We are pleased to announce that ten organizations in education and human services received over $500,000 in General Fund grants during our February grant cycle.  Additionally, in the inaugural round of our new Strategic Youth Empowerment initiative, five organizations received $735,000 (payable over three years).

General Fund Awards

Education

Archbishop Borders School: $70,000 to support renovations to accommodate the growing enrollment at this Baltimore City-based, dual-language Catholic elementary school.

The Catholic High School of Baltimore: $66,500 to support the renovation of the athletic field at this independent, all-girls Catholic high school in Northeast Baltimore.

Human Services

Caroline Friess Center: $48,000 to support instructional salaries at this nearly 30-year-old East Baltimore organization that trains women to become Certified Nursing Assistants and Pharmacy Technicians.

City of Refuge: $48,000 to support the general operations and the expansion of workforce development programs at this southeast Baltimore City-based organization, addressing basic community needs and encouraging individual success.

Cornerstone Community Housing: $48,000 to support the general operations of Earl’s Place, a transitional housing program located in Baltimore City, providing supportive housing and case management services to men while recovering from substance abuse.

Hagerstown YMCA: $48,000 to support the creation of additional usable space for preschool, pre-K, and before and after school programming by installing air conditioning.

Manna House: $48,000 to support the general operations of this community-based organization, providing case management, housing assistance, and food and clothing distribution to those living in and around the Midtown Baltimore City community.

Partners in Care Maryland: $48,000 to support the general operations of the Anne Arundel location of this organization which engages volunteers to help seniors with essential needs such as transportation and social engagement.

Paul’s Place: $70,000 to support the Culinary Training Program at this Pigtown-based organization which provides certification, skills development, and job placement service free of charge.

Seton Center: $10,000 to support the food pantry program at this long-standing Emmitsburg community center which also offers health programs, continuing education, and rent and utility assistance.

Youth Empowerment Awards

Baltimore SquashWise: $135,000 grant over three years ($45,000/year) to support the general operations of this squash-based, community-focused organization that provides free programming for Baltimore City middle and high school students, integrating academic skill-building, college and career planning, mentorship, and athletics to ensure youth are successful in school and life.

The Be.Org: $75,000 grant over three years ($25,000/year) to support technology investments and other critical programming needs related to The Be.Virtual program, one of four innovative out-of-school time programs offered by this Baltimore based nonprofit working to empower Baltimore’s next generation of STEM leaders-encouraging and nurturing youth from 6th grade and beyond to live about their socially-imposed limitations.

Bridges Baltimore: $210,000 grant over three years ($70,000/year) to support the general operations of this year-round, long-term program that provides Baltimore City Public School students and young adults with access to opportunities and resources for success in education and career pathways, while fostering connections between Baltimore’s independent and public-school students.

Next One Up: $180,000 grant over three years ($60,000/year) to support the general operations of this holistic, comprehensive out-of-school program that fosters stability and creates lasting change for young men ages 11 to 24 in Baltimore City by ensuring they feel connected to their community, empowered to explore opportunities, prepared for challenges, and supported at every stage of their journey.

Urban Alliance – Baltimore: $135,000 grant over three years ($45,000/year) to support the Baltimore-based general operations of this national organization, which serves high school juniors and seniors from historically underserved communities by providing evidence-based training, mentorship, and meaningful paid work experiences, equipping them with vital skills for economic independence and upward mobility.