BCF Stronger Schools Grants: Student Mental Health & School Climate and Culture Proposals

The BCF Stronger Schools Grants aim to enhance student mental health and improve school climate in Baltimore City and County. This initiative focuses on funding programs that support kindergarten readiness, behavioral interventions, restorative practices, and wellness initiatives. Collaborating with schools is essential, ensuring alignment with educational leaders' goals. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, addressing diverse needs, including targeted programs for English language learners and students with disabilities.

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.
BCF Stronger Schools Grants: Student Mental Health & School Climate and Culture 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.
Student Mental Health & School Climate and Culture Proposal requests may include, but are not limited to, efforts and activities that support all grade bands in the following areas:

• Students

Positive behavioral interventions, supports and incentivesRestorative practicesCampaigns, activities and events that promote a safe and positive culture (e.g, anti-bullying, relationship-building)Enrichment opportunities (e.g., sports, arts, work-based learning)Expanded academic opportunities (e.g., accelerated learning, online adaptive learning platforms, tutoring, dual language, AP, summer and other recovery)Programming for targeted populations (e.g., English language learners, students with disabilities, homeless students)
School personnel and infrastructure
School culture and climate plansStudent wellness support teamsSchool-based health services (e.g., social workers, mental health and counseling staff)Wellness roomsAttendance monitorsStudent advisory meetingsProfessional development (including paraeducators and substitute teachers)Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 PlansStudent Learning Plans (creation and/or implementation)
Families
Home visits, family workshops and other activities that connect families to schoolsAddressing barriers in the home environment that hinder student learning
BCF awards a wide range of grant amounts. A typical award is $20,000. Smaller projects are often awarded $1,000 – $5,000.

Eligibility

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