Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, Inc.
Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition (MCRC) provides research on economic rights and consumer protection issues; educates policymakers and the public about economic rights issues, and provides consumer awareness and education campaigns to individuals and organizations. MCRC serves low-income homeowners and renters through the Low Income Forgotten Tax (LIFT) program that helps them access the Homeowners and Renters Tax Credit programs and other public benefits. This grant will support staff and outreach expenses for the LIFT program.
Living Classrooms Foundation
Project SERVE enrolls up to 150 returning citizens a year, providing them with paid, on-the-job work experience. Once participants have worked with Project SERVE for four to six months, they are placed into entry-level jobs with public and private employers. In 2019, the program maintained a 60% job placement rate, a 56% job retention rate after one year of employment, and a low recidivism rate of 9%. With funding from the Abell Foundation, Project SERVE will expand its case management and wraparound services to support 60 additional participants.
Leveling the Playing Field, Inc.
Leveling the Playing Field collects and redistributes used and excess sporting equipment to schools and organizations serving low-income children. The donated equipment enables programs to pass on the savings to families through reduced or free registration fees or expanded programming. Last year, the organization collected more than $850,000 worth of donated equipment from more than 120 different organizations and people. It was able to distribute about $475,000 worth of equipment to Baltimore-area partner organizations during COVID 19, as well as 2,100 Sports Kits to City youth through City Schools’ meal sites. This grant supports Leveling the Playing Field’s general operating costs.
Latino Economic Development Center
Latino Economic Development Center offers access to business resources and loan capital to meet the needs of underserved communities and communities of color in Baltimore to start and grow businesses, create jobs, and build wealth. Their small business coaches provide one-on-one technical assistance and workshops/courses related to business planning, financial management, incorporation, licensing and permitting, accounting, marketing and technology integration. Lending staff are trained to provide micro-loans ranging from $500 to $50,000 and larger loans up to $250,000.
The Ingenuity Project
The Ingenuity Project provides students with rigorous math and science courses and experiences that prepare and inspire a pursuit of advanced STEM learning. The program provides gifted programming to a cohort of diverse students that reflects the race, ethnicity, gender, and income of Baltimore City. Ingenuity middle school programming currently takes place at four locations throughout the city, while the high school program, taking place at Baltimore Polytechnic High School, aligns to the highest standards in math and science, enabling every student to participate in a research or STEM practicum experience.