For half a century, the Baltimore Community Foundation has been bringing together people who are passionate about Baltimore and purposeful in their philanthropy.
Join us in celebrating the impact we have made over the past 50 years together and envisioning what is still to come.
Our History
The first community foundation was developed more than 100 years ago in Cleveland. Fifty years later, the concept came to Baltimore.
“Baltimore needs a philanthropic organization that is a gathering place for all people,” said our co-founder Robert Levi, vice president of Mercantile Bank & Trust (now PNC Bank). With no color lines, no religious affiliation and no special cause, such an organization could have a bird’s eye view of the things that would make Baltimore a better place and the ability to gather the resources to make those happen.
With support from fellow community leaders and the region’s leading financial institutions, the Baltimore Community Foundation was born.
BCF Co-Founder Robert Levi and Ryda Levi
Over the past half-century, BCF leaders made visionary decisions that had a lasting impact on our community. Here are just a few highlights:
Over the past half-century, BCF leaders made visionary decisions that had a lasting impact on our community. Here are just a few highlights:
Our Impact
50 years of building a better Baltimore.
$600+ million granted since 1972 to build a better Baltimore – and beyond.
100,000+ grants to innovative and impactful nonprofits across the region.
870+ funds making grants and investments in our region, including donor-advised funds, public agency funds, and field of interest funds.
$300+ million in assets as of 12/31/2021, ensuring a permanent philanthropic resource for future generations.
$4.5+ million in impact investments, building projects and programs that offer financial and social returns.
Our Stories
Philanthropy by and for the people of Baltimore.
Throughout the year, we will be sharing profiles of some of the diverse donors and partners that are the Baltimore Community Foundation. Please share your own BCF story, too!
Share Your BCF Story!
Do you have a special connection to the Baltimore Community Foundation? Have we worked together in your neighborhood? Helped your philanthropic vision come to life? Has being part of a community committed to building a better Baltimore impacted your life? Please share your reflections here.
Celebrations
Celebrating our legacy and looking ahead.
We’re marking this momentous occasion with a series of special activities and events. Join us in commemorating all that came before and setting the stage for the next 50 years of lasting impact.
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