As the longest night of the year approaches on Saturday, Dec. 21, Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) is preparing for the winter solstice by supporting city neighborhoods fund string lights to help with visibility at night and promote community safety.
According to the Southeast Community Development Corporation (Southeast CDC), string lights are among the most requested improvements for neighborhoods and green spaces. Each block of string lights can cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
BCF has supported 33 neighborhood blocks, 43 green spaces and parks, and 122 community events through grant funding for string light projects around the city. BCF has funded lighting projects for groups like the Southeast CDC, Lauraville Business Association, Greater Mondawmin Coordinating Council: Holmes Avenue Project, and more.
Southeast CDC has supported the Ellwood Park Lighting Initiative, brightening routes to Ellwood Park, a grocery store, and a laundromat.
“Supporting Southeast CDC’s initiative to light up Ellwood Park is about more than just visibility—it’s about strengthening community connections and creating a sense of place. These string lights brighten key pathways, ensuring safe passage to essential amenities and fostering neighborhood pride,” said Crystal Harden-Lindsey, vice president of community impact at Baltimore Community Foundation. “We’re excited to see these enhancements spark block celebrations, bringing residents together and reinforcing the collective ownership that makes Baltimore’s neighborhoods so resilient.”
Lauraville Business Association has helped the neighborhoods of Lauraville, Hamilton, Beverly Hills, and Arcadia with their string lights projects in response to concerns about safety, accessibility, and a desire to build a more connected community.
The Holmes Avenue project is part of the Mondawmin neighborhood’s broader effort to deepen civic engagement and neighborhood pride. String lights along Holmes Avenue will not only illuminate the street but create a more inviting and vibrant atmosphere. Intended to be paired with other block beautification efforts, the aim is greater safety, unity, and participation in neighborhood activities.
The full list of string light projects funded by BCF is here at this link.
The Southeast CDC does not fund string lights projects, but can advise residents on how to implement their projects, including how to solicit neighborhood support, deciding on a pattern for the proposed string lights, contacting an electrician, raising funds, dealing with signing a contract, preparation for installation, and more.
“Through the Stronger Neighborhoods Grants program, we are proud to support community-driven initiatives that — literally and figuratively — bring light to Baltimore’s neighborhoods. These projects go beyond enhancing safety and visibility; they inspire a sense of pride, connection, and belonging,” Harden-Lindsey said. “By illuminating public spaces, we empower communities to create safer, cleaner, and more vibrant environments for all. The creativity, collaboration, and dedication shown by this year’s grantees are a testament to the resilience and vision of Baltimore’s neighborhoods. Together, we are lighting the way toward a brighter, more unified city.”
*This article has been updated to include quotes from Crystal Harden-Lindsey, vice president of community impact at Baltimore Community Foundation.
