Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates scraps plans for foundation while in office

Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates is scrapping plans for a nonprofit foundation that was expected to accept contributions — from donors it would not have to disclose under the law — to pay for events while he served as the city’s top prosecutor. Building Bridges for a Better Baltimore Foundation, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization established in late October, sponsored Bates’ week of inauguration festivities and reported that its purpose included “providing financial support to organizations in Baltimore City that serve our residents in need.” Bates’ father, Henry, and the secretary of his transition team, Shonte Eldridge, were among its board of directors.