Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative issues call for youth-centered program proposals

The Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative issued a request for proposals as it seeks to fund programs serving Baltimore youth.

Formed in 2015, the Collaborative is a partnership between 13 public, private and nonprofit organizations that committed more than $3 million. Administered by Baltimore’s Promise, the Collaborative utilizes a common application and review process, but the members make their own funding decisions.

Inclusive summer programs that serve Baltimore city youth and promote social emotional learning are invited to apply for funds by Feb 1, 2019. Learn more: https://t.co/3oypB7RWh6 #SummerLearning #SEL #SummerSlide #SummerSuccess @UnderArmour pic.twitter.com/xIzRDRwtEE

— Baltimore's Promise (@BMoresPromise) January 9, 2019

In 2018, the Collaborative funded 81 summer programs, including familiar tech community orgs like Digital Harbor Foundation, Dent Education and MdBio Foundation. The programs can focus on education, recreation or providing college and career readiness.

“High-quality summer programming has been proven to help reduce this learning loss or ‘summer slide,'” a press release states. “By expanding learning, recreation, and college and career readiness opportunities, the collaborative members hope that Baltimore City youth can access programs that allow them to learn and grow during the summer months.”

According to Baltimore’s Promise, to be eligible for funding, summer programs must:

• Promote academic, social and emotional growth in children and youth and be inclusive of students of all abilities.
• Serve youth from low-income families who live in Baltimore city.
• If operating for four or more hours per day, they must have a plan to serve healthy meals to program participants.

Applications are open through Feb. 1, 2019.

The organizations in the Collaborative include the Abell Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Clayton Baker Trust, Constellation, Family League of Baltimore, France-Merrick Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Hinkey-Benson Family Fund, Joseph & Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds, Lockhart Vaughan Foundation, Under Armour, and United Way of Central Maryland.