France-Merrick Foundation

Congrats to St. John's College on the release of its report exploring the college's historical relationship to Indigenous and enslaved people. We supported the architectural research and preservation of historical documents for this project as this transparency helps pave the way for justice and accountability in the present and future. https://lnkd.in/e9XKEUEz

Yesterday we joined grantees and partners for the inaugural Greater Baltimore Climate Summit, an energizing day of conversations about equitable climate policy, investments to support climate resiliency, and innovative projects in the region. We’re grateful to all the leaders and organizations working together to fight climate change in our region, including the summit producer The Claude C. Thornton Foundation.

Urban forests do so much to support healthy communities and local wildlife. ?? We’re thrilled to support the Audubon Mid-Atlantic and Parks and Rec Baltimore community-centered forest restoration project in South Baltimore’s Lakeland Park. They are planting seeds that will benefit South Baltimore families for generations! Read our Fall Newsletter to learn more: https://lnkd.in/ewKb8xw2

Today, 13 formerly unhoused families moved into their new homes in Baltimore’s Hope Village—a tiny home community offering affordable ownership for housing-insecure families. Heart’s Place has been planning and developing this innovative affordable housing project for over a decade. We’re happy to support this initiative and looking forward to watching the Hope Village community grow. ???

Our work is always evolving to meet changing community needs. We’re embarking on a strategic review of our grantmaking to ensure it is in line with our key values. We’re partnering with The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) for this process which we expect to be completed in the summer of 2025. Learn more in our Fall Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/ewKb8xw2

Students at the Baltimore School for the Arts can now explore their passion for film and visual storytelling in a brand-new, innovative space. This hands-on learning environment will help students sharpen their skills and build community in the department. Learn more about this and other inspiring grantee stories in our 2024 Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/e2dBc_3c

Congratulations to the Excel Center Maryland's first graduating class! ?? By offering tuition-free education, on-site childcare, and flexible schedules, this program, run by Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. (Baltimore, MD), breaks down barriers and empowers adults to earn their high school diploma. We wish all the students the best in their future education and career endeavors! Read our Fall Newsletter to learn more: https://lnkd.in/ewKb8xw2

Congratulations to our grantee Parks & People Foundation and all their collaborators on the new playground and outdoor classroom space at Cecil Elementary School. This SPECTACULAR space, to quote Principal Manning, will be a community health hub for students and neighbors.

When a fire tore through the historic building where Thurgood Marshall once went to school, it left a gaping hole in the Uptown community. Now the building has been restored and transformed into a community center that will breathe new life into this vibrant West Baltimore community while honoring Thurgood Marshall’s legacy. Learn more in our 2024 Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/e2dBc_3c

The beautiful former bank next to the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center sat vacant and neglected for decades. Now, thanks in part to our support, it has been transformed into a large state-of-the-art event space. Learn more about all the ways this space is supporting culture and education in our 2024 Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/e2dBc_3c