Past Grants

1000 Friends of Maryland

Two-year funding in support of land use and transportation policy reform at the state and local levels, and an initiative to “Keep Farmers Farming.” A public agenda will be created by 1000 Friends to encourage the redevelopment of existing communities; advocate for the preservation of the state’s remaining open spaces, and agriculture and forest lands; and develop Smart Growth transit and transportation plans.

Adopt A Block, Inc. ﾠ

Toward renovation costs of a house in East Baltimore as part of the week-long Compassion Commission Project. This summer program brings together more than 200 youth from the East Coast to participate in a week of volunteering committed to rebuilding an abandoned rowhouse, cleaning up alleys and neighborhood streets, and painting recreation centers and public schools.

Baltimore City Department of Planning

For support of radio advertising designed to reach Baltimore City’s low-income residents in the 2010 Census count. Efforts are intended to improve the rate of mail-in returns, ensure the accuracy of Baltimore’s population count, and maximize the city’s eligibility for federal formula grant dollars and elected representation.

Baltimore City Department of Planning

Toward staffing costs of a Food Policy Coordinator to implement recommendations of the 2009 Baltimore City Food Policy Task Force. The coordinator will focus on expanding urban agriculture, community-supported agriculture shares of local farm produce, and community gardens; launching street vending with refrigerated trucks to reach isolated areas (“food deserts”); expanding links with local farmers and institutions; and providing input in rezoning to allow agricultural uses.

Baltimore County Agricultural Resource Center, Inc.

In support of the New Farmer Trainee Program, designed to promote the local sustainable food system by providing novice farmers with hands-on experience and classroom knowledge over a one-year period, before placing them in a position to start their own farm operation. In conjunction with the Cooperative Extension of Maryland, the program will assist trainees in locating farmland for lease or sale.