25 Oct BENI Attracts $560,000 in Investment
Belair-Edison Neighborhood, Inc. (BENI) is very pleased to announce $560,000 in recent funding from the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, France-Merrick Foundation, Goldseker Foundation, and Wells Fargo Housing Foundation! These grants will be used to continue BENI’s work in the Belair-Edison community and expand homeownership programs, real estate development and provide assistance for daily operations.
See below for details about each announced grant award.
Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development
Through a very competitive application process, BENI was awarded $410,000 from the Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative (BRNI) and the Strategic Demolition Fund. These investments will support business expansion and retention, streetscape improvements, homeownership and home rehabilitation incentives and commercial improvement programs throughout the community.
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
This $20,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will help connect individuals and families with tools and resources to achieve their financial goals, including the dream of homeownership.
France-Merrick Foundation
The $35,000 capital grant received from France-Merrick Foundation will be used towards the purchase of a new eco-friendly building for BENI offices located at 3545 Belair Road.
Goldseker Foundation
A long-time supporter of BENI, the $85,000 grant from The Goldseker Foundation will provide core operating support. In addition to commercial, residential, and community organizing activities, BENI strengthened the relationships with its local schools and provided leadership participation for Morgan State University’s Morgan Community Mile.
Wells Fargo Housing Foundation
In an effort to create sustainable homeownership opportunities, this $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo Foundation will focus on developments to BENI’s First Time Homebuyer’s Education and Foreclosure Prevention programs.
Through the years, BENI’s work and support through grants, donations, and volunteering has allowed us to make a difference in the journey of homeownership by providing homebuyer workshops, support for closing-cost assistance, home renovations, and foreclosure prevention. BENI has also helped local businesses attract and retain customers through business workshops and façade improvement grants. We’re thrilled to have the support of such high profile organizations.