South Baltimore Gateway Partnership Announces $553,022.92 in Funding for 23 Programs and Projects in South Baltimore

Grant Awards News

South Baltimore Gateway Partnership Announces $553,022.92 in Funding for 23 Programs and Projects in South Baltimore

South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) announces $553,022.92 in Community Grants to support 23 programs and projects across South and Southwest Baltimore. SBGP Community Grants funding is provided by the Local Impact Grants generated by video lottery terminals at the Maryland Live! Casino in Arundel Mills, MGM National Harbor Casino, and the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. Since its establishment in 2016, SBGP has committed approximately $50.6 million of core intergovernmental Local Impact Grant funds to projects across the District, ranging from small community grants to large capital projects. An additional $5.6 million of projects are in development for a total mobilization of approximately $56.2 million. Reflecting SBGP’s commitment to an equitable model of investing, approximately 76 percent of core program funding to date has been distributed in historically underserved communities and communities of color within the District.

This latest application cycle continues to highlight the important and varied support services provided throughout South Baltimore, amplifying existing initiatives. “We’re looking forward to expanding our civil legal services,” says Susan Frances, Executive Director of Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Services. “This grant funding will help us connect more South Baltimore residents to legal services to help stabilize housing, remove barriers to employment, and strengthen long-term economic mobility, which everyone should be able to access.”

Several awarded grants this cycle focused on childhood wellness and development. “Southwest Sports and Fitness Alliance is grateful for SBGP’s support of our Mentoring through Sports program and for continuing to invest in the kind of work that strengthens neighborhoods from the inside out,” says Anthony Hudgins, Executive Director. “This grant helps us expand high-quality, school-based, after-school sports programming to two partner schools in the SBGP District area, serving 100–150 youth through 100 program sessions. For us, sports are bigger than the scoreboard. They are a way to build confidence, create healthy structure, connect young people with caring adults, and remind our youth that their community is standing behind them.”

Childhood literacy programming also received funding this winter. “Our organization is committed to strengthening early relationships through shared reading. We’re excited that we’ll be able to support over 550 children ages 0-5, through this grant, who will receiving over 1,100 books at their wellness visits at Harbor Pediatrics, as well as receiving clinician‑guided, parent–child reading support,” says Callee Boulware, Regional Director of Reach Out and Read. The organization helps integrate guidance about reading into pediatric practices, advise families about the importance of building healthy relationships, and share books that serve as a catalyst for healthy childhood development and family bonds.

In addition to the projects described above, Community Grants funding will support a variety of other programs, including:

  • The “Legacy Home Repair Initiative” program will continue its home‑repair and estate‑stabilization program that helps long‑tenured SBGP District homeowners age in place safely, preserve generational wealth, and strengthen neighborhood housing stability. (Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc. – Cherry Hill, Lakeland, Mt Winans, Saint Paul, Westport)
  • The “Tech Credential Cohort,” a year‑long STEM workforce initiative, will provide 5-6 high school students with 200 hours of training leading to industry‑recognized credentials in IT and digital design, supported by stipends, employer engagement, and structured skill development. (Digital Harbor Foundation Inc – Cherry Hill, Federal Hill, Federal Hill South, Pigtown/Washington Village, Riverside, Sharp-Leadenhall, South Baltimore Neighborhood, Stadium Area)
  • The “Children’s Summer Wellness” program will provide trauma‑informed instruction, physical activity, nutrition education, and emotional support for children experiencing homelessness through a five-week academic and wellness program. (Baltimore Outreach Services Inc – Federal Hill)
  • The “Weekly Food Delivery” operation will redirect high‑quality surplus food via Fishes and Loaves, increasing access to fresh meals for families, seniors, and individuals while reducing food waste. (Let’s Eat Inc – Mt. Winans, Saint Paul, Lakeland, Westport, Cherry Hill, Pigtown/Washington Village, South Baltimore Neighborhood, Carroll-Camden Industrial Area)

A full list of Community Grants awards can be found here.

The next application for SBGP Community Grants funding will open on July 1, 2026, at 10:00am. Visit https://sbgpartnership.org/community-grants/ to learn more and apply.