A powerful grant making tool is the use of program-related investments (PRI) to provide non-profit organizations with an alternative means of financial support. A PRI is typically a low-cost loan provided to grantees and partners for the express purpose of advancing the mission of a program or project that will have a direct impact on a targeted underserved population or community.

ACT has begun to utilize program-related investments as a way to support community based projects and initiatives that have limited access to capital and financial resources, and reflect elements of our program areas and special initiatives.

Featured Program Related Investments

Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition: As part of our commitment to improving Health & Nutrition outcomes in East Baltimore, ACT is supporting HEBCAC’s efforts to re-develop the Hoen Lithography building into a mixed-use food related center. The building is one of 4 possible sites identified by the City of Baltimore for a new central commissary.

Working closely with the City of Baltimore, East Baltimore Development Initiative, John Hopkins, community organizations, food related business and foundation partners, ACT is proposing the creation of a the East Baltimore Food Zone. The Food Zone’s mission is to spur community economic development by using food and food related enterprises and programs as the catalyst for major investments into this underserved/disinvested community.

Funds provided by ACT may be used to support: Pre-development Costs

Jubilee Baltimore: ACT is excited to support a significant real-estate arts re-development project lead by Jubilee Baltimore, a non-profit developer working with the Maryland Institute College of Art and Station North Arts and Entertainment, Inc.

This 67,000-square foot building located on North Avenue is at the heart of a disinvested neighborhood adjacent to MICA, whose students and graduates provide a steady stream of fresh talent and energy into the neighborhood and City. Because Station North artists and arts organizations need long-term affordable space, Jubilee will work to transfer the building to a new arts-property non-profit, Baltimore Arts Space Corporation, to develop and manage arts projects in Station North and assure that they remain affordable to artists and arts organizations as property values increase.

Funds provided by ACT may be used to support: Acquisition Costs, Pre-development Costs