Baltimore Community Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Baltimore Community Foundation supports community leadership, education, neighborhoods, early learning, LGBTQ causes, health, women, arts, disadvantaged youth, mental health, aging and other community needs in Baltimore, Maryland.
IP TAKE: This community funder prioritizes equality and inclusion, so work these factors into a project proposal as a first-time grantee. A significant portion of funding addresses programs and projects that address intersecting community needs, and education appears to be its top priority. Unsolicited applications are accepted here, but reach out prior to submitting, as opportunities change from year to year.
PROFILE: Established in 1972, the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) is a community foundation based in Baltimore, Maryland. A 25-member board of trustees created BCF, which now manages over 800 philanthropic funds. The foundation aims to "inspire donors to achieve their charitable goals from generation to generation and to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region through grantmaking, enlightened civic leadership, and strategic investments.” BCF funds local efforts for community leadership, education, neighborhoods, early learning, LGBTQ, health, women, arts, disadvantaged youth, mental health and aging.
The Baltimore Community Foundation has retained some of its prior grantmaking focus areas from the past but also now intersects these interests with larger strategies for neighborhoods and education. Community leadership grants help build strong neighborhoods through training sessions and youth leadership programs. Howard Park/Forest Park (Calvin Rodwell Elem/Middle and Liberty Elementary) and Reservoir Hill/Penn North (Dorothy Heights Elementary) are specific school communities of interest. School + Community Project grants support volunteerism, trips, and efforts outside of schools to connect students and residents. Neighborhood grants support events, safety programs, beautification, organizational development, community gardens, and volunteer activities. School leadership grants focus on principal coaching, mentoring, networking, and self-care. BCF’s early learning program funds professional development, service delivery improvements, and research projects. BCF has a LGBTQ fund that supports organization-specific and collaborative projects. Other grant opportunities exist through funds held at BCF, such as the Baker-King Fund and the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle.
Grants range between about $5,000 and $200,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the city of Baltimore, Maryland and the surrounding communities. Past local grantees include the Boys’ Latin School of Maryland, Wicomico County Health Department, and Enoch Pratt Free Library of Baltimore City.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits for some programs. The deadlines vary based on which program a nonprofit is applying. BCF accepts letters of inquiry on a rolling basis, and the review process typically takes about three months. Direct general questions to the staff at questions@bcf.org or 410-332-4171.
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