Partner Content
Autumn’s last leaves are falling, and holiday décor is filling store windows and neighborhood yards (flamingos count, too!). While many people may be thinking about holiday menus and shopping lists, this is also the ideal time of year to consider charitable giving. Whether you choose to express Thanksgiving gratitude by participating in Giving Tuesday or want to take advantage of philanthropic tax incentives before the close of the year, there’s no better time to make a contribution to your community than now.
And no one is more attuned to the needs of Baltimore’s charitable landscape than the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF). For more than 50 years, BCF has aligned with local and regional nonprofits working to create thriving communities. By giving to and through BCF, you can make more possible in Baltimore. More affordable housing. More disaster relief. More performing arts and community building. More urban farms and green, vibrant neighborhoods. More children ready for kindergarten and more student mental health programs. More of what you care about.
What is a community foundation?
A community foundation is a nonprofit organization that allows donors to do more good than they could individually through the power of collective giving. By pooling money from many donors, and mobilizing mission-driven people around worthwhile causes, a community foundation like BCF can make meaningful change in the community through grants and strategic investments.
Why BCF?
By aligning with more than 1,650 nonprofits in Baltimore City and County, BCF has been connecting donors with opportunities to give back where the needs are greatest. Whether you know what cause you care about or are looking for help deciding where to place your charitable dollars, all you need to do is tell BCF what’s important to you—maybe protecting urban greenspace or supporting quality afterschool programs—and they will find an organization that fits with your interest and can have major impact with your gift.
Everyone can give
Too often, people are discouraged from donating to a place like BCF because they feel their dollars won’t make a big enough difference. Nothing could be less true. Part of the strength of a community foundation is the ability they have to amplify impact by combining even the smallest donations towards a unified purpose. Imagine what could be achieved if 10 people gave $100 each. Or if 100 people gave $100 each. Every bit adds up to drive true systemic growth.
Options for you to help
When you support the Invest in Baltimore Endowment fund, for example, you support enrichment programs designed by local nonprofits to enhance K-12 learning and prepare our students for the future and enable community beautification projects that foster a sense of ownership and pride in residents. Alternatively, a gift to the Civic Leadership Fund supports BCF’s role as a convener, incubator and advocate for key policies and funding to strengthen Baltimore. Both enable BCF to drive meaningful change on your behalf.
BCF knows how much Baltimoreans love this city. They love it, too.
If you want to make a difference to Baltimore during this season of giving, donate through BCF to make the biggest impact where it’s needed most. Visit BCF.org to learn more.