25 years in Baltimore.

Built through partnership.

A story of learning, trust, and long-term commitment—bringing national strength to support locally-led change.

For 40 years, Reinvestment Fund has brought financial, analytical, and development resources to help community partners work to ensure everyone has access to essential opportunities. 

Why does equitable access to flexible capital solutions matter? 


The Why campaign reflects on where we started. Through our lending, grants, research team, and environmental, social, and governmental efforts, we invite you to learn more about our why.



A Commitment That Has Grown Over Time.

Our work in Baltimore has evolved—guided by the communities and partners who lead the work every day.

25 Years of Learning and Evolving

Our work in Baltimore started with housing and neighborhood revitalization.

Over time, we learned that capital alone isn’t enough.

Strong communities are built through partnership, local leadership, and long-term commitment.

Today, we bring national capital, data, and expertise to support projects shaped by Baltimore’s leaders.

Baltimore has shaped how we invest.

That learning continues to guide what we do next.

01
Baltimore view in 2005

2002 to 2011

Laying the Groundwork in Baltimore

Data as a Starting Point

  • 2002: Invited to Baltimore by BUILD leaders to support revitalization efforts after the Dawson Family tragedy.
  • 2005: First Housing Market Typology launched in partnership with the City of Baltimore.
  • 2006: Established TRF Development Partners with BUILD to restore East Baltimore neighborhoods.
  • 2008 and 2011: HMT updates refine neighborhood-level market understanding.
02
Community investment in Baltimore

2012 to 2015

Building Baltimore with Purpose

Investments Across Community Anchors

  • 2014: Established the Baltimore Energy Initiative with the City of Baltimore and catalyzed $68M+ in energy investments.
  • 2014: Fourth HMT started with the City of Baltimore.
  • Affordable housing in Barclay and Waverly neighborhoods.
  • Education investment through Creative City Charter School.
  • Food access investment through Baltimore Food Hub.
  • Expansion into arts and cultural revitalization through Centre Theater.
  • Early investment in the innovation economy through Open Works maker space.
03
Baltimore neighborhood revitalization project

2016 to 2019

Scaling Impact Through Partnerships

Investment Made To Roberta's House, Provided Important Services To Community

  • 2016: Created HCPI Loan Fund with Central Baltimore Partnership and activated $80M+ in neighborhood investments.
  • 2017: TRF Development Partners transitions into ReBUILD Metro to continue vital community development and vacant housing advocacy work.
  • Investments expand into commercial corridors, including Union Craft Brewery and the Hoen Building.
  • Arts and culture investments include Oliver Street Studios and Playhouse Theater.
  • Community services investment includes Roberta’s House.
  • Increasingly complex capital stacks support place-based development.
04
Baltimore community development project

2020 to 2022

Adapting Through Complexity

Flexibility in a Time of Crisis and Transition

  • Rapid deployment of PPP loans and working capital during COVID.
  • Continued investment in major housing initiatives, including Perkins Homes redevelopment phases.
  • Support for community facilities like Mary Harvin Transformation Center.
  • Support for cultural institutions like the Peale Museum.
  • Expansion into corridor redevelopment and stabilization strategies.
05
Baltimore future investment strategy

2023 to 2026

Evolving Toward the Future

Targeted Investment and Next Chapter Strategy

  • 2023: Latest HMT reflects nearly two decades of continuous learning.
  • Strategic investments in housing stabilization, including Park Heights and Eager Park.
  • Youth and workforce development through Wide Angle Youth Media and Springboard Community Services.
  • Cultural legacy projects include AFRO Upton Mansion.
  • Increasing alignment with equitable corridor development and ENOUGH Initiative engagement.

A Foundation Built on Partnership

Since 2013, our work alongside Baltimore partners has contributed to:

$259M+

Financing deployed

1,400+

Housing units created or preserved

6,000+

Students supported

7,800+

Jobs created or retained

116,000+

People impacted across communities

$611M+

Total project cost

Real impact happens when capital aligns with community vision.

you have your why, we have ours.

Early Childhood Education

The unique synergy of Reinvestment Fund’s business lines supports ECE providers holistically, from mapping access gaps to financing expansion, to advocating for better public investment.

Affordable Housing

We expand access to affordable housing by providing flexible financing to developers, nonprofits, and community organizations committed to creating and preserving quality homes. Our research-backed approach ensures that investments support long-term affordability and stability for individuals and families.

Childcare & Community

Reinvestment Fund strengthens the childcare sector by funding high-quality early learning centers and supporting providers with technical assistance. Our data-driven approaches help to reduce gaps in access to high quality early learning.

Creating a resilient future, where all people thrive.

Reinvestment Fund is a mission-driven nonprofit that uses financial and analytical tools to break down systemic barriers and expand access to housing, food, education, and healthcare. Through data-driven investments and partnerships, it fosters inclusive economic growth, ensuring all communities have the resources and opportunities to thrive. 

$3.2

Billion

Total Capital Deployed

63

Thousand

Jobs Created And Retained*

4.4

Million

People Positively Impacted

*Data from 2013-2024

What makes Reinvestment Fund different?

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) play a crucial role in expanding access to capital for underserved communities, but Reinvestment Fund goes beyond traditional lending. Our unique approach combines financing with rigorous research, technical assistance, and data-driven strategies to maximize the impact of every investment. 


Our nationally recognized Research & Policy team provides in-depth market analysis, helping identify the most effective ways to drive economic growth and community development. Additionally, our technical assistance programs equip loan and grant recipients with the tools, resources, and strategic guidance needed to ensure long-term success. By integrating capital with research and hands-on support, Reinvestment Fund not only funds projects but also strengthens the foundations for sustainable, inclusive economic development. 

"There are two ways to build a career or a business. We can go through life hunting and pecking, looking for opportunities or customers, hoping that something connects. Or we can go through life with intention, knowing what our piece looks like, knowing our why"

Simon Sinek, author of "Start With Why"

“We succeed when Baltimore’s partners succeed.”


Christina Szczepanski
President, Lending and Investments

Where Partnership Comes to Life

The impact in Baltimore is driven by the organizations and leaders rooted in their communities.

Revitalizing Neighborhoods Through Vision

Revitalizing Neighborhoods Through Vision

Transforming spaces into vibrant community anchors takes persistence and trusted partnership.

Read the Story →
Expanding Opportunity Through Education

Expanding Opportunity Through Education

Investing in schools creates stronger foundations for students and families.

Read the Story →
Strengthening Communities from the Ground Up

Strengthening Communities from the Ground Up

From housing to community services, local leadership is building long-term stability.

Read the Story →

looking ahead together.

25 years in Baltimore is not a milestone—it’s a foundation.


The work continues.

The partnerships deepen.

The opportunity remains.


We will keep bringing capital, insight, and commitment to support the people and organizations shaping Baltimore’s future. Because thriving communities are built over time. And built together.

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