Baltimore Community Foundation

The Baltimore Community Foundation has demonstrated a strong interest in neighborhoods and supports neighborhood development in a variety of ways. The Neighborhood Grants Program (NGP)is an integral part of the Baltimore Community Foundation’s Community Development priority area, and offers funding for resident-driven and -led community-based organizations in Baltimore City and Baltimore County neighborhoods.

The NGP is based on the belief that the strength of our community depends upon participation by all residents in Baltimore’s economic, social, political and cultural arenas. Therefore, BCF seeks to advance the ideals of a welcoming environment, open access and civic engagement-with all of its privileges and responsibilities-in every area of community life.

The primary purposes of the NGP are: 1) To support and increase residents’ involvement and investment in their communities; 2) To increase the effectiveness of community organizations by providing financial resources and other support to enable them to initiate and complete priority neighborhood projects; 3) To help neighborhoods become supportive environments for families and businesses; and 4)To strengthen neighborhoods so that current and potential residents and businesses are more willing to invest time, effort and money in the community.

Two types of grants are offered through the NGP – Mobilization Grants and Leadership Grants. Mobilization grants are serve to mobilize residents to complete a community project with total budgets of no more than $5,000. Grants are to assist resident-driven and -led community groups in low to moderate income neighborhoods, with an active, engaged resident base, to design, develop and carry out projects. Projects are to be conceived and implemented by residents or significantly increase resident involvement in the organization. Projects must contribute to important community building efforts by addressing resident identified neighborhood priorities and goals. Projects should strengthen the organization and contribute to neighborhood pride and create positive, visible community activity. Strategies to increase the number of residents involved and invested in the neighborhood and organization must be part of the project plan.

Leadership Grants are for projects that build new leadership or strengthen existing leadership within neighborhoods with total budgets of no more than $12,500. Grants are to assist resident-driven and -led community groups in low to moderate income neighborhoods, with a demonstrated track record of neighborhood leadership, a history of resident involvement and an active, engaged resident base, to design, develop and carry out projects. Projects are to be conceived and implemented by residents or significantly enhance resident involvement in the organization. Projects must contribute to important community building efforts by addressing resident identified neighborhood priorities and goals and need to be an integral part of an overall neighborhood improvement strategy. Strategies to increase the number of residents involved and invested in the neighborhood and organization must be part of the project plan.

Contact Person: Dion Cartwright

Title: Program Officer

Email: dcartwright@bcf.org

Telephone: (410) 332-4172