2023 marks the 25th anniversary of OSI Baltimore and our final year of operation. As we wind down, we asked our grantees and partners to share their reflections about our collective impact and lasting legacy. OSI-Baltimore: 25 Years -Celebrating Our Shared Impact Grantees and fellows, from across OSI-Baltimore’s history share their thoughts on the lasting […]
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OSI Responsible Wind-down Update (4/21/23) – Recent Developments; Upcoming Executive Transition & the Work Ahead
Friday, April 21, 2023OSI-Baltimore continues to work towards a responsible wind down. Below are key updates and a overview of what to expect in the months ahead. Our work to date has included the following: Leveraged funds: We identified significant funds to support a responsible wind down of OSI – namely, tie-off commitments to grantees, technical assistance, and […]
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Celebrating 25 Years – Share Your Voice
Tuesday, March 14, 2023Dear OSI-Baltimore Community, Thank you for your ongoing support of OSI–Baltimore. As part of our effort to document and celebrate the impact of our work over the last 25 years, we want to capture the voices of our community and stakeholders. We want to hear from you! To share your thoughts, simply record a horizontal […]
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A Message From OSI-Baltimore: Seeding the Future of Social Justice Philanthropy
Thursday, February 16, 2023Dear OSI-Baltimore Partner, I am writing as a native of Baltimore and a lover and champion of her people. I am writing to you as someone who has publicly and privately celebrated your efforts to serve our community. I am writing to let you know that, as a part of a strategic revisioning, the Open […]
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OSF to close OSI-Baltimore after 25 years; will invest $20 million to seed the future of social justice philanthropy
Thursday, February 16, 2023The Open Society Foundations announced today that later this year it will close Open Society Institute-Baltimore, which has operated locally for 25 years, advancing criminal justice reform, civic engagement, health equity, restorative practices, economic justice, overdose prevention strategies, and other impactful progressive initiatives in Baltimore and the region. In partnership with the leadership of Open […]
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Could overdose prevention sites be in Maryland’s future?
Wednesday, February 15, 2023Advocates for overdose prevention sites say their yearslong effort to provide places in Maryland where people can more safely consume illegal drugs finally may be gaining traction. Also known as supervised injection sites, the facilities offer clean needles and other supplies to people who use drugs. Trained staff can intervene in opioid overdoses and connect people to treatment [...] -
West Baltimore garage featured in Jim Crow-era ‘Green Book’ envisioned as food hall, coworking space
Monday, January 23, 2023-This piece features OSI Fellow Shelley Halstead- By Maya Lora and Lia Russell As Shelley Halstead gazes upon the vacant, disheveled building that once hosted a stop in the “Green Book,” all she sees is potential. “They just want to keep scraping houses and buildings. And I just, I’m a carpenter. Like first and foremost, I’m like, ‘No, [...] -
Out for Justice: how one Baltimore organization is making change for returning residents
Sunday, January 15, 2023-Out for Justice is a longtime grantee of the Open Society Institute-Baltimore- By Catherine Pugh, Special to the AFRO As we focus on the change makers and thought leaders continuing the work of Martin Luther King Jr., the AFRO would like to salute the work of Nicole Hanson-Mundell, the executive director of Out for Justice. [...] -
Youth program expands to meet demand for youth engagement across Baltimore
Friday, January 06, 2023Wednesday’s deadly violence involving youth underscores the importance of providing a safe space for our kids here in Baltimore. Many of us have been introduced to "Uncle T" before, but now the youth advocate is putting his program on steroids to meet the demand to save our students. Terry ‘Uncle T’ Williams is not new [...] -
Van Brooks, Ravens “Inspire Change Award” winner surprised with Super Bowl tickets
Thursday, January 05, 2023Van Brooks was a 2014 OSI-Baltimore Fellow
Van Brooks, Ravens “Inspire Change Award” winner surprised with Super Bowl tickets. Watch the video to see the moment.