New and long-term owners of Baltimore Federal Hill houses have multiple philanthropic opportunities they can choose to support. From the Baltimore Civic Fund to the Lewis Museum, donating your time and money can support local education, green spaces, businesses, and historic preservation.
Of the numerous philanthropic opportunities to support, seven recommended options are: the Baltimore Civic Fund, the Baltimore Community Foundation, the Digital Harbor Foundation, Federal Hill Park, Federal Hill Preparatory School #45, Federal Hill Main Street, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture (The Lewis).
Incredible places to give back in Federal Hill
1. Baltimore Civic Fund
With headquarters about one mile from Federal Hill condos for sale, the Baltimore Civic Fund is a wonderful philanthropic choice if you want to support multiple programs at once. Aimed at connecting city agencies with donor funding, the Baltimore Civic Fund has been offering fund stewardship for nearly 40 years.
Covering programs across arts and culture, community, environment and mobility, and youth development, the Baltimore Civic Fund is Baltimore’s fiscal sponsor and manages $12 million across over 125 programs. Focused on the values of collaboration, equity, innovation and creativity, and stewardship, the Civic Fund is an intermediary organization that helps city agencies with funding from corporate, philanthropic, and private donors. When you are ready to donate, you may choose from any of the online programs that accept donations or make a donation directly to the fund.
Covering programs across arts and culture, community, environment and mobility, and youth development, the Baltimore Civic Fund is Baltimore’s fiscal sponsor and manages $12 million across over 125 programs. Focused on the values of collaboration, equity, innovation and creativity, and stewardship, the Civic Fund is an intermediary organization that helps city agencies with funding from corporate, philanthropic, and private donors. When you are ready to donate, you may choose from any of the online programs that accept donations or make a donation directly to the fund.
2. Baltimore Community Foundation
When you are seeking a bit of guidance for making your donation reach as far as possible, turn to the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF), which sits approximately two miles from most Federal Hill houses. Since it opened nearly 50 years ago, the BCF has engaged with local communities to identify solutions to pain points, and connects donors with the best options for supporting these solutions.
Through grants, investments, special initiatives, and offering resources toward further improving neighborhoods and schools, BCF aims to ensure “every child and family has the opportunity to thrive.” When you are ready to donate, you have many ways to do so, including submitting a one-time gift, opening a fund after consulting with BCF’s donor services, or transferring stocks.
Through grants, investments, special initiatives, and offering resources toward further improving neighborhoods and schools, BCF aims to ensure “every child and family has the opportunity to thrive.” When you are ready to donate, you have many ways to do so, including submitting a one-time gift, opening a fund after consulting with BCF’s donor services, or transferring stocks.
3. Digital Harbor Foundation
Focused on education supporting learning, community, creativity, and productivity, Digital Harbor Foundation offers programs for youth and educators. Located less than three-tenths of a mile from Federal Hill condos for sale, Digital Harbor Foundation’s Tech Center opened in 2013. It has been expanding children’s understanding of technology, offering year-round programs for 3rd-5th grade students (Mini Makers), a 14-week program for students in 6th-10th grade (Maker Foundations), additional courses for Advanced Makers once they complete Maker Foundations, a youth-led podcast (Critical Tech), and a 3D print shop.
For educators, Digital Harbor Foundation aims to provide the knowledge and skills for starting a makerspace in their classrooms, incorporate 3D printing, and teach the basics of computer science to their students. There is a program for game development and another for connection with other makerspaces. When you choose to donate to Digital Harbor Foundation, your gift goes toward continuing the “pay what you can” policy, allowing every interested child and educator to study with the Tech Center.
4. Federal Hill Park
Founded in 2011, the South Harbor Renaissance (SHR) keeps the Federal Hill Park safe, clean, and fun for everyone. Approximately three-tenths of a mile from Federal Hill houses, the park includes a Flagstaff Plaza, two historical monuments to heroes of the War of 1812, honoring General Samuel Smith and Colonel George Armistead, and a playground with a historical theme. When you donate to SHR, you support the upkeep of landscape, park operations, and future improvement efforts.
5. Federal Hill Preparatory School #45
Located about a mile from Federal Hill condos for sale, Federal Hill Preparatory School #45 (PREP) at 1040 William Street is a Baltimore City public school for students in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. One of only three Baltimore City Public Schools offering an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IBPYP) curriculum, PREP focuses on inquiry-based learning, which gives students the opportunity to explore their interests within a structured framework.
PREP accepts donations through their 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Federal Hill Prep PTO. Your gift provides students with classroom tablets, physical education programs, after-school programs, and field trip transportation.
6. Federal Hill Main Street
A non-profit organization accredited by the National Main Street program, Federal Hill Main Street (FHMS) is one of only eight accredited main street communities in Baltimore. Donated funding has enabled the establishment of outdoor dining for 20 Federal Hill restaurants, sidewalk and gutter cleaning five days weekly, the installation of foliage filled urns and the maintenance of tree pits, assisted local business owners with grant funding to improve their building’s facades, and provided 1,200 meals to seniors.
Additional donations will further enhance Federal Hill Main Street as a welcoming, healthy business district that honors the community’s history. Located less than two-tenths of a mile from Federal Hill houses, improvements to FHMS benefit all Federal Hill residents and visitors looking for fine dining and fun shopping.
Additional donations will further enhance Federal Hill Main Street as a welcoming, healthy business district that honors the community’s history. Located less than two-tenths of a mile from Federal Hill houses, improvements to FHMS benefit all Federal Hill residents and visitors looking for fine dining and fun shopping.
7. The Lewis
Less than two miles from Federal Hill condos for sale, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture opened in 2005. Known locally as The Lewis, the museum has 82,000 square feet of permanent collection displays, temporary exhibitions, a two-story theater, classrooms, meeting rooms, a gift shop, an outdoor terrace, and several reception areas.
Partnered with the Maryland State Department of Education, The Lewis provides learning opportunities for children and adults alike. With approximately 10,000 objects stored, the collection invites visitors to return for multiple visits. The Lewis offers an Online Collection Portal for students, scholars, and the general public to peruse at their leisure. When you donate to The Lewis, your gift supports the ongoing offering of school tours, music, film, and other public events.
Regardless of what cause you choose to support, your generous donation helps the community of Federal Hill grow, from enhancing the local business scene to ensuring students have a multitude of fun learning experiences available. If you’re looking for more philanthropic opportunity suggestions or are considering buying or selling in Federal Hill, reach out to experienced local agent William Weeks for guidance.
