France-Merrick Foundation

Increased tree cover lowers temperatures, improves air quality and quality of life, yet there is far less tree cover in Black, historically disinvested, neighborhoods in Baltimore. Our longtime grantee, Baltimore Tree Trust is working to change that while creating a pipeline for green job opportunities at the same time.

Learn more from WYPR - https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2026-09-24/baltimore-nonprofit-brings-trees-and-jobs-to-underserved-communities-all-while-fighting-climate-change

How can place-based investment transform neighborhoods? How is investing in place different from investing in projects?

These were some of the questions examined at the Power of Place-Based Investment Symposium at Baltimore Unity Hall. It was great to join grantees, partners, and community leaders to do a deep dive into the promises and challenges of place-based investment.

Yesterday, we joined the Maryland Philanthropy Network for their Annual Gathering, focused on how philanthropy can come together to strengthen and protect our democracy. We're grateful to Joe Goldman, President of Democracy Fund, for his insightful reflections on how collaboration and investment in communities and trusted institutions can help us grow stronger together.

Last week, we attended ‘Rooted in Baltimore,’ a celebration of 150 years of Johns Hopkins University partnering with communities to advance health and opportunity.

We’re grateful for JHU’s impact. Their partnership has helped support and shape so many organizations improving lives in neighborhoods across our city.

The photo features our President, Amy Gross with Alicia Wilson, the vice president for civic engagement and opportunity at Johns Hopkins University and our board secretary.

It’s National Arts in Education Week, and we’re celebrating all of our grantees expanding access to arts education in Baltimore.

Arts education isn’t optional. It’s essential. The arts help students express themselves, build confidence, develop, and learn.

Baltimore has a rich cultural history driven by generations of artists. Ensuring all students have equitable access to arts education is key to protecting our cultural legacy for generations to come.

Arena Players, Inc. has been a cornerstone of Baltimore’s theater scene for decades and is the oldest operating African-American community theater in the country. Now, renovations are underway to modernize this historic theater so it can continue to inspire generations to come.

We are proud supporters of this project, and we can’t wait to see the transformed theater!

After more than 70 years, Arena Players begins major renovat... Arena Players is the oldest continuously-operating African-American community theater in the country. After over 70 seasons, the Baltimore theater is now underg...

Is your nonprofit having challenges with your building? Would you like to incorporate green solutions? With the Green PATH Program, you can get free expert guidance before making costly decisions.

Want to learn more?

Join us, Southface Institute, and Chesapeake Bay Trust for a Virtual Lunch and Learn:

📅 September 22
🕐 12 - 1 PM
🔗 Sign up here: https://southface.tfaforms.net/4720834?eventid=a3MQi000003JlHd

Congratulations to Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Dean Sarah Szanton, who leads the ambitious neighborhood nursing initiative in which the France-Merrick Foundation has invested, for being named one of Forbes 2026 50 Over 50: Impact!

We’re celebrating a major recognition for Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Dean Sarah Szanton, PhD, RN, FAAN who has been named to Forbes' 2026 50 Over 50: Impact list. 🥳

Dr. Szanton is a leader whose ideas have translated into meaningful change. Her vision for CAPABLE began with caring for older adults in West Baltimore and has grown to 45 sites across more than 20 states.

As dean, she has continued to advance health equity and community-based care at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, while research funding has doubled from $18 million in 2022 to $36 million in 2026.

Her influence reaches far beyond her role at Johns Hopkins. Through her leadership, research and commitment to rethinking how care is delivered, Dr. Szanton is helping shape the future of nursing and strengthen the communities we serve.

We’re proud to see her recognized alongside the many accomplished women featured on this year’s list.

Congratulations, Dean Szanton!

Read the Forbes feature and see the full 50 Over 50: Impact list: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2026/08/11/2026-50-over-50-impact/

Renovations are underway to transform the 14-acre historic Pikesville Armory into a multipurpose community space featuring a community center, senior center, park, makerspace, and more.

As supporters of this project, we can’t wait to see the full transformation in a few years.

Learn more:

Pikesville’s historic armory, re-envisioned Plans for the overhaul of the Reisterstown Road campus include a new senior center, park space, a new home for the Pikesville Farmer's Market, and a boost for local artists.

Atiya Wells created a fully outdoor Baltimore preschool, Backyard Basecamp, to help foster a love of nature in the next generation.

“What Atiya is doing is really modeling for other programs what outdoor preschool can look like,” said Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, a pioneer of outdoor learning in Maryland. “She is opening up access and opening up people’s eyes to possibilities in urban settings and for children who come from families of color.”

We were proud to support the development of the community green space and facilities where the preschool is located.

Learn more:

Baltimore mom creates fully outdoor preschool for kids who love nature as much as hers do At one of the first licensed fully outdoor preschools in Maryland, low-income and kids of color won't be shut out of the benefits nature brings.