Investing in Baltimore's Youth: Funding Opportunities for Summer Programs Now Open

The Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative (SFC) is now accepting applications for summer 2024, seeking summer programs that provide meaningful opportunities to Baltimore City youth from families with low incomes.

In 2024, the SFC is prepared to grant approximately $4 million to youth-serving summer programs. The application period will be open until Nov. 15, 2023.

The SFC will consider nonprofit programs (or those operating with a fiscal sponsor) that serve Baltimore City children and youth (ages 0-24) from families with low incomes. The programs must be accessible to participants, with plans in place for healthy meals and snacks, safe arrivals and departures, and any necessary fee accommodations.

This year’s eligibility criteria also reflect six priorities that Baltimore’s Promise heard directly from local youth and families. Specifically, programs must demonstrate how they are accessible, youth-centered, and operated by engaged and professional staff; and how they provide safe mental and physical spaces,
relevant knowledge and skill-building, and exposure to diverse experiences.

More details about upcoming information sessions, program eligibility, and the application process, which will be open until Nov. 15, 2023, are available on the SFC website (bmoresfc.org).

Funders with a shared mission
The SFC is a partnership of public, private, and nonprofit organizations. While each member has its own priorities, all members share the goal of funding a variety of high-quality programs that engage children and youth, encourage summer learning, and support Baltimore’s next generation as they reach for their full potential.

Together, the partners aim to provide high-quality summer programs that help reduce the learning loss –or “summer slide” – that can occur when youth are disengaged from learning and skills-development over the summer months.

SFC partners are also committed to including the community in decisions about resource allocations. Over the past five years, more than 500 Baltimore City youth, young adults, and parents and caregivers helped evaluate applications, informing funding decisions and ensuring they reflected community priorities. Community reviewers will support all SFC funding decisions this year.

Current SFC members include The Annie E. Casey Foundation, BGE, the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund, the Blanket Fort Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Constellation, Family League of Baltimore, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Richman Foundation, and the West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation.

Programs with a vital vision
SFC-funded programs expose young people to exciting opportunities that can spark new passions – from drone flying to international travel – and provide youth with safe, accessible, and engaging activities led by caring and dedicated adults.

Examples of the types of programs funded in previous rounds include:
● A pre-K center that provided education-based programs for Baltimore’s littlest learners.
● A Baltimore City farm-based summer camp that exposed youth to gardening, foraging, and cooking with locally grown ingredients.
● A Black-owned, youth-led program that integrates life skills into education on bike mechanics and rider safety.

To learn more about the Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative, access the application, and register for an info session, visit bmoresfc.org.

SFC 2024 Timeline
● October 12, 2023: SFC ‘24 RFP Launch
● October 19, 2023: SFC Virtual information session 1:30-3:00 PM on Zoom
● October 23, 2023: SFC In-person information session, 5:30-7:00 PM at the Enoch Pratt Free
Library, Waverly Branch
● Nov. 15, 2023 at 5:00 PM: Deadline for applications.
● Feb. 21, 2024: Grant decisions announced.