BCF Stronger Schools Grants: Kindergarten Readiness Proposals

BCF Stronger Schools Grants: Kindergarten Readiness Proposals

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Baltimore Community Foundation
Amount: Up to US $20,000
Last Updated: January 03, 2026

Summary

The BCF Stronger Schools Grants support initiatives aimed at improving kindergarten readiness, mental health, and school climate for students in Baltimore City and County. With a typical grant of $20,000, the program encourages projects that align with school leaders' goals and involve partnerships with schools. Areas of focus include literacy, math, social foundations, and physical well-being. Grants under $5,000 are reviewed more frequently, catering to smaller projects that enhance early childhood education.

Overview

NOTE: While BCF accepts grants on a rolling basis, we do operate on a fixed deadline schedule for reviews and approvals. BCF staff have additional flexibility for smaller grants. Grants proposals under $5,000 are reviewed more frequently. Stronger Schools Grants: Kindergarten Readiness Proposals BCF’s Stronger Schools Grants are focused on funding efforts that support Baltimore City and County students’ successful recovery in the areas of kindergarten readiness, student mental health, and school climate and culture. We will consider funding programs/projects that happen both in school buildings and in the surrounding community, but applicants must explicitly demonstrate that they are hosted in partnership with school(s) and that the program/projects goals align with school leaders’ expressed goals. Our interest in supporting early childhood education is specifically geared towards improving school readiness in kindergarten, as measured by the state’s Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA). Grant requests should align to the four domains assessed by the KRA: LiteracyMathSocial foundationPhysical well-being & motor development Efforts and activities may include, but are not limited to, direct support for young learners, and other supports that target parents/guardians and school staff. We will also continue our support of Judy Centers. BCF awards a wide range of grant amounts. A typical award is $20,000. Smaller projects are often awarded $1,000 – $5,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Baltimore Community Foundation awards grants to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status.We will also consider projects working with fiscal sponsors as long as the fiscal sponsor meets financial standards.

Ineligibility

The Baltimore Community Foundation does not generally fund the following: Annual fund campaigns Religious or sectarian purposes Capital campaigns Individuals, excluding scholarships Event sponsorships