Baltimore Nonprofit Linked to Mayor's Wife Shuts Down After $100K in Taxpayer Funding

Bmore Empowered, a nonprofit focused on empowering Black women and girls, faced scrutiny over unpaid taxes, rent, and lack of transparency.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Baltimore nonprofit organization called Bmore Empowered, which was led by the wife of the city's mayor, has shut down operations despite receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funding and donations from left-wing billionaire George Soros' Open Society. The group faced issues with unpaid taxes, rent, and a lack of transparency around how it spent the public funds.

Why it matters

This story raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the lack of accountability for how taxpayer money is being used by nonprofits with ties to elected officials. It also highlights the need for greater oversight and transparency around the use of public funds by such organizations.

The details

Bmore Empowered was founded in 2017 to encourage Black women and girls to excel in entrepreneurship and "holistic wellness." The organization was led by Hana Scott, the wife of Baltimore's mayor, from September 2021 until September 2025. During this time, Bmore Empowered received $80,000 from the taxpayer-funded Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, $34,950 from the Baltimore City government, and $62,500 from the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund. The group also obtained $175,000 from George Soros' Open Society in 2022. However, Bmore Empowered failed to report a tax form for the 2024 fiscal year and was sued for unpaid rent, leading to a financial judgment against the organization.

  • In July 2022, Hana Scott went public about her relationship with Baltimore's mayor.
  • In September 2025, Hana Scott's tenure as director of operations ended, and Bmore Empowered announced an "organizational pause."
  • On Monday, Bmore Empowered posted on its Facebook page that the organization was coming to a close, stating, "This is not a pause. It is the end of a beautiful chapter."

The players

Bmore Empowered

A nonprofit organization that was focused on empowering Black women and girls in entrepreneurship and "holistic wellness." The organization received significant taxpayer funding and donations from George Soros' Open Society, but ultimately shut down due to issues with unpaid taxes, rent, and lack of transparency.

Hana Scott

The wife of the mayor of Baltimore, who served as the director of operations for Bmore Empowered from September 2021 until September 2025.

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

A taxpayer-funded organization that granted $80,000 to Bmore Empowered.

Baltimore City government

Provided $34,950 in taxpayer-funded payments to Bmore Empowered.

Baltimore Children and Youth Fund

A taxpayer-funded organization that sent $62,500 to Bmore Empowered.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in how taxpayer funds are used by nonprofits with ties to elected officials. It raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the lack of oversight over how public money is being spent by such organizations.