The Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown Family Foundation Grants are administered through the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) and aim to support nonprofit organizations addressing key needs in the Baltimore metropolitan area, particularly within the African American community. Established in 1994 by Eddie and Sylvia Brown, the Foundation focuses on improving outcomes in mental health, cancer prevention and treatment, K-12 education, and the arts.
This grant opportunity supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status (or their fiscal sponsors) that serve the Baltimore region. All applicants must comply with non-discrimination policies covering race, creed, national origin, color, physical disability, gender, and sexual orientation. Organizations that have demonstrated a strong record of service and programmatic outcomes are given preference. While the foundation typically offers $5,000 per grant, applications are evaluated based on program alignment, not funding history.
Grants are available for programs that address mental health through direct services like counseling and access to treatment, cancer prevention and education, and youth arts initiatives that support leadership and academic development. Additionally, the foundation funds K-12 education programs targeting underserved Baltimore youth. These can include traditional in-school support, afterschool enrichment, mentoring, alternative education, and technology-based initiatives.
The grant is intended for programs that provide sustained, meaningful engagement, especially those serving a consistent group of youth over time. Applications from start-up organizations, institutions of higher education, or organizations outside the Baltimore region will not be considered. The foundation also does not support capital campaigns, construction projects, or requests for multi-year funding.
Applications for the 2025 cycle are accepted from March 31 through September 30, 2025. All applications are reviewed on an annual basis, and receiving funding in one year does not guarantee funding in future cycles. Inquiries can be directed to the Baltimore Community Foundation.
