South Baltimore Gateway Partnership Announces $728,755.50 in Funding for 23 Programs and Projects in South Baltimore
The South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) announces $728,755.50 in Community Grants to support 23 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 $39.3 million of core funds to projects across the SBGP District, ranging from small community grants to large capital projects. 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 work being done by the communities around South Baltimore. “This funding will help So What Else to continue revolutionizing food access to our South Baltimore neighbors and transcend barriers to get community members what they need. With this grant, we’ll be able to distribute an extra 5,000 pounds of rescued food and other necessities to vulnerable communities in South Baltimore,” says Allie Bonney, Director of Development at So What Else, an organization working to support families and neighbors with emergency food support and free out-of-school time programming.
Dream BIG is another organization using their funding to focus on supporting students and families. “We are deeply grateful to SBGP for their confidence in and support for the transformative work now underway in Cherry Hill. By underwriting programs that are bringing families into the life of our two 21st Century schools, they are strengthening the fabric of the entire community,” says Veronica Nolan, Dream BIG’s Executive Director. Dream BIG supports the education component of Cherry Hill’s place-based, holistic community transformation initiative. Led by residents and facilitated by Cherry Hill Strong, the effort includes high quality, affordable housing, wellness, economic vitality, and education.
Legacy home-ownership programming also received funding this summer. “Making sure community members have access to resources is an important part of maintaining a “healthy” neighborhood. This funding will help long-term homeowners in Lakeland age in place and increase wealth through home improvements. In addition, this grant will aid us and partners in providing access to projects like ‘My Home My Deed My Legacy’ to raise awareness about estate planning and provide legal support to families,” says Healthy Neighborhood’s President and CEO, Bob Pipkin.
In addition to the projects described above, Community Grants funding will support a variety of other programs:
- The “GBF All Seasons Youth Program” will provide year-long, cross-generational programs and recurring events that foster a sense of community and belonging. (God’s Best Family, Inc. – Federal Hill, Federal Hill South, Otterbein, Saint Paul, Sharp-Leadenhall, South Baltimore Neighborhood)
- The “Adult Recovery Court” program will provide rehabilitative support for individuals who have been convicted of nonviolent crimes related to substance abuse. The program serves homeless men, primarily veterans, suffering from chronic substance use disorder and mental health challenges. (The Baltimore Station, Inc. – Federal Hill, Sharp-Leadenhall)
- The “EJ in South Baltimore” project will expand, execute, and develop youth education and community outreach with an emphasis on scientific engagement to help South Baltimore communities tell their own stories about the environmental injustices they are facing by sharing data around past environmental injustices, current conditions of their environment, and future developments in restoration. (Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative – Carroll-Camden Industrial Area, Cherry Hill, Lakeland, Spring Garden Industrial Area, South Baltimore Neighborhood, Stadium Area, Westport)
- The “Field Trip Transportation” project will cover transportation costs for field trips providing academic opportunities outside of the classroom during the 2024-2025 school year, offering a field trip to every grade, once a semester. (Thomas Johnson Elementary Middle School PTO, Inc. – Riverside)
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 2025. Visit https://sbgpartnership.org/community-grants/ to learn more and apply.