BCF’s vision for our region is that Baltimore boasts a growing economy where all have the opportunity to thrive. This is the focus of our Invest in Baltimore funding, which covers nine areas of interest, or “paths.” The nine paths are human services, youth, education, transportation, neighborhoods, diversity, environment, arts and culture and promoting Baltimore. Each path has distinct guidelines for funding; some incorporate special initiatives or grant programs with more specific areas of focus.
In addition to Invest in Baltimore, BCF is home to many charitable funds with particular interests, some of which are open to applications and some of which are not.
To determine whether your organization’s work is eligible for funding from one of the paths of Invest in Baltimore or another grantmaking program at BCF, see How to Apply.
The Baltimore Community Foundation awards grants to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status.
To find out if there is a match between your organization or program and one of our grant programs, please answer a few basic questions.
Yes. Please include your fiscal sponsor's 501(c)(3) documentation when submitting your application.
Both. BCF funds new projects that need money to get started as well as existing or on-going efforts that need grant support. We are very interested in receiving a letter of inquiry from you even if you have not been previously funded.
The Baltimore Community Foundation does not generally fund the following:
- Annual fund campaigns;
- Religious or sectarian purposes;
- Capital campaigns;
- Individuals, excluding scholarships;
- Event sponsorships.
No. The Baltimore Community Foundation awards grants to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status.
Deadlines vary depending upon the grant program to which you are applying. Please see our list of grant programs with complete information on how to apply, including applicable deadlines.
Unless otherwise instructed, you should submit only one copy of your proposal according to the instructions outlined on the applicable grant program’s web page.
No. Submit only one, two-page letter of inquiry which briefly outlines the project for which you are seeking support.
Typical grant size from Path grants is $10,000 to $15,000; the range is $5,000 to $30,000.
Yes. However, the ability to make multi-year grants is dependent upon funds available and is at the discretion of the appropriate program officer.
BCF does provide general operating support to organizations that are very closely aligned with BCF’s funding priorities. If your organization is a first-time grant applicant, we are more likely to fund a specific project.
We meet with applicants if, after receiving a formal request, we determine that a meeting or site visit is necessary. Please submit a formal request according to the instructions outlined on the applicable grant program’s web page.
BCF was created to serve the greater Baltimore region. To receive funding from BCF’s Path grant programs, your program must be located in or benefit residents of Baltimore City or Baltimore County. Your headquarters may be located elsewhere, but your program must serve the people of this region in order to be eligible for a grant.
If you are located outside our service area, visit the National Community Foundation Locator to find a community foundation serving your area.
Once you submit a letter of inquiry, we will review it for eligibility. If we need further information, a program officer will call, and may request a site visit. After confirming that your request is a match for one or more grant programs, the program officer will invite you to submit a proposal.
The program officer will evaluate your proposal, then submit it to a BCF program committee for review.
Unfortunately, there are requests and needs that do not fit within the guidelines of our grant programs. If your program is not compatible with any of our grant programs, you will not be eligible to receive funding.
BCF's program committees meet several times each year to review proposals and approve grants. Our committees are comprised of BCF trustees and other volunteers who serve without compensation and for rotating terms. They discuss funding requests in a series of confidential meetings at BCF and weigh the merits of each proposal. The review process, from time of application to time of approval, decline or deferral by our board, takes about three months.
Letters of inquiry are accepted on a rolling basis, but proposal deadlines vary by grant program.
A grant agreement and report form will be mailed to your organization (or to your fiscal sponsor). You should read, sign and return the grant agreement promptly. Once we have received the signed grant agreement we will release payment of the grant in accordance with the payment schedule and special conditions sections of the grant agreement.
We ask that you keep us informed about your progress and accomplishments. You may receive a site visit conducted by our staff and committee members. These methods have been found to give us the information that we need to provide accountability to our donors and the community. This process is a good way for us to continue building our relationship with you.
Read the grant agreement to make note of your responsibilities, which may require you to submit an interim report, final report, and an evaluation chart.
Yes. We have found that nothing compares to a face-to-face meeting with you, at your program site, to help us understand the impact of your work. We meet with potential grantees if, after receiving a formal request, we determine that a meeting or site visit is necessary. If a grant is approved, it is understood that you will be willing to allow us to visit with you afterward wherever your funded project is taking place. The expectations for the visit are that you will talk with us and show us what is happening in your program. The visit should include an opportunity to speak with the principal staff members and volunteers as well as with program participants.
List the name of the fund, followed by “at BCF.” For instance:
Greater Good Fund at BCF
Smith Family Fund at BCF
We recognize that many local organizations are providing essential services to people in the Baltimore region. Through our outreach to donors we provide information on organizations and issues in the Baltimore area that are pertinent and timely. Despite our efforts, we are unable to highlight or focus on all of the organizations that serve our area. Unfortunately, we are unable to assist you in setting up an informational meeting with or distributing information about your organization to donors.
Yes. BCF proudly administers scholarship funds established by generous donors to assist students with their educational needs.
Learn more about BCF's scholarship program.