Baltimore Community Foundation

05/28/2026

Submitting a Neighborhood Spotlight Award nomination could be the most important 10 minutes of your day!

These awards celebrate the work of grassroots leaders who have driven positive change in their communities. Any individual, volunteer group, or nonprofit organization that has made a significant and meaningful impact in their neighborhood in Baltimore City or County over the past two years is eligible.

Up to 10 winners will be gifted a $5,000 grant to any Baltimore-area nonprofit organization of their choice and recognized at our annual State of BCF event.

If you've got 10 minutes to spare, submit your nomination at https://www.bcf.org/neighborhoodspotlight/ by midnight on June 5.

05/27/2026

Don't miss out on the Legacy Forward grantee events happening this summer in celebration of America's 250th anniversary! There's something for everyone. https://www.bcf.org/legacyforward

BCF's Legacy Forward Fund has awarded 19 Baltimore City and County organizations $250,000 to help them celebrate America 250.

05/27/2026

The COVID-19 pandemic brought into sharp focus the need to support the mental health of Baltimore’s students and educators. Through grants to trusted local nonprofits, we’ve helped expand access to programs that support young people where they are.

One of those nonprofits is EndsideOut, who is helping close health gaps in underserved communities by teaching students the connections between nutrition, fitness, and mental wellbeing. Through hands-on learning and peer leadership opportunities, young people explore the many dimensions of wellness, including emotional, social, financial and physical wellbeing.

By giving students practical tools and leadership skills, EndsideOut is helping young people care for themselves and uplift one another. www.bcf.org/youth-mental-health

05/26/2026

Mark your calendars! BCF's VP of Community Impact Crystal Harden-Lindsey will be a guest on Today With Dr. Kaye on WEAA - 88.9 FM: The Voice of the Community this Thursday (5/28) between 5:45pm - 6pm and on WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore this Friday (5/29) between 9am – 10am.

Tune in to learn about the Neighborhood Spotlight Awards and how you can nominate an individual, volunteer group, or nonprofit making an impact in their neighborhood, and shine a light on their work. https://www.bcf.org/neighborhoodspotlight/

05/25/2026

If we asked, “How would you improve your neighborhood?” what would you say? Is there something specific that comes to mind? Do you have dreams about what “could be?” This is your chance to turn those thoughts into action.

BCF is accepting proposals for our Stronger Neighborhoods grants now through August 3. Past grant recipients have used the funding for street lighting projects, organizing neighborhood clean-ups, clearing out empty lots, neighborhood planting and landscaping, community murals, and even festivals.

☑️Who’s Eligible: Baltimore City or County nonprofits, or projects with a qualifying fiscal sponsor
☑️Typical Grant Amount: $5,000–$20,000
☑️Application Deadline: August 3, 2026

Learn more and apply at https://www.bcf.org/stronger-neighborhoods/.

WE’RE BUILDING A VIBRANT BALTIMORE Where connected neighborhoods, inclusive community centers, and clean, safe spaces help every resident find a true sense of belonging. GIVE TO THE BCF FUND FOR […]

05/21/2026

Baltimore’s future depends on investing in bold ideas, local talent, and businesses that can grow right here.

That’s why the Baltimore Community Foundation made its first investment in a venture capital fund — contributing $250,000 to TCP Venture Capital’s Propel Baltimore Fund, with donor-advised fund partners contributing an additional $500,000.

Together, this investment will support early-stage Baltimore tech companies with the potential to create jobs and strengthen our local economy.

As President & CEO Shanaysha Sauls shared in the Business Journal, this is “a new tool in our toolkit” to help drive economic opportunity in Baltimore.

Read the full story here:

The nonprofit foundation is the final contributor to the $18.6 million Propel Baltimore fund, a key program for local technology startups.

05/20/2026

Every year, BCF commits a portion of endowed assets to Invest for More impact investing opportunities. Impact investing channels funding into initiatives that offer both a financial and social return.

One of our investees is the Climate Access Fund (CAF), a green bank that finances community solar projects in low-income communities. In 2024, CAF started a community solar project on the rooftop of the Henderson-Hopkins School in East Baltimore. That project is now complete and early results are inspiring.

As of October 2025, the project generated 731MWh of solar energy, which equates to 1,285,000 Pounds of CO₂ emission saved, 9,704 trees planted, and 1,459,000 miles driven on sunshine.

05/19/2026

We created the Neighborhood Spotlight Awards to honor the unsung heroes among us: The determined neighbors who serve as block captains, the unofficial coordinators of community clean-ups and cookouts, the artists bringing beauty to shared spaces, and the tireless advocates that communities need to thrive. People like Arrealia Gavins.

The Neighborhood Spotlight Awards nomination portal is open until June 5, and we want to know about the shining stars in your neighborhood. Winners will be gifted a $5,000 grant to a Baltimore-area nonprofit of their choice, giving them even more opportunity to do good.

Learn more and submit your nomination at www.bcf.org/neighborhoodspotlight.

05/18/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, offering us an opportunity to reflect on how mental wellbeing is shaped not only by individuals, but by the communities around them.

The Agoge Project is creating safe, supportive spaces for youth ages 10–14 through free after-school programming that combines boxing, martial arts, tutoring, mentorship, and mental health support.

The results speak for themselves: improved school attendance, stronger academic confidence, and 100% of youth participants reporting greater hope for their futures. Every person surveyed said they felt safe, cared for, and connected to a supportive community.

When young people feel a sense of support and belonging, it strengthens the whole community. www.bcf.org/youth-mental-health

05/15/2026

"Community" isn’t just part of our name - it’s our motivation.

Earlier this week, a group of BCF fundholders and leadership came together for an evening of connection, conversation, and shared commitment to Baltimore. Following remarks from President & CEO Dr. Shanaysha Sauls, attendees exchanged ideas and strengthened relationships rooted in a common goal: supporting the nonprofits that make our city stronger.

We’re grateful to partner with so many people who care deeply about Baltimore’s future.