Courage Deserves More Than Gratitude
At the Baltimore Fire Officers Charitable Foundation, we believe that the courage of our city’s firefighters and emergency medical service providers deserves more than gratitude—it deserves real, tangible support. As a Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we exist to lift up the health, safety, and welfare of Baltimore’s bravest, their families, and the communities they serve.
Whether it’s standing with a family after the tragic loss of their loved one, equipping our members to perform at their peak, or giving back to those impacted by fire and disaster, every dollar we raise goes straight to work where it matters most.
We operate with the highest standards of transparency and integrity
We are organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Our core work focuses on:
member wellbeing
Advancing the health, safety, and welfare of firefighters, EMS providers, and their families
emergency response and support
Providing immediate support to individuals and neighborhoods impacted by fire, natural disasters, or other emergencies
strategic partnerships
Partnering with outstanding organizations that champion burn victims and prevention, cancer awareness and research, muscular dystrophy, wounded veterans, families facing poverty, and more
youth scholarships
Offering limited scholarships to deserving local youth pursuing higher education
We operate with the highest standards of transparency and integrity—no political activity, no private inurement, and a rock-solid conflict-of-interest policy that keeps every decision centered on the mission.
your support Makes a Real Impact in Our Community
Since our founding in late 2021 by the Executive Board of IAFF Local 964, we’ve proudly directed resources to the people and causes that matter most to Baltimore’s fire service family.
These aren’t just line items—they’re lifelines.
Line-of-duty support
When a firefighter falls in service, we stand with the family left behind. Immediate assistance, long-term care, and the resources to rebuild—because their sacrifice demands more than words.
Cancer prevention
Our members face occupational hazards that demand vigilance. We cover the cost of proactive screenings and support those battling the disease with dignity and resources they need.
Peak performance training
Excellence isn't accidental. We fund leadership development and mental-performance programs that sharpen decision-making and build the resilience required when lives hang in the balance.
Community good
Beyond the firehouse, we partner with organizations fighting burn injuries, supporting veterans, and strengthening the neighborhoods Baltimore's bravest protect every single day.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support—whether a one-time gift, monthly contribution, or corporate partnership—directly fuels the programs that keep our firefighters strong and our community safer. Every donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Ready to stand with Baltimore’s Bravest?
The Causes We Stand Behind
We proudly amplify our reach by supporting aligned nonprofit organizations. Here are some of the causes we actively back and why they matter:
Salty Dog Foundation
We support the Salty Dog Foundation, which provides funding for service and therapy dogs to help first responders, firefighters, active military members, and veterans heal from trauma and strengthen mental wellness.
Captain Dillon Rinaldo Foundation
In honor of fallen Baltimore City Fire Captain Dillon Rinaldo, we partner with the Captain Dillon Rinaldo Foundation to deliver critical support, resources, and assistance to firefighters and their families during times of injury, illness, or line-of-duty loss.
Baltimore Fire Fighters Burn Foundation
We proudly back the Baltimore Fire Fighters Burn Foundation, which assists burn survivors (including firefighters injured in the line of duty), funds recovery programs, rehabilitation, research, retreats, and burn-prevention education.
Hope Lodge Baltimore (American Cancer Society)
We help sustain Hope Lodge Baltimore, which offers a free “home away from home” with comfortable lodging and support for cancer patients and their caregivers undergoing treatment — vital care given the elevated cancer risks faced by firefighters.
MCVET (Maryland Center for Veterans Education & Training)
We support MCVET, which provides housing, education, job training, and comprehensive services to Maryland veterans facing homelessness, PTSD, and other challenges, empowering them to rebuild and thrive.
And many more.
These partnerships are chosen carefully by our Board of Directors to ensure maximum impact and alignment with our mission. We track every dollar and share updates on how these collaborations are changing lives.
Annual John L. Seiss Memorial Golf Tournament
A day of good company and purpose supporting Baltimore's fire service family.
Led by Those Who Serve
Our Board of Directors is composed of dedicated Baltimore Fire Officers who live and breathe the mission every shift. Guided by strong conviction to our founding principles, we hold regular meetings and ensure every decision prioritizes the Foundation’s charitable goals.
Together, we honor the uniform, support the families and community behind it, and strengthen the city we all call home.
Baltimore Fire Officers Charitable Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 87-4098796.