In 2001, nearly 700 families were displaced from their homes in East Baltimore to make way for the building of an 88-acre technology park.
In an effort to help restore residential power in these neighborhoods bordering Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Annie E. Casey Foundation has designated funds for a pilot small grants program.
Through collaborative action, Fusion Partnerships, Inc. works to be a catalyst for social justice and peace by serving as the program’s fiscal sponsor and coordinator.

This program is unique from other grants programs for two main reasons:

The committee that reviews and approves all grant proposals is comprised entirely of residents from the C.A.R.E., McElderry, and Middle East Communities.

The projects proposed for consideration must be led by residents of these neighborhoods in the spirit of activism and preservation of community.

Our grantmaking process is based on similar grassroots grantmaking programs in Cleveland, Detroit, and Atlanta and has been tailored by residents in the C.A.R.E., McElderry, and Middle East Communities to better serve the specific needs of their neighborhoods.  

Residents in collaboration with Fusion Partnerships have also developed the program’s name -- inFusion.

YOU ARE ADVISED to read all pages of the guidelines and the application form before starting to apply for a inFusion Community Grant.
All applications are considered on the merits of the program or initiative proposed.

ALL PROGRAMS MUST INTENTIONALLY SERVE, AS THE MAJORITY OF PARTICIPANTS, HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED RESIDENTS WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES.

Preference is given to teams and projects that are lead by and /or include long term residents.

inFusion awards grants up to $1,500 to neighborhood based groups that address one or more of inFusion’s goals.

Grants are limited to initiatives and projects being held in C.A.R.E., McElderry Park, and Middle East Communities. (Please see Community Boundaries)

Projects must be neighborhood specific. Groups must be comprised of neighborhood residents, and the project must be held in that same neighborhood.  Organizations and community residents from neighboring areas may join the efforts as support for proposed projects but not as project leaders.

Only one grant (maximum $1,500) will be awarded to any one project. Grant duration is up to one year. Groups may receive only one grant within a one year time period.

All proposed projects must be planned and led by a group of at least three unrelated (non-family) residents of the community. At least one member of the applying group  
must be over the age of 18.  

PROJECTS MUST BE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Projects must make use of the strengths and assets that already exist in the community.  Strengths may include the commitment of the residents, active networks and strategies already in place.  Assets are institutions, organizations, and people whose resources, gifts, and talents are used to make the project happen. Applicants are encouraged to think creatively about neighborhood assets and how they can be used to accomplish projects. Vacant land is an “asset” that can be used to provide garden space or a park.

Grant applications should include letters of support from community partners whose cooperation or involvement is necessary to the project’s success.  The letters should indicate their commitment to contribute in specific ways to the project.  When appropriate, the value of the resource should be quoted in the letters of support. In addition, letters of commitment from governmental agencies or schools should be included when appropriate.

Fusion Partnerships will serve as the project’s sole 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.

Our application deadline is 5pm Friday, May 21, 2021 at Fusion Partnerships 1601 Guilford Ave 2 South, Baltimore MD 21202.  If you need assistance in application completion please contact Tamika Bryant tamika.bryant@fusiongroup.org or call Allison Duggan @ 443-415-1047 prior to the deadline to make arrangements.

Fusion Partnerships will serve as the project’s sole 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.

Capital Campaigns
Endowment Funds
Fundraising Events
Large non-profit organizations
Political Groups
Government agencies or departments (includes public schools, recreation centers etc.)
Religious organizations for religious purposes
A business unless they have a social mission or project
Purchase of property (land and buildings)

BEFORE APPLYING

There are grant writing workshops each grant cycle to assist grantseekers in preparing their proposals and to answer their questions. Visit our website (fusiongroup.org), our Facebook (Fusion Partnerships), or call (410)889-4700 for information on dates, times, and locations of all sessions. First time applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of these sessions.  After attending an orientation session, limited one-on-one technical assistance is available to groups as they develop their proposal.

AFTER APPLYING

After proposals have been submitted and read by members of the inFusion Grants Committee, a number of groups will be invited to be interviewed. A total of 4 individuals may attend the interview. Graphics, including charts or materials produced, as well as program beneficiaries, are appropriate at these interviews but not necessary.

AFTER SELECTIONS ARE MADE

You will receive a letter of denial or acceptance via email or mail. For those who receive funding, grantees will be required to attend an orientation session prior to fund release. These sessions will provide assistance with the implementation of the grant proposal. Technical assistance will also be available during the grant period on a routine basis and as needed.
Within 45 days after grant activities are completed, grant recipients will be expected to provide a report regarding outcomes and accomplishments. A small number of grants will be evaluated on an in-depth basis. If chosen for this assessment, a grant recipient will be expected to cooperate with all evaluation requests.

Grants may be submitted by completing this form.  

GRANT INFORMATION AND Writing ASSISTANCE SESSIONS
Due to Covid-19 we will not be doing Grant Writing Workshops this period. If you would like to learn more about grant writing we will provide more workshops in the near future.

QUESTIONS ???
If you have any questions about the application or program, or need help completing your proposal, please contact:
Allison Duggan: 443-415-1047
Tamika Bryant: Tamika.bryant@fusiongroup.org