Inside BCF: A Podcast from the Baltimore Community Foundation

Latest Episodes:

20 Minute Update: Sustainability Apr 20, 2016

Show notes

Baltimore's Sustainability Plan is getting an update. Join Cheryl Casciani, BCF's director of sustainability and chair of the City's Commission on Sustainability as she reviews eight years of work on sustainability projects like reducing trash in neighborhoods and educating young people about the environment. Casciani will also discuss how a revised plan will address challenges facing Baltimore today.

20 Minute Update: Central Maryland Transportation Alliance Mar 21, 2016

Show notes

Why does it take so long to drive to work? When is that next bus coming? These are the questions Baltimoreans ask themselves daily as they deal with one of the most snarled transportation situations in the nation. Join us on March 21, when we'll sit down with Central Maryland Transportation Alliance's Brian O'Malley to discuss why CMTA graded Baltimore and Central Maryland's transportation a "D", and what key issues in the state legislature could change your commute next year. After 10 minutes of overview, we'll take your questions.

20 Minute Update: School Leadership and Effectiveness Feb 22, 2016

Show notes

Strong, capable leadership is an essential ingredient in building great schools. Through its education investments, BCF' is focusing on five strategies to help improve school leadership and increase school effectiveness. In this 20 Minute Update, Ralph Serpe, vice president for development, discusses how BCF invests to build school leadership and effectiveness with Danista Hunte, vice president for community investment, and Jonalyn Denlinger, BCF consultant.

20 Minute Update: BCF Investment Portfolio Jan 20, 2016

Show notes

The BCF Board of Trustees' Investment Committee is responsible for providing oversight and management of the assets within the BCF investment portfolio. The committee is currently examining the long term investment pool with an eye toward seeking better results and moderating volatility. Join Patti Baum, investment committee chair, and Chip Morris, investment committee member, as they discuss the long term investment pool and why BCF is looking at it now. Ralph Serpe, VP, Development, will moderate.

20 Minute Update: BCF's 2016 Legislative Priorities Dec 21, 2015

Show notes

Kevin Griffin Moreno, senior program officer at BCF, will give an update on BCF's legislative priorities for 2016. Ralph Serpe, BCF VP of Development, will moderate. After a 10 minute overview, the call is open to ques

20 Minute Update: 10 Tax Saving Tips in 10 Minutes Nov 20, 2015

Show notes

The end of the year is a time when many people review their charitable giving plans. Join BCF's Ralph Serpe and Keisha Leverette as they share 10 tips that could help you maximize your giving while reducing potential taxes. Download our Charitable Checklist here.

20 Minute Update: 21st Century Schools Oct 20, 2015

Show notes

Baltimore's 21st Century School Buildings Plan is a building and renovation initiative that will create improved educational environments for Baltimore City and its public school students. On Oct. 20, join BCF's Cheryl Casciani, Kevin Griffin Moreno and Ralph Serpe as they discuss 21st Century Schools, and how BCF has supported the plan.

20 Minute Update: Judy Centers Sep 21, 2015

Show notes

Judy Centers are neighborhood hubs which connect children and families to services so that children are ready for school. These centers have shown significant positive results in improving school readiness in low-income children, and since 2013, BCF has invested in Judy Centers to meet its goal of helping to increase school readiness in Baltimore City to 90%. Join Cristina Lopez, who directs the Judy Center strategy at BCF, and Niki Venuti, Judy Center Coordinator at Commodore John Rodgers Elementary Middle School, as they discuss how Judy Centers are improving school readiness for thousands of children in Baltimore.

20 Minute Update: Building Social Capital Aug 20, 2015

Show notes

Social capital "trust among residents, strong neighborhood leaders and trusting relationships with nonprofits, schools and city agencies" is extremely important to a thriving neighborhood. Almost as tangible as housing stock or tree cover, social capital is measurable and can make the difference between a healthy neighborhood and one that struggles with crime, poverty and long-term vacancy. Jonalyn Denlinger and Dion Cartwright, who coordinate BCF's neighborhood investment programs, discuss the importance of social capital and how BCF invests in ways to build it in its two target neighborhoods: Greater Highlandtown and Reservoir Hill.

20 Minute Update: Healthly Neighborhoods Jul 20, 2015

Show notes

For 15 years, Healthy Neighborhoods has helped Baltimoreans increase home values, market their communities, create high standards for property improvements, and forge strong connections among neighbors. Mark Sissman, President of Healthy Neighborhoods, joins Ralph Serpe, BCF Vice President of Development, to talk about various Healthy Neighborhoods' accomplishments and how they continue to help Baltimore neighborhoods grow.