Baltimore Community Foundation has marshalled the generosity of donors and the experience of communities to meet the near and long-term needs of the Baltimore region for nearly half a century. During this unprecedented public health emergency, which touches every member of our region and will have reverberating effects for months and possibly years to come, BCF commits to putting all of our tools to use to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to help our region recover after the present crisis abates, with a particular focus on helping our most vulnerable neighbors.
BCF has identified immediate needs in the following areas, where we will focus grantmaking using existing BCF resources and new funds raised for the COVID-19 Evolving Community Needs Fund:
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Credible information sources to vulnerable populations to stem the spread of the virus and avoid overwhelming emergency departments and health care providers
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Grassroots, neighbor-to-neighbor response to care for vulnerable seniors and families in need of essential supplies such as diapers, formula, food, hygiene products, while larger systemic responses are getting underway
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Food security. Because a major corporate philanthropic effort is underway to support Baltimore City’s institutional responses to food insecurity, BCF will focus immediate attention on Baltimore County, where the need is also great.
- Mitigating the impact of lost wages on the financial security of low-wage, hourly, and/or “gig” workers, in collaboration with the United Way of Central Maryland’s 2-1-1 help line.
Over the longer term, BCF will focus on the sustainability of nonprofit organizations serving Baltimore City and Baltimore County in key sectors, deploying our technical assistance, grantmaking, fundraising, impact investing, convening, and advocacy where public policy responses are warranted, to support:
Community needs will evolve over time, particularly as public sector and public policy responses take effect. Throughout the crisis and its aftermath, BCF will adapt our response to ensure that we are meeting the most pressing needs in ways that are impactful and not duplicative of other efforts. Our response is informed by direct community input and made possible by the generosity of our donors.
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For Nonprofit Organizations: To share information regarding the needs of your organization or the community you serve, visit our COVID-19 Nonprofit Emergency Needs Tool.
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For Donors: To support BCF’s COVID-19 Evolving Community Needs Fund, DONATE NOW.
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Check back here for regular updates on COVID-19 Evolving Community Needs and BCF's response.