France-Merrick Foundation

05/29/2026

For 17 years, B'More Clubhouse has been creating a space to help adults living with mental illness thrive and live meaningful and productive lives. Their unique community space will now be accessible to all members, thanks to a new elevator. We’re proud to have supported this project.

05/19/2026

A year from now, the area across from Pimlico Race Course will be transformed into Belvedere Place, which will include 83 affordable rental apartments, 11 of which will support families transitioning out of homelessness, a large community park, and new retail space.

Congratulations to Bridges CDC and Bon Secours Community Works Properties on groundbreaking this ambitious $44 million project! France-Merrick proudly invested in this initiative that will support families and transform the Park Heights neighborhood.
https://www.belvedereplaceapts.com/home

05/18/2026

“It shows me that what ROCA and other groups are doing is working. Young people have bought in, and they want to change their lives.” - Kurtis Polarmo, Roca Baltimore

In April 2026, Baltimore had four homicides, the lowest number ever recorded. This wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration, dedication and hard work of community members, local nonprofits and government leaders.

We are proud to support ROCA and other violence reduction and youth development nonprofits in our great city.

Baltimore City hit a major milestone throughout the month of April, with four homicides marking the lowest monthly total since at least 1970.

05/01/2026

“We were pleased to be able to support the renovations, and more importantly, the work Loyola is doing in the community. This grant, and Loyola’s work, leverage intellectual and economic capital of higher education anchor institutions to positively impact their surrounding communities by assisting with strong community engagement, neighborhood revitalization, local hiring, and other economic development partnerships.” - Amy Gross, our president, on our recent grant to Loyola University Maryland.

Learn more:

Loyola University Maryland has been awarded $267,000 in grants to support capital improvements to a small building on the Loyola-owned property at 5104 York Road in Greater Govans that is home to Loyola’s York Road programming. Loyola was awarded a $167,000 grant from the France-Merrick Foundation...

04/28/2026

Where a Greyhound station once stood is a new fitness and community center where residents can play squash, and students can get academic tutoring and mentorship. The Baltimore SquashWise Center is a great new resource for youth development and community engagement located in a historic building. Learn more in our Spring Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/france-merrickfdn/april-2026

04/23/2026

Baltimore’s Arena Players, Inc. is the longest continuously running African American theater in America. One of our recent grants will support renovations to modernize the theater, helping this historic theater continue serving the community for generations to come.

Read our Spring Newsletter to learn more: https://mailchi.mp/france-merrickfdn/april-2026

04/22/2026

04/20/2026

The SEED School of Maryland recently reopened the Friedman Auditorium as a new state-of-the-art performance space that will not only support students but also serve as a hub for the Southwest Baltimore community.

We are proud to have supported this project that will expand opportunities for students interested in the arts and serve as a catalyst for the local arts community.

The SEED School of Maryland announced today the completion of the redevelopment and reopening of the Friedman Auditorium on its... Read More

04/14/2026

Low-income households spend a disproportionate share of their income on energy, and rising utility costs are making it worse. Solar access is one powerful way to ease that burden while protecting our environment.

In Baltimore, Civic Works is helping bring solar and savings to Baltimore residents.

The price tag on solar systems makes it a luxury that is out of reach for some. But programs are making it more affordable for low-income customers to make the switch and save on their household energy bills.

03/24/2026

Trees and green spaces are not just good for the environment; they are also good for communities by reducing heat, improving real estate values, and even supporting improved mental health.

Baltimore Tree Trust is working to make Baltimore a greener city, one tree at a time.

Baltimore City is not known for its lush greenery, but urban foresters at the Baltimore Tree Trust hope to change that, one tree at a time.