Posted on February 6, 2026
The Kahlert Foundation invests generous $200,000 challenge match, doubling donor impact.
Right now, there are 200,000 reasons to support Penn-Mar’s growth and expansion in Carroll County. Thanks to The Kahlert Foundation’s generosity, gifts towards Penn-Mar’s Washington Heights building renovation in Westminster are being matched up to $200,000, doubling donations to $400,000.
The impact of this new multi-purpose space is significant: it will reduce Penn-Mar’s waitlist for services, expand support hours for those currently underserved, and position the organization to meet the growing needs of students exiting the Carroll County school system and transitioning into adult services.
Once complete, Penn-Mar’s Washington Heights building will offer a vibrant, flexible space that includes:
One of the most transformative features of the Washington Heights renovation is the Smart Kitchen. Designed with assistive technologies, it will offer a fully accessible, user friendly environment where independence and safety go hand-in-hand. Imagine a space where a simple voice command can start an oven, where built-in safety systems proactively prevent accidents, and where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can cook with confidence.
Penn-Mar envisions this Smart Kitchen not only as a model for future residential kitchens, but also as a hands-on learning environment where technology and culinary skills come together to promote greater autonomy.
As the Spring 2026 opening of Washington Heights quickly approaches, The Kahlert Foundation’s matching challenge grant has accelerated support. Penn-Mar has already raised over $50,000 in early contributions and is looking to secure even more gifts between now and March 7, 2026, when a final push will occur at their 34th Annual Gala.
Kari Ebeling, Penn-Mar’s Director of Development & Special Events, is excited to bring awareness to this opportunity. “We are so grateful to our extraordinary partners at The Kahlert Foundation for the chance to double donor support to Penn-Mar,” said Ebeling. “Their investment and the impact of matching gifts will help us create a space at our new Washington Heights location for day learning and community support, where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can learn, recharge, and connect.”
While The Kahlert Foundation has been a steadfast and generous partner to Penn-Mar — contributing more than $834,000 since 2016 and supporting key initiatives like the Career Ladders Program — their impact reaches far beyond.
Since its founding, the Foundation has distributed more than $200 million to over 350 nonprofits, supporting education, healthcare, youth programs, community development, and organizations advancing opportunity across multiple regions.
This deep reaching impact is one reason Penn-Mar is proud to present The Kahlert Foundation with the 2026 Distinguished Humanitarian Award at the 34th Annual Gala — honoring not only their transformative support of Washington Heights, but their longstanding commitment to empowering nonprofits across Maryland and beyond.
To contribute to the matching gift campaign or to learn more about the various giving opportunities, contact Jenn Hobbs, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, jennhobbs@penn-mar.org, 443-491-9628, or make a gift here: