Our Impact
Over the past 50 years, BCF has had an immense impact on the Baltimore region. Below are just a few of the ways we have connected community members, concerned donors and civic leaders to multiply impact and build a better Baltimore.
BCF distributed $30.7 million to 1,500+ nonprofit organizations in the Baltimore region and beyond in 2020, plus another $4 million in impact investments. We’ve distributed $500 million since our inception in 1972.
Brought our long-time focus on schools and neighborhoods together with a place-based strategy that focuses current investments along the Liberty Heights Avenue corridor, specifically its bookend neighborhoods to the east and west—Reservoir Hill/Penn North and Howard Park/ Forest Park. Along this corridor, BCF is layering grantmaking for maximum impact in three Selected School Communities: Dorothy I Height Elementary, Liberty Elementary, and Calvin Rodwell Elementary Middle School.
Successfully advocated for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the legislation enacting the Kirwan Commission’s recommendations on education reform, which passed the General Assembly in 2020.
BCF secured private, city and state funding to create nine Early Childhood Resource Centers, known as Judy Centers. Baltimore city students with Judy Center experience have consistently surpassed state and city averages for Kindergarten readiness. BCF continues to support Judy Centers with a small grants program and by funding a citywide Judy Center coordinator.
Built leadership capacity in more than 200 neighborhoods across Baltimore City and County through twenty years of collaborative planning and grantmaking.
Led the Maryland General Assembly to pass Endow Maryland, awarding donors state tax credits for gifts to permanent endowments and Maryland community foundations.
Served as a lead private sector partner in promoting legislation leading to $1.1 billion for Baltimore City public school construction through the Transform Baltimore campaign.
Developed new strategies and evaluation processes in Reservoir Hill and Greater Highlandtown to build social capital for safe, clean, green and vibrant neighborhoods, supporting rise in property values in both neighborhoods.
Supported, grew, and spun off Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc., enhancing the tax base and quality of life in 41 of Baltimore’s “middle neighborhoods.”
Oversaw Baltimore’s Sustainability Plan and helped generate $52,000,000 in funds to support it.
Seeded, supported, and spun off Youth as Resources, a youth-led grantmaking, community organizing, and leadership development organization.
