2025 Neighborhood Grant Application

Neighborhood Grants are opportunities for organizations with total annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less to be eligible to receive $2,500 to $10,000 in funding to carry out community-centered projects that are resident-driven, connect community members, and create impact in Central Maryland. United Way of Central Maryland is accepting applications for our 2025 Neighborhood Grant opportunity!

Organizations wishing to apply are encouraged to download United Way’s virtual information session presentation from Monday, October 14, 2024, 10:00am. Download here.  

Eligible organizations can apply to implement projects that:

Inspire Community Connections

Empower Local Leaders

Build Vibrant Neighborhoods

2023 Grant Recipients

Anne Arundel County Grant Recipients

• Charting Careers, Inc.
  Resident connections led by Charting Careers Community Team leaders
  
• Chase Your Dreams Initiative, Inc.
  Partnership with local professional athletes to refurbish basketball court murals in the Meade Village community
  
• Filbert Street Garden
  2023 season improvements to include stipends for neighborhood youth to help maintain the garden, offer Wifi, and build 20 raised beds
  
• One Annapolis, Inc.
  Grassroots effort in the Bywater community to increase self-efficacy by increasing the number of home gardens and community green spaces
  
• Ralph J. Bunche Community Center, Inc.
  Food Pantry to serve community patrons, enhance safety and increase participation among community members
  
• Superior Future, Inc.
  Program expansion for at-risk youth in need broadened developmental training in Anne Arundel County
  
• Warrior Music Foundation, Inc.
  Therapeutic two-day retreat for veterans to work with local professional songwriters to tell their story
  
• We Are 4 Corporation
  Homeless individuals provided an opportunity to earn money while helping the community

Baltimore City Grant Recipients

• 10:12 Sports, Inc.
  Paul Fauntleroy Park maintenance, mentorship and workforce development program
  
• Ashland Community Development Corporation
  Oasis Garden revitalization project
  
• Ballet After Dark
  Community healing clinics offering dance therapy, yoga and group therapy for ages 12-24
  
• Cody Young Empowerment Youth Charities, Inc.
  Educate youth about health topics of interest and assist them in their implementation of community service and integrated marketing campaigns
  
• Dent Education, Inc.
  Social solution enterprise co-owned by Baltimore youth and Dent Education
  
• Ednor Gardens Lakeside Civic Association, Inc.
  Outreach to share neighborhood-wide information and host events and activities designed to increase neighborhood greening/cleaning and social engagement
  
• EndsideOut Incorporated
  Outreach and implementation of public health programs for Baltimore City parents and community members
  
• Focus on Communities United for Success
  In-class Information Technology certification program for Baltimore City high school graduates between the ages of 18 and 36 years old
  
• Food Rescue Baltimore
  Food recovery and city-wise distribution network of twelve giveaways and expansion to at least one additional neighborhood
  
• Greektown Neighborhood Association, Inc.
  Greektown neighborhood beautification project to instill local pride and sense of community
  
• Greenmount West Community Association
  McAllister Park improvement project to include in-ground sprinkler irrigation system and drinking fountain for park users and their dogs during the growing season
  
• Gwynns Falls Business and Homeowners Association, Inc.
  Gwynns Falls Mighty Park improvement project to include picnic tables, trash cans, in-ground grill, and performance stage utilizing volunteer labor
  
• Hamilton-Lauraville Main Street, Inc.
  Capacity building development of community-driven music series
  
• Marble Hill Improvement Association, Inc.
  K8 rated traffic bollard installations at multiple intersections in Marble Hill to prevent car crashes
  
• MissionFit, Inc.
  Physical and health education program that improves social-emotional-mental wellness in a positive community building environment within cohorts of coach-mentors and youth
  
• New Waverly United Methodist Church
  After-school and weekend program for youth to explore history, science, photography, the arts, sports, cultures and cooking classes. Participants and families also have access to the free clinic.
  
• Nlife, Inc.
  Neighborhood Enrichment Program creates safer, cleaner, and greener neighborhoods, where residents feel empowered, supported, and celebrated for their unique talents and contributions
  
• North Avenue and Hilton Street Business and Community Task Force, Inc.
  Environmentally safe, clean, and sustainable community landscaping that inspires and builds socially engaged neighbors and business owners
  
• Outcast Food Network, Inc.
  Neighborhood clean-up days (four total), recycling bins and door-to-door canvasing promotes the benefits of recycling and clean and safer neighborhoods
  
• Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street
  Beautification project to include masonry repairs, lighting on engraved stonework of park, replanting of flower beds, and correcting sinking trees will provide a fresh greenspace for community residents
  
• Pennsylvania Avenue Neighborhood Association
  Community driven clean-up and lawn maintenance done weekly to engage residents, help reduce pollution and increase the water quality
  
• Positive Youth Expressions, Inc.
  Cultural and intergenerational outdoor activities such as community generated murals, exercise path for seniors, and a lending book treehouse library
  
• ReigniteED, Inc.
  Educational opportunities for adults to gain a high school diploma and to provide English language learning classes to support employment goals
  
• Requity Foundation, Inc.
  Neighborhood beautification project that includes landscape architecture, solar powered lamp posts, and ongoing and substantive partnerships
  
• Rob’s Barbershop Community Foundation, Inc.
  No-charge grooming services for populations with barriers to regular hair care by expanding cadre of local barbers
  
• Seton Hill Association
  2023 performing arts events at the restored fountain in Saint Mary’s Park to connect Seton Hill neighbors
  
• Sisters Saving the City Incorporated
  New facility to provide after school training in the fields of art, business, entrepreneurship, and other educational programs for at-risk youth in the Park Heights community
  
• Street Visionz, Inc.
  Vacant housing rehabilitation to address socio-economic issues associated with vacant houses and related criminal activity and employ youth to implement the beautification project
  
• Taste Wise Kids, Inc.
  Food literacy and educational program for 4th and 5th grade students and their parents at New Song Academy
  
• The Bit Community Center – Be a Chef for a Day Beat Program
  Permanent food bus stop in Glen Oak and food for 150 families in North Baltimore
  
• The Center for Community Ownership
  Community investment strategy to include initial engagement of neighborhoods east of York Road and substantial community engagement
  
• The United Workers Association, Inc.
  Recently moved Hope Garden will expand fresh food, community green space, and cultural and educational programming for Harlem Park residents
  
• The Urban Oasis, Inc.
  Outdoor library to serve as a gathering place for increased access to resources and community building
  
• Towanda Neighborhood Association, Inc.
  Friends of the Park Trust’s Keep Our Neighborhood Clean beautification campaign will utilize annual fundraiser, resource seminars and fun events to improve Towanda Grantley
  
• Unique Fabrics Nonprofit, Inc.
  Volunteer supported cleanup in McElderry Park Village of Love and Resistance, Inc. People’s Meditative Garden built at 601 Ensor street
  
• Whitelock Community Farm, Inc.
  Partnership to expand agricultural knowledge and environmental stewardship through workshops, film screenings, farmers markets, celebration of Black-owned businesses, and health resource clinics
  
• Your Support Bridge Corporation
  Partnership to improve the quality of life for children and families impacted by asthma related absenteeism in school
  
• Zion Deliverance Center, Inc.
  Community needs assessment to develop a 5-10 year strategic plan to improve economic development, food security, health, housing, safety, and youth development

Baltimore County Grant Recipients

• AfriThrive, Inc.
  Food security approaches through Balozi Advocacy project that are sustainable and empowering
  
• Better Dais Ahead, Inc.
  Dais of Love events for those who have lost loved ones and need support
  
• Churches for Streets of Hope, Inc.
  Outreach to expand the Streets of Hope Community Care Center and Cold Weather Shelter Coalition
  
• Congregation Ariel Russian Community Synagogue, Inc.
  Playground installation to increase community connection for the Russian Jewish community of Baltimore County
  
• Evolve KidsCare, Inc.
  Childcare to families engaged in recovery from substance use at Epic Church Baltimore in Dundalk, Maryland
  
• H.H.H.: Heroes Helping Heroes, Inc.
  Out-of-school personal growth leadership program called Leaderize for at-risk youth with disabilities and their family to build youth’s sense of self-efficacy
  
• I Believe In Me, Inc.
  NAACP Baltimore County Branch Educational and informational resources including income generating strategies for residents and existing business networks in the Randallstown area of Baltimore County
  
• Reisterstown Improvement Association, Inc.
  Free concerts at Franklin Middle School in Reisterstown on Friday evenings (10 total) to promote social connection and interaction of family, residents and neighbors
  
• St. Matthew United Methodist Church
  Pantry inventory for over 55 residents weekly and provide a positively impact households in the area of health nutrition by increasing the number of volunteers
  
• TALMAR, Inc.
  Vocational programs for people with disabilities on a vegetable, cut flower, and egg farm
  The Cavanagh House, Inc. Sewing supplies and a $50/month purchasing budget for 10 students. Upon job placement, each student will be gifted with their sewing machine and tools

Carroll County Grant Recipients

• Caring Carroll, Inc.
  Senior Care Receivers and Volunteer social welfare and menthal health support
  
• Carroll Technology & Innovation Council
  Digital resources and access to technology for Central Maryland veterans
  
• Change The Conversation, Inc.
  
• Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group, Inc.
  Fun and educational social events and volunteering efforts for Down Syndrome community in Carroll County
  
• Find Your Purpose, Inc.
  Community events such as talent shows, skating rink and movie theater trips, and annual Easter egg hunt for Westminster residents including youth
  
• The HOFFA Foundation, Inc.
  Recovery Capital Index (RCI), an individually centered, scientifically validated measurement of recovery wellness regardless of recovery pathway for 250 individuals to build strengths, address problems and promote productivity
  
• Together We Own It, Inc.
  Job training and professional skills development for high school students and transition aged youth (18-24 years old)

Harford County Grant Recipients

• Laila’s Gift Incorporated
  Birthday Celebration parties for children with disabilities and special needs that is volunteer supported and provides a sense of community and hope
  
• Next Movement Community Development Corporation, Inc.
  Free shopping and information sharing for the Harford County community who need clothing, household items and connections to other community services/programs
  
• Rooted Willow Community, Inc.
  Peer support program focusing on mothers of infants and toddlers in Harford County by increasing meeting facilitators
  
• The Harford County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, Inc.
  Harford County’s Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation’s (HCCCEF) empowerment program assists potential leaders with resources for entering or re-entering the business community
  
• The SUCCESS Project, Inc.
  “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin By World” workshop series investigates the impact of poverty on participants’ lives and allows them to make a difference in their own lives and in the life of their community

Howard County Grant Recipients

• A Home of Our Own Howard, Inc.
  Complete beds for individuals coming out of homelessness in Howard County
  
• A-OK Mentoring & Tutoring, Inc.
  Howard County community and youth volunteers socially connected
  
• Columbia Community Care, Inc.
  In honor of Jaden Ealey, a Oakland Mills High School graduate, the Torch Youth Fund intiative and Persevere Until Success Happens program provides opportunities for youth and their families
  
• Get On the Bus, Inc.
  Financial and transportation barriers removed for kids who wish to play recreational soccer on a team in their community, and learn valuable life skills, good study habits, and access to healthy snacks
  
• Howard County Autism Society, Inc.
  Multi-family housing development that is affordable, inclusive, accessible for residents of Patuxent Commons
  
• Kits to Heart
  Art for Cancer Wellness Program provides free, virtual art therapy workshops that address loneliness and provide healing and coping tools for cancer patients, survivors, young adults, caregivers, and healthcare workers
  
• Lindaben Foundation, Inc.
  Food security and wellness equity program for Bryant Woods Elementary, Longfellow Elementary and Harper’s Choice Middle School students in Howard County and includes food supplies for weekends
  
• Making Change, Inc.
  Financial education and rental preparedness program for 20 high school students in Howard County
  
• Sobar, Inc.
  Sobar Certification is a partnership offered to organizations and event spaces who pledge to provide equitable non-alcoholic beverages at their events and gatherings