Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, Inc.
Water bills rates are increasingly unaffordable for many of Baltimore’s low-income residents. Discount and affordability programs and, most-recently, income-based billing created to help those struggling are generally not well-known within the low-income communities, and the programs can be challenging to access without experienced help. In partnership with Maryland Volunteer Lawyer’s Service, Pro Bono Resource Center will work with Community Action Partner (CAP) centers to assist clients at targeted legal clinics, provide intensive pro bono legal assistance where necessary, and educate the public on the availability of assistance. This grant will provide support for staff costs associated with this work.
Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Fiscally Sponsored by Baltimore Civic Fund
In response to COVID-19, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA) in partnership with the Baltimore Civic Fund as a fiscal sponsor, established the Baltimore Immigrant Community Fund (BICF): Emergency Relief for Immigrant Families. Through community partners, the fund will respond to the urgent needs of undocumented immigrant families who are excluded from the CARES Act and other governmental benefits like Unemployment Insurance and SNAP. Grants from the fund are intended to help stabilize household finances and build Baltimore as a welcoming community.
Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, Inc.
Now a program of the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, the Fair Housing Action Center of Maryland is the only fair housing organization in the state. FHAC has seen an increase in calls as the economic challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including the unprecedented number or residents have lost their jobs, been furloughed, or seen their hours or wages reduced. Low-and-moderate income households may also face a wave of eviction filings. This grant will provide support for staffing efforts to provide direct assistance to Baltimore City tenants that are having problems with their landlords, educate tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities, and research and analyze tenant issues.
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 distributed $725,000 worth of equipment and goods to 140 different area programs. This grant supported Leveling the Playing Field’s general operating costs.
Latino Economic Development Center
Latino Economic Development Center offers access to business resources and capital to meet the needs of under served communities and communities of color in Baltimore. 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.