[1] Harry Weinberg, a real estate and transit businessman in Baltimore and Honolulu, established the foundation in 1959.

Because Harry Weinberg wanted the foundation to strictly benefit the poor, the charter prohibited donations to universities, colleges, orchestras, and museums.

"[3] In a 2003 Baltimore Sun profile, Siegel cited Weinberg's philanthropic influences as Andrew Carnegie and Johns Hopkins.

[2] Between 2006 and 2023, the foundation was the largest donor to CASA de Maryland, a Latino and immigrant rights group, giving $5 million, including capital grants, over that period.

During the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, CASA de Maryland issued a statement calling for a ceasefire and proclaiming their solidarity with Palestinians.