INFUSION COMMUNITY GRANTS 

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has designated funding to Fusion Partnerships to facilitate a community led small grants program in East Baltimore. This program is unique from other small grants programs for two main reasons:

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

2. The projects proposed for consideration must be led by residents of these communities.

This grantmaking process is based on similar grassroots grantmaking programs in Cleveland, Detroit, and Atlanta, and has been refined by residents in the C.A.R.E., McElderry, and Middle East Communities to better serve the specific needs of their neighborhoods. The residents in collaboration with Fusion Partnerships have also developed the program’s name --InFusion Community Grants 

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

Those Applying for $500-$2500

For first time or returning projects that may need assistance with:

• Capacity Building 

• Budget  

• Financial Management

• Data Collection. 

inFusion staff is here to support you in building the skills listed above as you get started! :)

*Due to Covid-19, all inFusion Community Grants Program grant writing workshops and application deadlines for Spring 2020 are postponed until further notice. Although this may cause an inconvenience for those who were eager to apply, please know that we are still here to support both the ongoing efforts and emergency needs of C.A.R.E., McElderry Park, and Middle East. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, concerns, are in need of resources, or simply want to say hello. Stay uplifted and stay safe during these times.
- The Fusion Family

General inFusion Guidelines :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 between $500-$2500 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 ( pgs 17-19)

  • 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 $2500) 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 projects must be free and open to your neighbors. If you charge a fee for programming it may disqualify your application. The SGC will  review applications for programs that charge a fee on a case by case basis.

  • All proposed projects must be planned and led by a group of at least three preferably unrelated (non-family) residents of the community. Every youth team member listed, must be paired with an adult team member to ensure that they receive the adequate support to complete the project. 

  • 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. 

   inFusion Community Grants Program Does Not Make Grants To:

  • 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)

Submission Guidelines

Grants may be handwritten or typed.  As you fill out the form, you may find that you need or want to write more than the space provided.  Please add additional pages with headings if necessary.

Drop -off Grant submission

All materials must be submitted on 8 ½” x 11” sheets of paper. Staple or paper clip application materials. Please submit 1 copy of your proposal. Completed application materials must be received at Fusion Partnerships by 5pm on Monday April 20, 2020. Applications can be submitted before the deadline.  We will provide you with confirmation that we have received your grant proposal. Materials submitted with your application will not be returned. Please do not submit cds/dvds, flashdrives or any materials larger than 8 ½” x 11”.

Fusion Partnerships Office Entrance is:

302 E. Federal St., Baltimore, MD 21202

Ring Doorbell #12

Email Grant Submission

You may send your application as an attachment to infusion@fusiongroup.org. Applications can be submitted before the deadline. We will provide you with confirmation that we have received your grant proposal.

For a digital copy of the grant please go to http://shorturl.at/dtu34. You will have to download this document as a word document. The format may change once downloaded as a word document. As long as the content of your grant is clear we will accept it.

Potential Grantee Interviews

The Small Grants Committee may request an interview to be held at the Fusion Office before final decisions are made.  Please make sure that at least one team member of your project is available May 23, 2020 10am-12pm for an interview if contacted.  

GRANT INFORMATION AND Writing ASSISTANCE SESSIONS  (Strongly Encouraged)

For C.A.R.E. Resident, McElderry Park Residents & Middle East Residents: Thursday, April 2, 2020 6pm - 8pm and Thursday, April 9, 2020 6pm -8pm

MICA Place @ 814 N. Collington Ave Baltimore, MD 21205

inFusion Community Grants Program awards grants between $500-$2500 to neighborhood based groups that address one or more of InFusion Community Grants goals.

 Here is the link to the full grant application and guidelines: http://shorturl.at/dtu34