Community Grants Program – Large Grants

The Community Grants Program administered by the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) is designed to support nonprofit organizations, mission-driven groups, and government agencies seeking funding to benefit neighborhoods within the South Baltimore Gateway Community Impact District. SBGP, formed in 2016 in response to the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan, is a public-private partnership responsible for managing casino revenue-derived local impact grants. Its mission centers on implementing community improvement initiatives with a strategic focus on environmental sustainability, health and wellness, and community development and revitalization. The Summer 2025 cycle of the Community Grants Program includes four levels of funding: Spark (up to $2,000), Small (up to $5,000), Medium (below $50,000), and Large (up to $100,000). Large grants target projects capable of effecting significant, measurable impact in alignment with SBGP’s three strategic priorities. These grants may be used for programs or capital projects, but they must demonstrate sustainability, leverage additional funding, and include robust implementation plans. Importantly, projects receiving $50,000 or more are subject to minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MBE/WBE) participation goals as mandated by the City of Baltimore’s Minority and Women’s Business Opportunity Office (MWBOO). Applicants must submit their applications electronically through SBGP’s Submittable portal between July 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM and August 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM. An optional eligibility check is available for those who submit by August 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Applicants who take advantage of the eligibility check will receive feedback from SBGP staff by August 22, allowing time to address any deficiencies before the final deadline. A mandatory letter of support is required from a community or neighborhood association or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in the SBGP District where the project will be carried out. Only specific types of organizations are eligible for funding: 501(c)(3) nonprofits, mission-based groups with a fiscal sponsor, faith-based organizations proposing secular projects, schools, and government agencies. The project must benefit at least one of the 17 designated neighborhoods in the SBGP District, which include Cherry Hill, Federal Hill, Pigtown, Westport, and others. Projects intended for personal or private gain are strictly disallowed, and individuals or for-profit entities may not apply. The application requires a detailed project narrative limited to four pages, a line-item budget with a narrative, organizational financial documentation, board information, and required letters of support. Large grant proposals must also include a draft plan to meet MWBOO participation goals if the budget exceeds $50,000. Evaluation criteria include the quality of outcomes, alignment with SBGP strategic priorities, leverage of outside resources, sustainability, and the applicant’s capacity to execute the project. Grants are awarded by the SBGP Board based on volunteer committee recommendations and a formal review rubric. Once awarded, grant recipients must sign a grant agreement, submit quarterly progress reports, and provide a final report. Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis or via vendor payment, and all activities must be completed within one year. Technical assistance is available to all applicants, with dedicated support sessions and contact personnel listed, including Acacia Asbell (aasbell@sbgpartnership.org), Liz Van Oeveren, Ashley Davis, and Alexandria Sweeney. Further guidance documents, templates, and resources are available on the SBGP website.

Begin application early to secure letters of support. Ensure project aligns with one or more SBGP strategic priorities. Use SBGP-provided templates. Follow the 4-page limit for the narrative strictly.