The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) has announced the launch of Legacy Forward Grants, a $250,000 initiative designed to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary by supporting nonprofits in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The program invites organizations to propose projects that celebrate Baltimore’s cultural and civic heritage while fostering collaboration across communities, aiming to advance reflection, unity, and progress as the city prepares for 2026 and beyond.
According to BCF, the Legacy Forward Grants will award project-based grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to local nonprofits working to strengthen civic connection and celebrate Baltimore’s rich history. Eligible organizations must be nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or have a fiscal sponsor with such status, based in Baltimore City or Baltimore County. Eligible entities include nonprofits whose overall mission focuses on education, historical preservation, or cultural preservation, as well as neighborhood associations and improvement organizations. Proposed projects or programs must take place between January 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027.
The application period runs from November 1 through December 20, 2025, closing at 5 p.m. EST. Full program details and applications are available at www.bcf.org/legacyforward. BCF encourages eligible organizations to apply early and propose projects that honor the past, bring communities together, and shape the region’s shared future.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by BCF to invest in the region’s future while recognizing its historical significance. By leveraging the milestone of America’s 250th anniversary, BCF aims to foster a sense of shared purpose and collective action among Baltimore’s diverse communities. The grants are intended to support projects that not only celebrate history but also create lasting impacts on civic engagement and community cohesion.
BCF’s Legacy Forward Grants represent a significant opportunity for local nonprofits to secure funding for projects that align with the foundation’s mission of strengthening communities. The program underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating Baltimore’s unique heritage while looking forward to a more inclusive and connected future. Nonprofits interested in applying are advised to review the eligibility criteria and submit their proposals before the December 20 deadline.
