The Baltimore Ravens All Community Team Foundation (RACTF) has awarded nearly $100,000 in grants to 23 nonprofit organizations in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Through the Ravens' Plan in Motion project, each qualifying organization received up to $5,000 for initiating and/or continuing programs or projects that promote physical fitness and nutritional education.
Grants will be used for a variety of programs and projects that encourage healthy youth activities. Approved projects that received grants include: Funding a wrestling program (Baltimore County PAL) and expanding an unlimited weight football program (Baltimore City Recreation & Parks); Purchasing 800 activity packs to be distributed through the Baltimore County Public Library system for National Physical Fitness and Sport Month in May 2009; Supporting the Special Olympics Maryland Youth Athletes Program for children with intellectual disabilities, aged 2-7; Purchasing physical education equipment for 102 students at the Norbel School, which offers a unique educational experience for youth who face a variety of learning challenges.
The Ravens All Community Team Foundation is dedicated to improving and facilitating the healthy development of youth in Baltimore and throughout the state of Maryland. Childhood obesity is on the rise and inactivity among the nation's youth is a great concern. This grant program, in its second year, has been designed to encourage healthy youth activities and promote the importance of nutrition and exercise for children.
Additional foundation projects focused on youth and the promotion of physical fitness and athletics include the stadium renovations at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (2006) and Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School (to be completed in August 2008) and the KaBoom! playground build at Collington Square School (2007).
2008 Ravens Plan In Motion Grant Recipients:
Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks
Baltimore County Police Athletic League – Cockeysville
Baltimore County Police Athletic League – Hillendale
Baltimore Curriculum Project – City Springs After-School Program
Baltimore Curriculum Project – Collington Square School
Camp Umoja
Child First Authority, Inc.
Diggs-Johnson Middle Community School - YMCA Urban Services
Dunbar Middle Community School – YMCA Urban Services
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library
George W.F. McMechen High School #77
Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
Heroes Helping Heroes
HOPE Worldwide Baltimore/Violetville Elementary Middle Community School
Maryland National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Foundation, Inc.
Maryland School for the Blind
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, Inc.
Norbel School
Special Olympics Maryland
United Educational Corporation
YMCA at Wolfe Street Academy
YMCA of Central Maryland – Chinquapin Community Middle
For more information on the Ravens ACT Foundation or the Ravens' Plan In Motion project, visit www.baltimoreravens.com/community.
