ABOUT THE PROJECT

The 2015 social unrest in Baltimore, generated national interest by private industry and philanthropic foundations to invest in Baltimore to begin to address the social, economic, and environmental conditions that impact the daily lives of residents living in parts of Baltimore. Southwest Baltimore was a target area to receive this funding as this area has an unemployment rate that is four times higher than the national average, a poverty rate of 36%, and a life expectancy of 67 years.

CHALLENGES

BSCW had the ability to write grant applications, however found it difficult to effectively and efficiently manage resources to ensure program success. Without successful implementation, BSCW would be unable to successfully secure future funding for program continuation and expansion. Requity assisted BSCW in developing a system to implement grant funding across multiple programs while ensuring performance measures are met.

THE RESULTS

Requity facilitated conversations with fiscal and program staff to develop reporting templates that were used to track performance measures and ensure fiscal grant compliance.  This allowed the client to keep essential information readily accessible in a uniform format. 

The implementation of financial stewardship with initial grant funding led to continued funding and enhanced partnerships.  The Bon Secours Community Farm Pilot Project was the entry point for discussions with strategic partner Kaiser Permanente to develop a  place-based plan with Bon Secours Baltimore Health System. This partnership formed the basis of the Enoch Pratt Payson Street Library Branch to be renovated into a community center with after-school programming, and the signature deliverable of a  strategic partnership between two national healthcare organizations.  Initially, Kaiser Permanente provided $1.8M with an additional $1.4M to be approved in 2020.  To date $4.4M of funding has been committed toward the $6.6 goal for renovation of this space.  Additional funders of this initiative include: 

  • Bank of America
  • Bon Secours Baltimore Health System
  • Bunting Family Foundation
  • City of Baltimore
  • Duker/McArdle Foundation
  • France Merrick Foundation
  • Gallagher, Evelius & Jones
  • Kaiser-Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States
  • Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (Project C.O.R.E.)
  • Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (Community Investment Tax Credits) 
  • Maryland General Assembly (Bond Bill, Grant)
  • Morgan Li
  • Sisters of Bon Secours
  • Under Armour