Strong and Glowing: Improving Quality of Life & Well-Being by Investing in Place

Baltimore has long benefited from the place-based investments of our philanthropic community. The Community Investment Affinity Group and others who invest in place are invited to hear about two newer initiatives led, in part, by MPN members:

The Greenmount Life Opportunity and Wellness (GLOW) Initiative is a collaborative, multi-year, multi-faceted initiative focused on improving the quality of life for ALL residents in GLOW neighborhoods by meeting the needs of the most vulnerable families along the historically disinvested Greenmount Avenue corridor. GLOW is based in four Central Baltimore neighborhoods: Barclay, East Baltimore Midway, Greenmount West, and Harwood.

GLOW Task Force Members include representatives of Franciscan Center, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Maryland Food Bank, Y of Central Maryland, 29th Street Community Center, Village Learning Place, Nate Tatum Center, Greater Greenmount Community Association, Greenmount West Community Association, and Harwood Community Association.

Cherry Hill Strong is a collaborative effort with key local stakeholders in the Cherry Hill and greater Baltimore communities, including public, private, and charitable organizations and individuals. The Steering Committee formed in June 2019 to unify partners in this community-based effort. In 2021 Cherry Hill Strong was established as the neighborhood’s community quarterback organization; charged with engaging the community, coordinating efforts and investments across the Purpose Built Communities’ three pillars: Housing, Education, and Community Wellness.

Cherry Hill Strong partners include Cherry Hill Community Coalition, Cherry Hill Home Tenants Council, Black Yield Institute, Enterprise Community Partners, Baltimore City Public Schools, UMBC, SB7 Coalition, MAG Partners, MedStar Hospital, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, and Dream BIG.

Teams from each initiative will give an overview of their respective initiatives and will share some lessons learned, especially around resident engagement and the role of philanthropy. We’ll then take some time for open discussion among all funders who are deploying a place-based strategy.

This program is for MPN members and invited guests only.

Click here for more resources about place-based philanthropy.