In order to be eligible to apply, your project must serve or otherwise benefit the residents, businesses, institutions or organizations of the District. Click here for a list of the neighborhoods where we work. All grants fall into one of four categories:
Spark
Up to $2,000
Small
Up to $5,000
Medium
Below $50,000
Large
Up to $100,000
The project must serve or otherwise benefit the residents, businesses, institutions, or organizations of the District. Individual residents and businesses may not apply, and you can't use funds for your own personal benefit. But any non-profit organization, faith-based organization, community group, PTO, or government agency can apply. For our Spark and Small grants, this even includes unincorporated community organizations, or groups of active community residents, so long as you can find a fiscal sponsor to help.
NOTE: Projects awarded $50,000 and above are subject to meet minority and women's business enterprise (MBE/WBE) participation goals as required by the City of Baltimore Minority and Women’s Business Opportunity Office (MWBOO).
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The following charts help organize what groups may qualify for what grants.
Spark (Up to $2,000) and Small (Up to $5,000)
- Non-profit organization with 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status.
- Mission-based organization (e.g. a neighborhood association) without 501(c) (3) tax exempt status but with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
- Faith-based organization with a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt
- School or government agency.
- Unincorporated community organization or group of active community residents with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
Medium (Below $50,000) and Large $5,000) (Up to $100,000)
- Non-profit organization with 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status.
- Mission-based organization (e.g. a neighborhood association) without 501(c) (3) tax exempt status but with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
- Faith-based organization with a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt
- School or government agency.
How are Applications Evaluated?
Spark: Baseline Criteria
Quality of the plan and timeline.
Realistic budget.
Applicant is capable of accomplishing the project.
Small: Additional Criteria
Quality of partnerships.
Quality of outcomes.
Medium: Additional Criteria
Quality of implementation methods.
Alignment with the Strategic Plan criteria and priority funding areas.
Large: Additional Criteria
Additional funding leveraged.
Sustainability of the project:
does it build capacity or create a durable capital project?
How to Apply
The Winter 2025 Community Grant Cycle application opens January 2, 2025 at 10:00am (through the web portal) and the deadline is February 28 at 5:00pm. The optional, early submission deadline for technical review is February 14 at 5:00pm (see full details below).
Community Grants general information:
See the Community Grants Frequently Asked Questions here.
All grant applications (for spark, small, medium, and large grants) must be submitted electronically through SBGP’s web portal. (Paper based or emailed applications will NOT be accepted.)
Community Grant Support Sessions: SBGP offers support to prospective Grantees to share information about the grant program and offer support during the application process. Learn more and register here.
Early Submission Community Grants Application: Technical Review (optional)
Any applications submitted before February 14, 2025 by 5:00pm through SBGP’s web portal, will receive an technical review to ensure that your required documents are correct and meet eligibility requirements for further review. SBGP staff will email you by February 21, 2025, to let you know about any missing or incorrect materials. It is encouraged that you read through the grant guidances to avoid needing to resubmit materials. You will have until 5:00pm on February 28, 2025 to update your application or resubmit. necessary materials through SBGP’s web portal. The SBGP Review team will not consider incomplete applications for potential funding.
Grant Guidance: Applicants are strongly encouraged to download and review the appropriate grant guidance before submitting an application online. Medium and Large grant applications are encouraged to use their own budget templates.
- Spark grant guidance and application form (up to $2,000)
- Small grant guidance and application form (up to $5,000)
- Medium grant guidance and application form (below $50,000)
- Large grant guidance and application form (up to $100,000)
Project Budget & Narrative Guidance and Templates
- Grant Budget & Narrative Guidance
- Grant Budget Template (Microsoft Word)
- Grant Budget & Narrative Template (Microsoft Word)
- Grant Budget & Narrative Templates (Excel)
Need help?
For general questions, please contact our Community Grants Director, Acacia Asbell.
Check out our upcoming Keys to Capacity workshops—all free and open to the public.
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