“When I received the scholarship, it felt like someone believed in me before I even believed in myself.” — CSFB 8th Grade scholar
That’s what your generosity makes possible. At CSFB, gratitude isn’t limited to a single day, but it’s at the heart of everything we do and the very thing that makes our mission achievable. Every time someone believes in our scholars and chooses to donate, every family who goes the extra mile to give their children the education that best suits them, every student who shows up ready to learn — these are moments to be celebrated. Together, they’ve created a legacy of nearly three decades of lasting impact.
Gratitude in Focus — World Gratitude Day
September 21 is internationally observed as World Gratitude Day, a reminder to say thank you, a simple yet meaningful act that often gets overlooked when lives get busy! In celebration of World Gratitude Day, we’re taking a moment to recognize both the visible and unseen efforts of our CSFB community and the impact they make for our scholars and their families.
At CSFB, every act of kindness — whether it’s a scholarship gift, a teacher’s encouragement, or a student’s courage to keep going — is a reason for gratitude. Thanks to our donors and CSFB supporters, our FY24-25 end-of-school-year “You Fund the First Step” campaign raised $18,682. Enough to fund nearly 8 individual CSFB scholarships for an entire school year. Proving once again that every dollar contributed is more than a donation. It’s a vote of confidence in our scholars and a belief that education can change everything.
27 Years of Impact
This year’s fundraising results are inspiring, but they are also part of a much bigger story. Over the last 27 years, CSFB has grown from a vision into a movement — one that has made a lasting impact.
- 8,547 scholarships awarded since 1998
- $15.8M in tuition assistance paid directly to schools since 1998
- 98% of 8th-grade scholars graduate from high school
- 84% of CSFB scholars attend college
- 12% earn advanced degrees after college
“As a single parent, I never thought I could give my child the education they deserved. CSFB’s scholarship made it possible. Today, my daughter is not only thriving in school but dreaming bigger than I ever imagined.” — CSFB Parent
These achievements didn’t happen overnight. They were built, year after year, on the dedication of teachers, scholars, families, supporters, and donors like you. The “first steps” we took 27 years ago are still guiding us today — and they will carry us forward tomorrow.
Thank You for Taking the First Step
To everyone who has supported CSFB — thank you! We are so grateful for your generosity, which makes it possible for Baltimore City students and families to dream bigger and prepare for brighter futures. As we take the next steps forward, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Please consider making a gift today.
With gratitude,
– Erica Jensen
Executive Director
Children’s Scholarship Fund Baltimore