In late 2001, the Baltimore Giving Project partnered with the Erickson Foundation, Hoffberger Foundation and the Baltimore Community Foundation to develop a next generation networking event, which was designed to give next generation wealth inheritors and creators an opportunity to network with each other. Mayor Martin O’Malley spoke to the group about the importance of philanthropy in addressing the problems facing the Baltimore region and its citizens.

After months of planning by a core group of individuals, the B’MORE Fund officially launched on June 5, 2002 at the American Visionary Arts Museum. Guest speaker, author and Macarthur Award recipient Taylor Branch addressed a group of over 100 next generation leaders and philanthropists, and commended their interest in shaping the future of the city and region.

Since the June 2002 launch, the B’MORE Fund continues to grow. We welcome all who are interested in rolling up their sleeves and collaborating with people who have a similar desire to positively impact the city, while celebrating peers who are engineering change.

The B’MORE Fund is administered by the Baltimore Community Foundation, which means that the Fund is provided financial, legal, program, resource and advisory assistance from the BCF staff.

Giving Circles are a new trend in philanthropy that are making an impact across the country. A Giving Circle is a pooled fund that makes awards and is managed by the fund's donors. Giving Circles pool time, talent and resources between people who share a common interest in a social cause or issues, and allow for a wide range in charitable styles, philosophies, politics, structure, size, and focus.

Giving Circles use a model of “venture philanthropy,” which infuses nonprofits with financial and intellectual capital, as well as resources and contacts. They are a powerful way to impact social change and Greater Baltimore is a leader in this new trend with a variety of Giving Circles underway, including the B’MORE Fund.

The Baltimore Giving Project’s mission is to promote, encourage and expand organized philanthropic giving in the greater Baltimore area by fostering the creation and expansion of new foundations, charitable funds and corporate giving programs. As both a catalyst and messenger for philanthropy, BGP is a resource to new and engaged donors and provides materials and resources to make one’s philanthropy more meaningful. The BGP has assisted a number of giving circles develop in our region. Click here for more information on Giving Circles.

The Baltimore Community Foundation was created in 1972 to help people plan and carry out their charitable giving, to make grants which anticipate as well as respond to community needs, and to build a permanent, independent civic endowment to serve the greater Baltimore region.