​The Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative (BVRI) program provides capital to Baltimore City’s community-based development organizations to successfully redevelop as many properties with Vacant Building Notices (VBNs) as they can. Based on community-driven vacancy reduction plans, organizations will be funded for a range of strategies, such as property acquisition, stabilization, renovation, and demolition. The Department’s investments are targeted to build from the strength of community assets to achieve whole block outcomes.

Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative is part of Reinvest Baltimore, which is guided by the Baltimore Vacants​ Reinvestment Council.

Maryland DHCD and its partners have a strong sense of urgency to replace vacant properties with investments that propel the health of Baltimore City neighborhoods. Organizations are expected to be nimble, efficient, and fast.

Eligible Activities

Grants and loans to finance:

• Acquisition, stabilization, and renovation of vacant buildings.
• Acquisition and aggregation of vacant lots for the purpose of new infill housing construction and/or community open space.
• Urgent demolition of properties.
• Other predevelopment activities for renovation and new construction projects.

Awarded funds support activities that accelerate the remediation of vacant properties, particularly those with VBNs.

Eligible Applicants

• Community development organizations (CDOs), nonprofit organizations that operate for the purpose of improving the physical, economic, or social environment of its geographic areas of operation.
• If funded, CDOs may be required to provide:
• a government resolution,
  
• corporate board resolution, and
• charitable registration.
• Local governments

Eligible Project Locations

Activities must be located in Sustainable Community Areas​ in Baltimore City. Special consideration will be given to projects in the Baltimore City Vacancy Reduction Priority Geography.

Resources

• BVRI FY26 Program Guide
• BVRI Identified Properties Vacancy Pipeline Spreadsheet​
• BVRI Development Scenario Budget
• Public Disclosure Authorization
• Principles for Implementing a Whole Blocks Strategy​
• Recording of 4/11/2025 BVRI Applicant Training
• Presentation Slides

Application

Application Status: Open

Application Period Opens: April 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM​ (EDT)

Application Period Closes: May 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM (EDT)

Virtual Training

• April 10, 2025 11 AM - 12 PM - Training Registration via Zoom​
• April 11, 2025 10 AM - 11 AM - Training Registration via Zoom​

Contact Information

Program Contact: David Birkenthal
Email: ReinvestBaltimore.dhcd@maryland.gov
Phone: 443-462-7445