Financing Available to Help Solve Some of City's Big Problems

The following originally appeared in the Maryland Daily Record. Betsy Nelson, executive director of the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers, writes the paper's "Charitable Giving" column.

More than four years ago, Jacqueline Robarge was so determined to break the pattern of women cycling through the Baltimore City Detention Center that she quit her job and lived off her savings to start a small support group for them at the jail.

A friend told her about the Open Society Institute–Baltimore's community fellowship program, which offers $48,750 to up to 10 individuals a year to support their creative strategies to improve Baltimore's marginalized communities.

In 2002, Robarge received a fellowship for her work with incarcerated women.

“I was so surprised,” she says. “I didn't know anyone would support what I was trying to do.”

Officially, Robarge's fellowship ended after 18 months. But, like so many of the 78 people who have received OSI-Baltimore community fellowships since the program began in 1998, she is continuing her outstanding work today.

“The fellowship gave me the time and support I needed to take the next step,” she says.

Like other past fellows, Robarge obtained additional funding from other foundations. Today, she runs two programs: Power Inside, which works with about 3,000 women a year in the Baltimore jail, and Keeping It Real, which works with young women at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup.

Like Robarge, OSI-Baltimore community fellows are dynamic individuals who bring new energy and ideas to some of Baltimore's most difficult problems. They are social entrepreneurs who work in all aspects of community life, including the arts, health, education, criminal justice, civil rights, economic justice, youth development and media advocacy.

“This program differs from other fellowships that support people who already are recognized as leaders in their fields,” notes Pamela King, director of community fellowships and initiatives. “Instead, we try to offer opportunity to a broad range of individuals who demonstrate vision, a strong desire to give back to the community and the potential for success.”

Together, the fellows form a strong network that continues to make a difference in the daily lives of Baltimore residents, long after their fellowships end. They become permanent resources who continue to make Baltimore a better city. And each has become a role model and a recognized leader within Baltimore.

“It's a tight-knit group of people who are very committed and compassionate,” says Robarge. “For Baltimore, the fellowships foster a spirit of innovation and creativity.”

This fellowship has been embraced by city leaders in government, business and the nonprofit sector. It has proven so successful that other local foundations have joined OSI-Baltimore to provide funding for this program. They include the Alison and Arnold Richman Fund, the Cohen Opportunity Fund, The Commonweal Foundation, The Foundation for Maryland's Future, the Gloria B. and Herbert M. Katzenberg Charitable Fund, and the Hoffberger Foundation.

“We hope more dedicated people, like Jacqueline Robarge, will apply to become part of this strong network,” says King.