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. Over the coming weeks, we will be posting the reflections on this page and on social media. Vincent Demarco – […]
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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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Black Law Students Association selects OSI for Diversity Award
Tuesday, January 31, 2023University of Maryland, Francis King Carey School of Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) has selected Open Society Institute-Baltimore to receive its annual Diversity Award, “presented to an organization in the greater Baltimore-Washington, DC area that advances diversity and inclusion of attorneys in the legal profession.” “As students who wish to have a positive impact […]
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WMAR profiles OSI Fellow Terry “Uncle T” Williams
Wednesday, January 11, 2023Last week, WMAR profiled 2022 OSI-Baltimore Community Fellow Terry “Uncle T” Williams, who is expanding his program, Challenge to Change, a youth mentoring initiative targeted to youth at risk for committing acts of violence in East Baltimore. Watch the full segment here.
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OSI presents at White House Summit on Covid-19 Equity
Tuesday, January 10, 2023In November, the White House hosted a Summit on Covid-19 Equity, including presentations by US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and other public health officials and discussion on “The Power of Partnerships” and “From COVID-19 Equity to Health Equity.” In the afternoon, during the “What Works Showcase,” advocates from around the country were asked to present […]
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2014 OSI Fellow Van Brooks wins Ravens’ “Inspire Change Award”
Tuesday, January 10, 2023In December, the Baltimore Ravens awarded 2014 OSI Community Fellow Van Brooks, founder of Safe Alternative Foundation for Education (SAFE), their “Inspire Change Award,” which comes with two tickets to Super Bowl LVII in Arizona. SAFE operates a thriving youth center in the Franklin Square neighborhood, where Brooks grew up.
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OSI, MPT, BRIDGES Coalition co-sponsor screening of “Love in the Time of Fentanyl”
Monday, January 09, 2023On Tuesday, January 24th, OSI-Baltimore, Maryland Public Television, and the BRIDGES Coalition for OPS will co-host a screening of “Love in the Time of Fentanyl” at the Charles Theater. Register for free tickets here. The documentary, directed by Colin Askey, goes inside the operation of an overdose prevention site (OPS) in Vancouver. OSI and BRIDGES […]