Community Development
We encourage initiatives that attract resident investment in neighborhoods, promote sustainability, increase economic development opportunities, and nurture entrepreneurial talent. We aim to increase the livability of neighborhoods, the number of residents, the number of jobs, and the size of the tax base. We are interested in programs that address concentrated poverty, racial wealth disparities, and tie the economic health of Baltimore City to the region.
As successful households are key to neighborhood health, we support efforts to:
The Abell Foundation has long been supportive of growing the entrepreneurial infrastructure and small-business ecosystem in Baltimore City to promote business expansion, job creation, and wealth formation, especially for Black entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color. Recognizing the critical need to rebuild capital resources that have diminished over time, the Foundation has supported a number of community-based efforts to expand access to financing and business support.
Abell Report: Baltimore’s Digital Divide
This Abell Report documents the depths of Baltimore’s digital divide, a systemic problem that is now urgent and acute as it creates barriers to remote learning, telehealth appointments, and applying for jobs and benefits.
Could additional first-time homebuyer incentives and more flexibly underwritten loans reverse declining rates of homeownership in Baltimore? The short answer: not alone.
Have questions or want to discuss your idea for community development in Baltimore? Get in touch using the form below.
Photos courtesy of ReBUILD Metro and Latino Economic Development Center.
Additional photos licensed from Shutterstock.