South Baltimore Gateway Partnership Announces $671,918 in Community Grants Supporting District Communities
The South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) announces $671,918 in Community Grants to support 26 projects across South and Southwest Baltimore. This round of funding attracted proposals totaling more than $2.3 million. Community Grants are awarded based on previously determined criteria, including alignment with strategic goals, and go through a rigorous application review process to ensure that awards are distributed equitably and are diverse and inclusive in geographic location and project type. SBGP Community Grants funding is provided by the Local Impact Grants generated by video lottery terminals, including at the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. Since its establishment in 2016, SBGP has committed approximately $30.9 million of core intergovernmental Local Impact Grant funds to projects across the SBGP District, ranging from small community grants to large capital projects.
Community Grants fund a range of projects and programs and many support multiple neighborhoods, such as MedStar Harbor Hospital’s “Mobile Community Health Center.” “Bringing vital healthcare services beyond hospital walls to historically underserved communities is essential to MedStar Harbor Hospital’s goals for community health in South Baltimore. We’re thrilled to receive support from SBGP, which will allow us to expand access to quality care through our Mobile Health Center. This generous grant will support the funding of a bilingual Community Health Advocate and Mobile Health Center operations as it journeys to locations to deliver health screenings and preventative services. Together with SBGP, we’re making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors,” says MedStar Harbor Hospital’s President Jill Donaldson.
Other programs strive to increase knowledge and access to resources within their neighborhoods. “Our mission of community engagement through active resident participation in programs and events will be greatly expanded through this grant funding. We’re looking forward to engaging neighbors with a Heritage Festival, as well as a new website for people to learn more about Historic Sharp-Leadenhall, walking tours, neighborhood resources, and year-round community events,” says Betty Bland-Thomas, President of Historic Sharp-Leadenhall.
In Federal Hill and Federal Hill South, Baltimore Outreach Services is also providing access to resources for community members. Yvonne Terry, the Executive Director, says, “We’re excited that our Shelter Youth Education program has been funded for the 2023 – 2024 academic year. Our organizational goals include providing the resources and services necessary to increase stability for the families we serve and enhance their quality of life, which includes the children’s education programs. Including support for family quiet time for connection, this grant will also fund after-school programs with individualized, board-certified tutoring support for reading, math, and homework.”
In addition to the projects described above, Community Grants funding will support a variety of other programs:
- “Reach High Baltimore” will form a new, year-round program, expanding an existing partnership with Restoring Inner City Hope, Inc. (RICH) that engages Baltimore City School students in the sport of rowing. Funding will be used to cover costs related to staffing, additional equipment, transportation, uniforms, and overhead expenses supporting this program at the boathouse. (Baltimore Community Rowing, Cherry Hill)
- “Boosting Community Wellness” will support operating expenses to expand existing staff, develop website and communications strategies, and develop a robust infrastructure for community initiatives that address health and wellness, housing, and fitness needs. (Mount Winans Community Association, Mount Winans & Lakeland)
- The “Pride II: Free Sails for Gateway Communities” program was developed to ensure access to local waters for all Baltimoreans, promote historical maritime education, support health and recreation, and encourage environmental stewardship. During a free, two-hour sail, participants learn about historic tall ship sailing and may participate in raising and lowering the sails. (Pride of Baltimore, Inc., Federal Hill & Pigtown)
A full list of Community Grants awards can be found here.
A new round of SBGP Community Grants funding will be available this coming winter in 2024. Visit https://sbgpartnership.org/community-grants/ to learn more and apply.
SBGP recently announced a new funding opportunity for community-led real estate projects with the launch of the $3.5 million Community Development Fund (CDF) and $35 million South Baltimore Gateway Funding Consortium, including support from the City. The fund will prioritize real estate projects that support neighborhood priorities and will empower qualified applicants to drive equitable development in their communities. This may range from redeveloping vacant buildings to the construction of larger projects. Nonprofit applicants who are selected for grants from the CDF will automatically be connected to the Consortium, a network of Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) partners who will seek to provide financing to support the transactions. Learn more about the Community Development Fund here.