SmartLogic is donating funds to these 13 Black-led orgs in Baltimore and DC

Canton-based SmartLogic is granting $1,000 to 13 Black-led organizations in Baltimore and D.C.

Earlier this month, the software development consultancy started the grant program to support organizations in the cities where it operates amid protests following the police killing of George Floyd and call for an end to systemic racism. It’s among the ways Baltimore tech and creative firms are responding to the moment.

“We are allies against injustice and stand in solidarity with communities of color,” started SmartLogic, which works in both cities; President Yair Flicker also splits his time between them. “These communities must be heard.”

The fund initially started with a commitment from SmartLogic of $8,460, a number that honored the eight minutes and 46 seconds that an officer held his knee on Floyd’s neck. Since then, the funding was expanded to $13,000, with additional money from SmartLogic and BayTech Group Principal Nick Chester, a blog post states.

Happy Juneteenth; here's a list of the thirteen Black-led organizations we donated $1,000 each to this past week. https://t.co/smYv4jvgvH pic.twitter.com/seXTfr6qKY

— SmartLogic (@smartlogic) June 19, 2020

SmartLogic received nominations for 35 organizations, and a review panel selected 13 organizations. Here’s a look at the groups receiving funds:

• Baltimore Action Legal Team, which provides legal support to community organizing efforts
• Baltimore Safe Haven, which provides outreach, drop-in and housing services for transgender people
• Black Girl Ventures, the D.C.-based organization founded by Shelly Bell addressing access to social and financial capital for Black and Brown women in cities around the country, including Baltimore
• Black Lives Matter DC, the activist collective of Black artists, infrastructure builders, movement healers and strategists
• Building Our Nation’s Daughters, the Baltimore-based organization providing support for mothers with daughters in grades six through 12 to build strong relationships
• Campaign Zero, the police reform campaign focused on research, technical assistance and advocacy to end police violence nationwide
• Fayette Street Outreach, the West Baltimore organization that leads programming including classes with Code in the Schools, computer classes for senior citizens and an internet radio station
• Leon Day Foundation, the West Baltimore organization engaging kids through baseball
• Muse360 Arts, a Baltimore-based nonprofit providing access to arts and culture through learning and resources
• NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, the organization fighting for racial justice through litigation, advocacy and public education; Director Sherrilyn Ifill is based in Baltimore
• No Boundaries Coalition, the resident-led advocacy organization in Central West Baltimore that has worked on issues including police misconduct, food insecurity, youth opportunities and voter education.
• The Ace Project, which offers tennis-based after-school programs to youth in cities including Baltimore
• Youth Empowered Society — YES Drop-In Center, the Baltimore safe space for youth founded and run by formerly homeless youth and allies

This editorial article is a part of Racial Equity Month of Technical.ly's editorial calendar.