Foundation Mission
The Center Club Foundation, Inc. (The Foundation) is a nonprofit organization formed and organized pursuant to IRS 501(c)(3) regulations to support various charitable, community, educational, religious and civic organizations and to engage in activities that intend to benefit the general public of the Baltimore metropolitan area. The Foundation’s primary objectives for funding, support and commitment include Workforce Development and Job Training, Education and Mentorship. Currently, the Foundation is building its asset base and anticipates accepting applications for grant funding in late 2024.
The Foundation actively pursues grants or contributions that advance its purposes and overall mission from the following sources: individuals, partnerships, public and private charitable organizations, foundations, associations and groups, corporations and both public and private organizations. All contributions to the Center Club Foundation are tax deductible.
Grants to verified 501(c)(3) organizations must be consistent with the activities, policies, mission and goals of the Foundation, as determined by the Foundation's Board of Directors.
Workforce Development & Job Training
The Foundation supports organizations that have workforce development programs, including job training, apprenticeship opportunities and job readiness and placement within industries looking for skilled labor and office workers.
Education
The Foundation supports schools and programs that enable students to achieve an education that will prepare them for life and for finding employment. We consider supporting charter, religious or any other school that pursues excellence in education.
Mentorship
The Foundation is committed to supporting organizations and institutions that offer mentorship programs and teach how to mentor. The Foundation will consider partnering with a school, organization or institution looking for mentors for their mentorship programs. Members will be encouraged to donate their time and talent to these efforts.
Board of Directors
Mark Deering
President
Mark’s business practice is commercial real estate. He is active in community affairs and serves as a board member for several local and international nonprofits. He also mentors incarcerated youth and adults at facilities around Greater Baltimore.
Bonnie Phipps
Treasurer
Bonnie is a healthcare consultant. She has served as a hospital CFO, CEO and corporate executive for a large Catholic healthcare system. Bonnie has a Doctor of Business Administration degree and is a CPA. She serves on multiple nonprofit boards, MHHEFA and was the Center Club Treasurer.
Julie Mercer
Director
Julie’s career spans more than three decades in nonprofit leadership roles. As president of Bon Secours Baltimore Foundation since 2013, she oversees the organization’s capital and annual philanthropic activities. She has also held executive positions with the American Red Cross, United Way, and several Baltimore-based for-profit companies. Active with the Center Club Board since the 1990s, she chaired its inaugural Young Members Committee before assuming leadership roles for the Membership, Events, Board Development, and Marketing/Events committees. A long-time resident of Baltimore City, she resides in Federal Hill.
Erik Moore
Director
Erik is a Partner and the Director of Investment Strategy with Moore Wealth, an independent RIA firm. While not a Baltimore native, Erik has developed a love of Baltimore in the 6 years he has lived in Canton, and sees the potential for the city’s future. Aside from being active within several Center Club committees, he also serves on the board and various committees for several non-profits in the region.
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Meghan Robinson
Director
Meghan has been a member of the Center Club for 6 years, and Co-Chair of the Young Members Committee for 3 years. Meghan is a Senior Communications Coordinator for HDR where she leads programs with teams of communication coordinators, graphic designers, web developers, and GIS specialists. She works closely with federal, state, and local clients, within various sectors, creating outreach plans, overseeing stakeholder engagement, and coordinating the creation and distribution of outreach materials. Meghan has a passion for the Baltimore region, volunteering with Athletes Serving Athletes, Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, and Moveable Feast.
Greg Tucker
Director
Gregory Tucker is a strategic communications professional with three decades of demonstrated expertise in devising and implementing integrated approaches and platforms essential to effective communications across diverse sectors: federal, state and municipal government, non-profit, the arts, and international corporate financial services. He is the Founder/Principal of The Tucker Group LLC, a specialized communications consultancy that provides services related to strategic brand positioning, mitigation of reputation risk and stakeholder engagement.