Potomac Healthcare Foundation

Potomac Healthcare Foundation is an operating foundation that directly provides mental health and substance abuse treatment services — it is NOT a traditional grantmaking foundation. Organizations cannot apply for grants from PHF. Instead, PHF receives contributions and government funding to operate residential treatment facilities. If your organization works in the mental health or substance abuse space, PHF could be a potential partner or referral source rather than a funder. Contact them at 301-447-2361 or through their website at potomachealthcarefoundation.com.

PHF is funded primarily through a mix of contributions ($5.2M, 42%) and service-related other income ($7.1M, 57.5%) with modest interest income ($63K). Total revenue in FY 2024 was $12.3M against $12.4M in expenses, resulting in a slight operating deficit of -$165K. The foundation reported $5.3M in charitable disbursements (42.6% of expenses). Total assets peaked at $18.5M in 2021 and have since stabilized at $12M. Net assets (assets minus $6.9M in liabilities) stand at $5.1M. This financial profile is characteristic of a healthcare operating entity rather than a traditional endowment-based grantmaker.

Unlike traditional private foundations in the $10-15M asset range that distribute 5-10% of assets as grants, Potomac Healthcare Foundation operates as a direct-service provider with a total annual budget of $12.4M — essentially turning over its entire asset base annually through operations. Its revenue is largely earned through service delivery rather than investment returns. Among Maryland-based behavioral health nonprofits, PHF is a mid-size operator. The foundation's 47-year history (since 1977) gives it exceptional longevity in the substance abuse treatment field, where many organizations struggle with financial sustainability.

PHF continues to operate residential treatment facilities in Maryland, most notably the Safe Harbor at Mountain Manor program in Emmitsburg (9701 Keysville Rd, Emmitsburg, MD 21727). This program specializes in long-term residential treatment for pregnant and post-partum women with substance use disorders, allowing them to bring young children and infants. Treatment modalities include individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, anger management, relapse prevention, and SUD counseling. The foundation is governed by a five-member board led by Chairman Leonard Sacks and President Barbara Groves.

PHF is an operating foundation, not a grantmaker. Key considerations: (1) If you are a treatment provider, PHF could be a referral partner or collaborative service provider; (2) If you serve pregnant/post-partum women with substance use disorders, PHF's Safe Harbor program may be a referral resource; (3) PHF receives government contracts and contributions — if you fund behavioral health programs, PHF may be an appropriate grantee rather than a grantor; (4) For patient referrals or partnership inquiries, contact Director of Admissions Phyllis Stahley at 301-447-2361; (5) Maryland Treatment Centers Inc. (MTC) manages operations at some PHF programs — collaborative opportunities may exist through both entities.