Baltimore Nonprofit Faces Funding Challenges Amid City Discrepancies

In East Baltimore, a historic building is undergoing renovation to provide housing for 40 men recently released from prison. The initiative, led by Marlo Hargrove’s nonprofit, the F.A.C.E. (Facing All Challenges Every Day) Organization, aims to support ex-offenders in their reintegration into society. Despite the organization’s noble intentions and over two decades of service, Hargrove has encountered persistent obstacles in securing the necessary funding from the city.

Hargrove has applied for financial support from the city multiple times, only to receive consistent rejections. “We reached out to MONSE (the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement). We reached out to Baltimore City Hall, and as we reached out it was like, ‘You’re doing a great job,’ but then you see that big ol’ word… ‘unfortunately,’” Hargrove explained. The organization currently needs an additional $100,000 to complete its project.

A recent investigation by FOX45 uncovered discrepancies in the city’s funding allocation. Over the past three years, Baltimore City has distributed $26 million to 23 nonprofits that are now classified as delinquent by the state. These organizations have failed to meet critical requirements, such as renewing state registrations and submitting mandatory financial reports.

Mayor Brandon Scott defended the city’s funding strategy during a talk radio segment, emphasizing the importance of compliance. “Not following their paperwork is important, but the other part for me is when they get these grants from organizations and people… are they meeting the requirements of those grants? That to me is more important,” Scott stated. His remarks suggest a focus on ensuring that funded organizations fulfill their obligations, which raises questions for compliant groups like F.A.C.E.

For organizations like Hargrove’s, the situation is perplexing. They strive to adhere to all regulations while witnessing the apparent leniency shown to noncompliant entities. “We understand, but we don’t understand. What are we doing right, but what are we doing wrong?” Hargrove pondered, expressing frustration over the inequitable treatment.

The challenges faced by F.A.C.E. reflect broader issues within the city’s funding framework. As the nonprofit sector grapples with compliance requirements, the disparity in funding distribution raises critical questions about the effectiveness of support systems for those striving to make a positive impact in their communities.

As F.A.C.E. works diligently towards its goal of opening its doors to men seeking a fresh start, the narrative of funding challenges continues to unfold, highlighting the need for a more equitable approach to nonprofit support in Baltimore.