Photo courtesy of Sean Monahan
South Baltimore Gateway Partnership press release:
South Baltimore Gateway Partnership Announces $688,198.50 in Funding for 26 Programs and Projects in South Baltimore
Baltimore, MD) — The South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) announces $688,198.50 in Community Grants to support 26 programs and projects across South and Southwest Baltimore. SBGP Community Grants funding is provided by the Local Impact Grants generated by video lottery terminals at the Maryland Live! Casino in Arundel Mills, MGM National Harbor Casino, and the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. Since its establishment in 2016, SBGP has committed approximately $45.6 million of core intergovernmental Local Impact Grant funds to projects across the District, ranging from small community grants to large capital projects. An additional $5.8 million of projects are in development for a total mobilization of approximately $51.4 million.Reflecting SBGP’s commitment to an equitable model of investing, approximately 78 percent of core program funding to date has been distributed in historically underserved communities and communities of color within the District.
This latest application cycle continues to highlight the important work being done by the communities around South Baltimore. “Food insecurity is a pressing need throughout Baltimore City. So What Else, Inc., is dedicated to making sure its neighbors have access to healthy food through a program that simultaneously reduces food waste and strengthens partner organizations. This SBGP grant will fund the distribution of an additional 200,000 pounds to residents through schools and nonprofits in Southwest Baltimore,” says Elizabeth Vito, Baltimore Programs Director.
CASA de Maryland, Inc. is another organization using their funding to focus on supporting neighbors’ access to essentials. “We’re excited to use this grant funding to expand our outreach and resource navigation support for working class and immigrant families in Lakeland. These resources will help us connect neighbors to benefits like WIC, SNAP, and college aid, but will also empower families through multilingual outreach, monthly orientations, and case management,” says Earvin Gonzalez, CASA’s Deputy Director of Regional Services for Baltimore and Central Maryland. CASA provides critical services to immigrant and working-class families, and advocates for their rights.
Family activities and programming also received funding this summer. “Preparing Youth for Tomorrow, Inc.’s Club Dad program supports fathers and male role models through emotional development, parenting educations, and community engagement. This funding will help us provide monthly guest speaker sessions and activities in Cherry Hill to build resilience, leadership, and school involvement,” says Kevin Moody, Executive Director. The organization strengthens trust between law enforcement, youth, and the community by providing mentorship, leadership development, real world learning experiences that empower young people to serve, lead, and thrive.
In addition to the projects described above, Community Grants funding will support a variety of other programs:
- The “Opening Day” event will celebrate the Carroll Park Panthers’ youth baseball season. and feature food, entertainment, and giveaways to attract new park users and strengthen community ties. (Friends of Carroll Park – Barre Circle, Carroll-Camden Industrial Area, Pigtown/Washington Village, Ridgely’s Delight)
- The “Music Classes at TJEMS” program with Peabody Preparatory provide free group music instruction to 50 students at Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School over 36 weeks, fostering musical skills, emotional resilience, and community belonging, with pathways to advanced education through Peabody’s Tuned-In program. (Peabody Institute at the Johns Hopkins University – Riverside)
- The “Literacy Tutoring in Schools” program will provide literacy tutoring to 140 K–4 students at Westport Academy and Southwest Baltimore Community School with trained volunteers and AmeriCorps members delivering twice-weekly sessions, aiming to improve reading proficiency and educational equity. (Reading Partners – Pigtown/Washington Village, Westport)
- The “Violence Intervention Program (HVIP)” will offer trauma-informed care and long-term support to 200 survivors annually and supports reductions in repeat injuries and retaliation through community partnerships. (Harbor Hospital d/b/a Medstar Harbor Hospital – Cherry Hill, South Baltimore Neighborhood)
A full list of Community Grants awards can be found here.
A new round of SBGP Community Grants funding will be available this coming winter in 2026. Visit https://sbgpartnership.org/community-grants/ to learn more and apply.
About the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership
SBGP was established in 2016 to help implement the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan, a sweeping plan to improve neighborhoods near the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, with funding provided by the Local Impact Grants generated by video lottery terminals. Under its Strategic Plan, SBGP works to improve the vitality of its communities by focusing on three crucial elements of the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan: Community Development and Revitalization, Environmental Sustainability, and Health and Wellness. To achieve the agenda laid out in the Strategic Plan, SBGP has established three interrelated program areas: Community Grants, Enhanced Services, and Transformational Projects. For more information, visit: www.sbgpartnership.org.
SBGP is not an agency of the City of Baltimore or the State of Maryland. It is governed by a Board of Directors comprised primarily of residents of the District and representatives of businesses located in the District.
