A bridge behind some trees. 

Environment

Baltimore’s sustainability plan, developed under the leadership of BCF Director of Community Investment Cheryl Casciani, was adopted by the City early in 2009 and became the basis for a number of changes across Baltimore.

BCF led the development and launch of the Baltimore Neighborhood Energy Challenge (BNEC), taking aim at a sustainability plan goal of reducing residential energy use by 15%. Eight neighborhoods participated in a pilot, finding creative ways to inspire and inform residents about ways to save on energy bills and secure Baltimore’s future as a sustainable city.

See Our Recent GrantsAfter advocating for passage of the City’s “1+1” trash collection plan to put recycling pick-up on a weekly schedule for all residents, BCF created a small grants program—with funds provided by Cleaner Greener Baltimore—to help neighborhood

groups put their best ideas for promoting recycling into effect. Recycling tonnage soared beyond expectations, with neighborhoods at every economic level taking part. Neighborhood groups used “Recycling More” grants to raise recycling awareness, using yard signs, workshops, even a game show.

The Cleaner Greener Baltimore initiative, with BCF as a lead partner, has adopted the sustainability plan’s objectives for our region’s waterways, with a goal of achieving a fishable, swimmable harbor. BCF has long supported the region’s grassroots watershed organizations, and we were pleased to support the merger of these groups to form the Baltimore Water Alliance. The strengthened and consolidated group will be a major force in work toward the goal of a fishable, swimmable harbor.

Youngsters in Patterson Park get a workout in the neighborhood’s youth soccer league.
One Step Up scholars Sherrone Ricks and Jeane’ Baker celebrate with donors Jonnie-Kay McLean and Norman Morrison.
A Baltimore City student soaks up the sun at North Bay Adventure Camp.
Enjoying the lake at Druid Hill Park. Photo by Middleton Evans.
Dreams do come true: Our Playground at Stadium Place, rebuilt by determined volunteers and generous donors after the original was destroyed by arson. The work was supported by a fund at BCF. 

BCF’s efforts through the Diversity Path will work to rebuild Baltimore’s black middle class.

Baltimore’s vibrant arts and cultural scene boasts innovative projects like the Contemporary Museum’s Mobtown Modern Music Series, which combines classical instruments, jarring visual components and DJ-style electronics into informal performances of works by modern composers. Photo by Robert McIver Photography.
Cyclists atop Federal Hill take in views of the city skyline and bustling Inner Harbor. Photo by Middleton Evans.
Collecting butterflies in the field for a nature study.
In the spring of 2009, an army of dedicated volunteers worked to rebuild Our Playground at Stadium Place, which had been destroyed by arson in September 2008. Photo by Kristine Buls.
Enjoying one of the simple pleasures of summer at a neighborhood camp.
BCF’s Human Services Path emphasizes health, aging, and family economic security.
Neighbors team up to beautify and reclaim a vacant lot.
Most Middle Grades Partnership scholars qualify for the city’s competitive high schools.
Rapid and reliable public transportation for our region is a central goal of the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance, a fund of BCF. Photo by P.A. Greene.
Children beat the heat in the waters of the Walter Sondheim Fountain at the Inner Harbor. Contributions to construct the memorial were collected through a special project fund at BCF. Photo by Will Kirk, courtesy of Homewood Photography.
Students at Great Kids Farm learn about local food production, from “seed to fork.”
Baltimore’s successful One Plus One recycling program has engaged residents in making the city cleaner and greener.
Baltimore City students and farm manager Greg Strella (far right) with the summer harvest at Great Kids Farm.
Students at Baltimore’s Friendship Academy of Engineering and Technology, one of many public charter schools helping to transform public education in our city. Photo by Stephen Jones, courtesy of Baltimore City Public Schools.
BCF’s Promoting Baltimore Path works to ensure that Baltimore continues to retain and attract citizens and businesses.
Experience-Corps Baltimore places older adult volunteers in struggling city elementary schools to serve as classroom aides, mentors, and tutors. Photograph by Michael Ciesielski, courtesy of Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Inc.

Students tend a rain garden at Abbottston Elementary

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