France-Merrick Foundation

10/14/2026

“I think it’s really powerful to interact and be close to green spaces and be more connected to food.” - Grace Champion, community farming director of The 6th Branch

We are proud to support the 6th Branch in their work to transform vacant lots across the city into green spaces and urban farms.

A Baltimore nonprofit founded by military veterans is revitalizing vacant lots into green spaces and urban farms, transforming communities and addressing food access challenges. The 6th Branch, established in 2010, has converted more than 23 acres of

10/09/2026

Congratulations to Rebuild Metro for 20 years of community-driven revitalization in Baltimore! We joined their wonderful 20th anniversary celebration at the new Hammond Community Room in Johnston Square.

We have been proud partners with ReBuild on their work to Re-Build Johnston Square and other revitalization initiatives.

10/06/2026

Increased tree cover lowers temperatures, improves air quality and quality of life, yet there is far less tree cover in Black, historically disinvested, neighborhoods in Baltimore. Our longtime grantee, Baltimore Tree Trust is working to change that while creating a pipeline for green job opportunities at the same time.

Learn more from WYPR - https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2026-09-24/baltimore-nonprofit-brings-trees-and-jobs-to-underserved-communities-all-while-fighting-climate-change

10/01/2026

How can place-based investment transform neighborhoods? How is investing in place different from investing in projects?

These were some of the questions examined at the Power of Place-Based Investment Symposium at Baltimore Unity Hall. It was great to join grantees, partners, and community leaders to do a deep dive into the promises and challenges of place-based investment.

09/30/2026

Yesterday, we joined the Maryland Philanthropy Network for their Annual Gathering, focused on how philanthropy can come together to strengthen and protect our democracy. We're grateful to Joe Goldman, President of Democracy Fund, for his insightful reflections on how collaboration and investment in communities and trusted institutions can help us grow stronger together.

09/28/2026

Last week, we attended ‘Rooted in Baltimore,’ a celebration of 150 years of Johns Hopkins University partnering with communities to advance health and opportunity.

We’re grateful for JHU’s impact. Their partnership has helped support and shape so many organizations improving lives in neighborhoods across our city.

The photo features our President, Amy Gross with Alicia Wilson, the vice president for civic engagement and opportunity at Johns Hopkins University and our board secretary.

09/17/2026

It’s National Arts in Education Week, and we’re celebrating all of our grantees expanding access to arts education in Baltimore.

Arts education isn’t optional. It’s essential. The arts help students express themselves, build confidence, develop, and learn.

Baltimore has a rich cultural history driven by generations of artists. Ensuring all students have equitable access to arts education is key to protecting our cultural legacy for generations to come.

09/09/2026

Arena Players, Inc. has been a cornerstone of Baltimore’s theater scene for decades and is the oldest operating African-American community theater in the country. Now, renovations are underway to modernize this historic theater so it can continue to inspire generations to come.

We are proud supporters of this project, and we can’t wait to see the transformed theater!

Arena Players is the oldest continuously-operating African-American community theater in the country. After over 70 seasons, the Baltimore theater is now underg...

09/04/2026

Is your nonprofit having challenges with your building? Would you like to incorporate green solutions? With the Green PATH Program, you can get free expert guidance before making costly decisions.

Want to learn more?

Join us, Southface Institute, and Chesapeake Bay Trust for a Virtual Lunch and Learn:

📅 September 22
🕐 12 - 1 PM
🔗 Sign up here: https://southface.tfaforms.net/4720834?eventid=a3MQi000003JlHd

08/26/2026

Congratulations to Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Dean Sarah Szanton, who leads the ambitious neighborhood nursing initiative in which the France-Merrick Foundation has invested, for being named one of Forbes 2026 50 Over 50: Impact!

We’re celebrating a major recognition for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Dean Sarah Szanton, PhD, RN, FAAN who has been named to Forbes' 2026 50 Over 50: Impact list. 🥳

Dr. Szanton is a leader whose ideas have translated into meaningful change. Her vision for CAPABLE began with caring for older adults in West Baltimore and has grown to 45 sites across more than 20 states.

As dean, she has continued to advance health equity and community-based care at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, while research funding has doubled from $18 million in 2022 to $36 million in 2026.

Her influence reaches far beyond her role at Johns Hopkins. Through her leadership, research and commitment to rethinking how care is delivered, Dr. Szanton is helping shape the future of nursing and strengthen the communities we serve.

We’re proud to see her recognized alongside the many accomplished women featured on this year’s list.

Congratulations, Dean Szanton!

Read the Forbes feature and see the full 50 Over 50: Impact list: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2026/08/11/2026-50-over-50-impact/