Community Impact Stories from the Baltimore Ravens Foundation

For over two decades, the Baltimore Ravens Foundation has been more than just a charitable arm of the NFL team—it’s a lifeline for thousands in the Baltimore community, tackling critical issues from youth education to food insecurity with intentionality and heart. What sets the foundation apart isn’t just its financial contributions (over $30 million donated since 2000), but its focus on “story-driven impact”—programs designed to meet specific, local needs and centered on the people they serve. From funding after-school programs for at-risk students to providing meals for families in crisis, the foundation’s work weaves the Ravens’ legacy into the fabric of Baltimore. Community Impact Stories from the Baltimore Ravens Foundation shares the personal narratives behind these efforts, showcasing how the foundation turns compassion into tangible change for neighbors in need.

One of the foundation’s most impactful programs is Ravens Rising Scholars, which provides college scholarships and mentorship to Baltimore City Public Schools students who overcome significant adversity. Take 18-year-old Maya Carter, for example: a senior at Dunbar High School, Maya grew up in a single-parent household and worked two part-time jobs to help pay rent, all while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. When she was selected as a 2024 Rising Scholar, the foundation awarded her a $25,000 scholarship to Morgan State University, plus a mentorship pairing with Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. “This scholarship isn’t just money—it’s a chance to stop worrying about bills and focus on my dream of becoming a nurse,” Maya said at the scholarship ceremony. Since 2015, the program has supported 120 students, with 92% of recipients graduating from college within six years—well above the national average for first-generation students. Community Impact Stories from the Baltimore Ravens Foundation emphasizes that programs like Ravens Rising Scholars don’t just invest in education; they invest in the next generation of Baltimore leaders.

Another cornerstone of the foundation’s work is fighting food insecurity through partnerships with local organizations like the Maryland Food Bank and Moveable Feast. In 2023 alone, the foundation donated $500,000 to expand food distribution sites in West Baltimore—an area where 32% of residents live in food deserts—and launched the “Ravens Table” program, which provides weekly meal kits to 200 low-income families. For James Wilson, a single father of three who lost his job at a restaurant during the pandemic, Ravens Table has been a game-changer. “Before, I was skipping meals so my kids could eat,” Wilson said. “Now, every Thursday, I pick up a kit with fresh veggies, chicken, and even snacks for the kids—it takes the stress off.” The foundation also enlists Ravens players to volunteer at distribution events; in October 2023, linebacker Roquan Smith helped pack 500 meal kits, chatting with families and signing autographs for kids. “Seeing the players here makes my kids feel special, like someone cares about our struggle,” Wilson added. Community Impact Stories from the Baltimore Ravens Foundation notes that these efforts aren’t just about feeding people—they’re about restoring dignity to families facing hard times.

For the Baltimore Ravens, the foundation’s work in youth sports access is personal, rooted in the belief that sports teach resilience, teamwork, and confidence—lessons that extend far beyond the field. In 2022, the foundation donated $1.2 million to renovate football fields and build new athletic facilities at five Baltimore City recreation centers, including the historic Harlem Park Recreation Center. Before the renovation, Harlem Park’s field had cracked pavement, overgrown grass, and no functioning bleachers—making it unsafe for kids to play. Today, it’s a vibrant space with artificial turf, new goalposts, and a shaded seating area for families. Ten-year-old Jamal Lewis, who plays for the Harlem Park Ravens youth football team, calls the field “my happy place.” “Before, we had to practice on the street, and I was scared of getting hit by cars,” Jamal said. “Now, I can run and tackle without worrying—and my mom can watch me play in a safe spot.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this investment in youth sports is about more than creating places to play; it’s about building community bonds and giving kids a reason to stay active and engaged. Community Impact Stories from the Baltimore Ravens Foundation explores how these facilities have become hubs for neighborhood connection, with families gathering for games, cookouts, and back-to-school events year-round.

The Baltimore Ravens Foundation also prioritizes supporting military veterans and their families, a cause close to the team’s heart given Baltimore’s rich military history. Through its “Ravens Salute” program, the foundation partners with the USO of Metropolitan Baltimore to provide emergency financial assistance to veterans facing eviction or utility shutoffs, and hosts quarterly “Veteran Appreciation Days” at M&T Bank Stadium, where veterans receive free tickets, food vouchers, and access to job resources. Army veteran Michael Torres, who served in Iraq and struggles with PTSD, attended a Salute event in 2023 and connected with a career counselor who helped him land a job as a facilities manager. “After leaving the military, I felt lost—like I didn’t belong,” Torres said. “The foundation didn’t just give me a ticket to a game; they gave me a way to rebuild my life.” Since 2018, Ravens Salute has assisted over 800 veterans, distributing $1.8 million in emergency aid and helping 150 veterans find employment. For the Baltimore Ravens, honoring veterans isn’t just a seasonal gesture—it’s a year-round commitment to those who served. Community Impact Stories from the Baltimore Ravens Foundation emphasizes that these efforts recognize the sacrifices veterans make, ensuring they feel seen and supported by the community they defended.

Finally, the Baltimore Ravens Foundation’s impact extends to mental health support, a growing priority in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising mental health challenges among Baltimore residents. In 2024, the foundation launched “Ravens Mind Matters,” a $750,000 initiative that funds free mental health counseling for children and teens at local community centers, plus training for school counselors on trauma-informed care. Thirteen-year-old Lila Martinez, who started seeing a counselor through the program after her grandmother’s death, said the support helped her “stop feeling alone.” “My counselor taught me how to talk about my sadness instead of keeping it inside,” Lila said. The program also partners with Ravens players like quarterback Lamar Jackson, who recorded a series of mental health awareness videos for local schools. “Mental health isn’t something to be ashamed of—we all need help sometimes,” Jackson said in one video. For the Baltimore Ravens, Mind Matters is a recognition that strong communities start with healthy minds. Community Impact Stories from the Baltimore Ravens Foundation concludes that the foundation’s legacy isn’t measured in dollars alone, but in the lives it’s changed: the student who becomes a nurse, the family that no longer goes hungry, the veteran who finds a new purpose. In Baltimore, the Ravens Foundation isn’t just part of the community—it’s a neighbor, showing up when it counts most.