Baltimore Community Foundation

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://lnkd.in/g7YWMeXa by midnight on June 5.

In the wake of COVID-19, supporting the mental health of Baltimore’s students and educators became more important than ever. 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. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth https://lnkd.in/e3yEJqJu

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 | CBS News 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://lnkd.in/g7YWMeXa

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://lnkd.in/eC88nvp6.

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.

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 https://lnkd.in/dDtPkRQz.

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. https://lnkd.in/e3yEJqJu

"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.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Hear from BCF President and CEO Shanaysha Sauls and TCP Venture Capital managing partner Christopher College about why equity investments in early-stage tech companies in Baltimore are a smart use of philanthropic dollars. https://lnkd.in/efVmy8Un Thanks to Matt Hooke for shining a light on this innovative approach to investing in Baltimore's future.

Meet Aaron Maybin - a West Baltimore native, artist, activist, author, and 2025 Neighborhood Spotlight Award winner. Through his nonprofit, Aaron provides hundreds of youth with weekly mentorship, art, and wellness programming. If you know someone like Aaron (whether it’s an individual, volunteer group, or nonprofit organization), consider nominating them for a 2026 Neighborhood Spotlight Award, and they could win a $5,000 grant to a Baltimore-area nonprofit of their choice! We’re accepting nominations now through June 5. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dDtPkRQz.