The Urban Children Foundation was established in January, 2009 by Robin Truiett-Theodorson in honor of her late husband Mark Theodorson. Inspired by Mark's commitment to improving urban communities and his passion for the arts, the Foundation seeks to help and improve the lives of children.

Our Mission

The Urban Children Foundation supports community-based organizations that provide extracurricular activities for Baltimore City's children. We are dedicated to ensuring that every Baltimore City child can access, participate, and experience extracurricular activities. Our values are Stewardship, Racial/Gender Equity, Respect, Community, and Teamwork/Collaboration.

Closing the Gap to Access

Many urban youth are unable to take advantage of programs and events because they lack access to nominal funds and resources that would assure participation. This organization was founded to close the gap between the available opportunities and the ability to actively participate.

Types of Funding

The Urban Children Foundation awards grants to established organizations that provide initiatives, activities, programs and projects that advance the UCF mission. Funding must be in response to a specific request for supplementary funds that would allow youth to pay fees, provide transportation, secure uniforms and meet other fiscal or material resource needs associated with sports, music, and other visual and performing arts. All requests must be initiated by a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation on behalf of a community-based organization, agency, group, or team affiliated with said 501(c)(3) corporation. Organizations should have knowledge and experience qualifying them to pursue the initiative, activity, program or project. The Foundation will provide the funding necessary to pursue and accomplish the project/program objective and has set maximum grant amounts. The Foundation provides 2 types of funding: Bi-Annual and Discretionary grants.

Eligibility

The Foundation awards grants to entities designated as tax-exempt according to Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation accepts grant proposals from persons of any race, color, creed, age, sex, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and national or ethnic origin residing in Baltimore City.

Donations

Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible and can be made online or sent to P.O. Box 64, Baltimore, MD 21203.

To Learn More

If you have questions about the Foundation's mission, work, or to make a donation, contact Robin Truiett-Theodorson at information@urbanchildren.org.

Board of Directors

Robin Truiett-Theodorson, Executive Director & President; Carol Hoyle, Vice-President; Rena McMahon, Treasurer; Sandi McFadden, Secretary; Gail Gasparich; Alexandra Adams; Jackie Washington; Marianne Navarro; and Kisha Webster.