The Mitzvah Fund for Good Deeds, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, was established in 2012 to offer timely financial support for nonprofits in the Baltimore region. This fund is intended to provide gap funding for nonprofit organizations that require modest yet impactful amounts to carry out their missions. By addressing urgent and smaller-scale needs, the Mitzvah Fund plays a key role in strengthening the capacity of local nonprofit organizations and ensuring their continuity in delivering essential services.
The fund offers grants of up to $3,500 and encourages all eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and organizations with fiscal sponsors to apply. It prioritizes flexibility by allowing funds to be used for unrestricted purposes such as transportation, staffing, and general operational needs. Past supported initiatives include COVID-19 educational kits, resource cards distributed with meals, and the development of diverse library collections in local schools.
To be considered, applicants must serve the Baltimore region and affirm non-discrimination on the basis of race, creed, national origin, color, physical handicap, gender, or sexual orientation. The fund does not support start-up organizations, capital projects, individuals, multi-year proposals, institutions of higher education, or projects located outside the Baltimore region. Additionally, events or activities that have already occurred prior to the review process are ineligible.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as long as funds are available, offering applicants year-round opportunities to apply. The application process is managed through the GOapply platform. Even previous applicants are required to create a new account on the updated system, which will sync past applications based on their organization's EIN or Tax ID.
Grant applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and prepare necessary documentation before applying. The review process can take up to four weeks from submission. For additional questions, applicants are encouraged to contact Maya Smith, Program Administrator, via email at msmith@bcf.org.
Through its streamlined process, broad flexibility, and community-centered approach, the Mitzvah Fund for Good Deeds stands as a valuable resource for Baltimore-area nonprofits seeking responsive, small-scale funding to enhance their programs and services.
Review eligibility before applying; ensure documentation is ready; apply early due to 4-week review.
