, and faith-based groups. It primarily serves communities in Maryland, with additional contributions to organizations in Virginia and North Carolina. Through its contributions, the foundation aims to address pressing community needs and promote sustainable development.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small to mid‑sized community nonprofits in Maryland (with occasional grants to nearby NC/VA) working in education, health, libraries, human services, or local community causes.
Good Fit
- • Located in Maryland or serving Worcester County/nearby communities
- • Mission in education, local health services, libraries, food security, or community human services
- • Track record as a registered charity with clear local impact
- • History of receiving modest general operating or programmatic contributions
Geography
Grants appear across three states (MD, NC, VA) but are heavily concentrated in Maryland, which received about 81% of dollars in the latest year; this indicates a regional footprint with a strong in‑state focus.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded 11 distinct recipients in the latest year (and 16–18 in prior years), spanning education, health, libraries, faith‑based and community services; the portfolio shows moderate variety rather than a single beneficiary or a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover exists (several new recipients each year), but the foundation explicitly declares it funds only preselected applicants and no public application route is visible, so unfamiliar organizations face a limited but not impossible path to entry.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
