South Baltimore Gateway Partnership Announces $550,500 in Community Grants Supporting District Communities
(Baltimore, MD) — The South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) is excited to announce $550,500 in new Community Grants to support 13 projects across South and Southwest Baltimore. This round of funding was highly competitive, attracting proposals totaling more than $1.1 million. Since its establishment in 2016, SBGP has invested over $14.7 million through Community Grants and other initiatives. Community Grants are awarded based on previously determined criteria, including alignment with strategic goals. SBGP Community Grants funding is provided by the Local Impact Grants generated by video lottery terminals, including at the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore.
GraceCity Church’s “Good Neighbor Nutrition Education” program was awarded funding this cycle to provide sustainable nutrition education to families to cultivate enhanced cooking literacy and encourage healthy relationships with food. Executive Pastor Christin Hanigan states that the funding will “help fulfill SBGP’s commitment to the health and well-being of our friends and neighbors in Sharp-Leadenhall. As a result of SBGP’s generous support, we can build on our long-standing and productive collaboration with the families of this historic community to promote the success of all its extraordinary residents. We are profoundly grateful for this additional opportunity to serve.”
The LET’S GO Boys and Girls “Grow through STEM” program will serve the Lakeland and Westport communities. “This award will allow partnership between LET’S GO, schools, and community organizations in South Baltimore that will uplift youth social and emotional well-being. “Together, we will implement after-school STEM programs, youth employment and career readiness mentorship, and family engagement events. Holistically, our initiatives will create and sustain self-identity in South Baltimore youth that support successful careers, economic mobility, and the ability to make positive and meaningful change in their own lives and communities,” says Debbie Dininno, Regional Director for Baltimore.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) was also awarded funding to develop the first museum dedicated to the civil rights movement of blind Americans. “As America’s transformative advocacy organization of blind people, proudly headquartered in South Baltimore’s Riverside community for over forty years, we are honored and pleased to receive this grant,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the NFB. “It will help us plan our museum dedicated to the civil rights movement of blind Americans, allowing us to share our story with and foster understanding among our neighbors in South Baltimore, as well as visitors from across our nation and the world.”
In addition to the projects described above, other funding awarded this cycle will support:
- “Urban Runoff Reduction Project,” a school-based program designed to address environmental issues by involving students in stewardship to improve the watershed. (Living Classrooms Foundation)
- “Reach High Baltimore,” a project aiming to improve diversity, year-round inclusion in rowing and access to the Middle Branch. It will include a pilot to feature robotics competitions and swimming instruction. (Baltimore Rowing Club)
- “Preserving Families,” a program supporting pet families experiencing crises. (BARCS)
- First floor renovation for the Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, one of the oldest standing churches in Baltimore and a venue for community engagement and support. (Ebenezer Kingdom Builders, Inc.)
A full list of project awards can be found here.
“There were so many amazing projects requesting funding this grant cycle. It’s very clear that the communities know what they need and want for their neighborhoods, and we’re honored to support them as they reach their goals,” says Brad Rogers, Executive Director of SBGP.
SBGP also funds Transformational Projects around the District, such as Reimagine Middle Branch and the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center in Cherry Hill. Enhanced Services beyond the baseline services provided by the City are also supported by SBGP. In July 2021, SBGP announced $6 million of Enhanced Services funding for parks and programs in South Baltimore, including the future renovation for the Carroll Park recreation center, which will be overhauled after being closed to the community for 20 years.”
“We’re pleased to support the important work these organizations and their teams are doing to enhance Baltimore,” says Horseshoe Casino Baltimore Senior Vice President and General Manager Randy Conroy. “The more than $550,000 in Community Grants issued this cycle represents an ongoing commitment to improving the lives of Baltimoreans through a diverse range of initiatives that touch a wide range of needs in our city.”
A new round of SBGP Community Grants funding will be available this coming winter in 2022. Organizations can visit https://sbgpartnership.org/community-grants/ to learn more and apply.