The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund was established in 1964 by Mary S. Baker to honor her husband’s legacy. It continues to reflect the founders’ dedication to civic engagement and philanthropy by funding arts and culture initiatives that benefit the residents of the greater Baltimore area. Since 1985, the Baltimore Community Foundation has managed the Fund’s grants program, ensuring consistent oversight and alignment with the Fund’s mission.

The primary purpose of the Baker Fund is to support a vibrant and sustainable arts and culture sector within metropolitan Baltimore. It aims to enrich metropolitan life through programs that encourage artistic excellence, unique creative visions, and high levels of craftsmanship. The Fund's grants promote local artists, enhance community cohesion, and improve quality of life through inclusive and accessible cultural experiences.

Grants awarded by the Baker Fund typically range from $1,500 to $45,000, with an average award amount of approximately $10,000. Funding priorities include strengthening organizational and artistic practices, supporting innovative programs, and fostering collaboration within the cultural sector. The Fund supports arts organizations of various sizes, from grassroots entities to major cultural institutions, and also backs an artist portfolio site and associated awards initiative through a nonprofit intermediary.

To apply, organizations must submit a two-page letter of inquiry that includes a description of the organization, its current operating budget, the need addressed by the project, an overview of the project, and the requested funding amount. Letters must be submitted at least one month before the relevant proposal deadline. If the project aligns with the Fund’s mission, the applicant will be invited to submit a full application. The Fund does not typically support projects focused on arts as a means to non-arts ends (e.g., education, youth development, or social justice), nor does it fund religious purposes, individual applicants, annual appeals, or activities outside of the greater Baltimore area.

Deadlines for 2025 include January 10 for the March 20 board meeting, March 21 for the May 8 meeting, July 11 for the September 18 meeting, and September 26 for the December 4 meeting. Applications may be submitted in traditional format or for specific programs such as the Fixed Asset Replacement Reserve or the Working Capital Reserve.

For questions or more information, applicants can contact David London, Director of the Baker Fund Grants Program, at 410-332-4172 x162 or via email at dlondon@bakerfund.org.