BRNI | Northwest Baltimore Partnership

Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative (BRNI)

BRNI Application Process

NWBP manages the Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative (BRNI) process for Northwest Baltimore. BRNI is a program of the MD Department of Housing and Community Development, supports communities in Baltimore City and County through strategic investment in local housing and small businesses. The program attempts to focus on areas where modest investment and a coordinated strategy will have an appreciable neighborhood revitalization impact.

For more information about applying for BRNI funding, please contact Larry Schugam at lschugam@chaibaltimore.org or 410-500-5306.

Password: DNV.4$yN

In order to apply for BRNI funding projects must:

Be a community development project in the NWBP footprint, which includes communities located between Park Circle in Baltimore City and Pikesville in the County
Be shovel-ready (except for predevelopment funding requests)
Be requesting capital funding only
Have secured the majority of funding needed prior to applying
Have cash on hand to cover expenses (BRNI only reimburses expenses)
Be aligned with the NWBP Neighborhood Revitalization Plan
Meet DHCD eligibility criteria
Have secured appropriate permits or permission to access the project location
Be able to spend down 50% of the funding in one year from the date of award and 100% in two years
Be open and accessible to the public
Have documented evidence of community support

About BRNI

The Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative (BRNI), a program of the MD Department of Housing and Community Development, supports communities in Baltimore City and County through strategic investment in local housing and small businesses.

The program focuses on areas where modest investment and a coordinated strategy will have an appreciable neighborhood revitalization impact. Learn more about BRNI at: https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Communities/Pages/programs/BRNI.aspx

NWBP has brought over $4 million in capital investment to northwest Baltimore neighborhoods over the past six years through the BRNI program.

Each year, Northwest Baltimore Partnership (NWBP) invites nonprofits in NW Baltimore to submit proposals for capital funding to support community development projects through the Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative (BRNI).

NWBP facilitates this process covering communities located between Park Circle in Baltimore City and Pikesville in Baltimore County (see NWBP map) for funding consideration by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development as part of their yearly funding cycle.

Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI) serves as the fiscal sponsor for BRNI grant applications submitted under the Northwest Baltimore Partnership. CHAI manages the application process, provides support for applicants, and administers awarded grants.

Awards typically range from $25,000 to $500,000. Note, however, that DHCD has a limited pool of funds each year, and partnerships are encouraged to set a cap on the aggregate request.

NWBP Strategic Neighborhood Revitalization Plan

Community Development Organizations with an approved strategic neighborhood revitalization plan may apply for Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative funding for projects located in Sustainable Community Areas in Baltimore City and inner beltway of Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties.

Download the NWBP Strategic Neighborhood Revitalization Plan

NWBP Catchment Area

NWBP serves a region of Northwest Baltimore from Park Circle to Pikesville.

View the NWBP Map

Past BRNI Awards