[Baltimore Community Foundation](https://bcf.org)

December 12, 2025 | April 8, 2026 | August 3, 2026 | September 23, 2026

Typical award: $20,000; smaller projects: $1,000–$5,000; multi-year funding possible

Supports collaborative projects that advance kindergarten readiness, student mental health, and school climate in Baltimore City and County schools.

Requires a letter of support from partner schools; must serve Baltimore City/County students.

--- ## Description Stronger Schools Grants, offered by the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF), fund programs and projects dedicated to improving kindergarten readiness, student mental health, and the overall climate and culture in schools throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The grants are designed to foster measurable, positive change by supporting collaborative, community-driven solutions that address clearly defined needs and demonstrate collective impact. Successful proposals are expected to be developed in direct partnership with school leaders, align with the expressed goals of the schools served, and include clear plans for measuring outcomes. --- ## Due Dates - December 12, 2025 - April 8, 2026 - August 3, 2026 - September 23, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant award: $20,000 - Smaller projects: $1,000–$5,000 - Multi-year funding may be available, subject to BCF board discretion and available funds --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status or projects working with a qualified fiscal sponsor. - Projects must serve or benefit residents of Baltimore City or Baltimore County (headquarters may be elsewhere). - Proposals must be developed in direct partnership with school leaders at the school(s) to be served. - A letter of support from each partner school is required. - BCF does not fund annual fund campaigns, religious/sectarian purposes, capital campaigns, individuals (except scholarships), or event sponsorships. --- ## Application Process 1. **Draft your proposal** using the [BCF Standard Grant Application Template](https://www.bcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BCF-Standard-Grant-Application-2024-Version.docx). 2. **Submit your application** through the [GOapply online portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/bcf/application/sssn). New users must create an account, even if they have applied previously. 3. **Required attachments** include project budget, latest IRS Form 990, list of key staff/board, fiscal sponsor letter (if applicable), and school leadership support letter. 4. Proposals are reviewed for eligibility and alignment; additional information or a site visit may be requested. 5. Funding decisions are made by the BCF Strategic Grantmaking Committee; the review process can take up to three months. 6. If awarded, grantees sign an electronic agreement and receive funds as outlined in the agreement. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals should clearly define the need, population served, intended impact, and measures of success. - Both quantitative (e.g., attendance, test scores) and qualitative (e.g., student perceptions, interviews) data should be used to assess impact. - Most grants require a final report; [reporting form](https://www.bcf.org/grant-report) is provided by BCF. --- ## External Links - [BCF Stronger Schools Program Page](https://www.bcf.org/stronger-schools/) - [BCF Apply for a Grant](https://www.bcf.org/apply-for-grant/) - [Online Application Portal (GOapply)](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/bcf/application/sssn) - [Proposal Template (DOCX)](https://www.bcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BCF-Standard-Grant-Application-2024-Version.docx) - [BCF Grant Reporting Form](https://www.bcf.org/grant-report) - [Baltimore City Public Schools Profiles](https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/schools) - [Baltimore County Public Schools Profiles](https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/bcps.team.prod/viz/PublicSchoolProfile/Story1) - [Maryland Public Schools Report Card](https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | Contact Page | |--------------|------------------------|----------------------|-------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Maya Smith | Program Administrator | msmith@bcf.org | (410) 332-4171 | [Contact BCF](https://bcf.org/who-we-are/contact/) | For additional support, use the contact form on the [BCF grantseeker support page](https://www.bcf.org/apply-for-grant/#support-team).

Stronger Schools Grants

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