Join Maryland Philanthropy Network for a conversation with Dr. William “Brit” Kirwan, member of the new state-level Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) and former chairman of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (also known as the Kirwan Commission) that resulted in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which is now law. Dr. Kirwan will provide an update on the role of the AIB with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, expectations for the Blueprint with respect to impacting K-12 education, how the Blueprint addresses equity in education, and implications for the work ahead. We will also explore ways to engage the philanthropic community in supporting the effort around the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Dr. Kirwan will be joined by Rachel Hise, Executive Director of the Accountability and Implementation Board. Previously, Ms. Hise served as a long-time policy analyst for the Department of Legislative Services and was the lead staff person to the Kirwan Commission.
Diane Bell-McKoy, an outspoken advocate for Baltimore's Black community as leader of Associated Black Charities, has left the nonprofit after 16 years.
Today, the Scott Administration announced the departure of Broadband and Digital Equity Director Jason Hardebeck, effective immediately.
No matter where your organization might be or want to be on the spectrum of impact investing, join Maryland Philanthropy Network, and the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network for an opportunity to learn and share your experience with other funders. Toniic, a community of funders and asset holders seeking deeper net impact across a spectrum of capital, will also provide an overview of the many types and approaches grant makers can use to leverage capital for good. We will then hold a funder-only discussion to assess interest in a funder learning cohort specific to our region and/or the many opportunities emerging in the agriculture, climate, and food sectors.
Join Maryland Philanthropy Network's Green Funders Affinity Group for a discussion with Michael Powell, Esq., Member of Gordon Feinblatt’s Energy & Environmental Practice Group, member of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change, and Co-Chair of the Mitigation Working Group, which is developing plans to meet Maryland’s greenhouse gas targets. The Climate Solutions Now Act and other new climate statutes, regulations, and programs will have profound impacts on philanthropic programs. Join us to discuss what these changes may entail for philanthropy and our support to nonprofits across Maryland. This session will include a short presentation and ample time for discussion.
Maryland has an opportunity to build a statewide, multi-racial coalition of organizations comprised of parents and providers designed to build awareness and unite around a plan to educate policymakers and other key stakeholders on Prenatal to 3 priorities for parents, families and communities. The Maryland Family Network (MFN) currently has a planning grant from the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Foundation (Pritzker) with an opportunity to receive an implementation grant. The Prenatal-to-Five (PN-5) and Education Funders Affinity Groups are invited to learn more about the focus of the planning grant, the importance of stakeholder engagement toward achieving policies and systems goals in the state, and how MFN, Strong Schools Maryland and other organizations are working together to prepare a strong case for continued support from Pritzker.
Maryland Philanthropy Network members interested in attending for the first time are encouraged to reach out to Marlo Nash prior to attending a meeting.
Join the Prenatal-to-Five (PN5) Affinity Group to learn about a strategic new partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education that is relevant to the successful implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. Martha Holleman of Strategic Thinking for Social Change will share a draft scope of work for a child care supply and demand study and Laura Weeldreyer of Maryland Family Network will provide a broader contextual lens, which helps illustrate how the supply and demand study is an integral component of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.
This one-hour webinar will offer a high-level overview of employment law trends and best practices for foundations. Attorneys from the Labor & Employment and Nonprofit & Tax-Exempt Organizations groups of Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, will present practical tips for small- and mid-size foundations with regard to employment and workplace issues. Drawing from both national trends in the industry and the impact of the pandemic and social change, topics will include: social media policies; remote and hybrid work considerations; job descriptions and changes with hiring practices; and independent contractor agreements.
The Multisector Plan on Aging Stakeholders Workgroup shares their expertise and knowledge in assisting Maryland Department of Aging with the development of a Maryland State Multisector Plan for Aging (MPA).
The Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) is continuing to expand access to effective civil legal assistance to low-income Maryland residents and will do so under new leadership.
You asked, we’re listening. Our 2022 MPN Member Survey revealed interest in programs on public/private partnerships. Join us later this month for a special session to learn about best practices in public/private partnerships.
On November 13th, Danista E. Hunte, President and CEO of Maryland Philanthropy Network, Linda Dworak, Director of the Baltimore Workforce Funders Collaborative (BWFC), and members of the BWFC attended the annoucement of the new Baltimore Workforce Hub at Carver Vocational High School in Baltimore. MPN’s BWFC will collaborate with the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, Baltimore City Schools, and the Baltimore DC Building Trades Council to coordinate the project.
We continue to watch what feels like a never-ending stream of disasters unfold in our local communities and around the globe – hurricanes, wildfires, a pandemic, floods, and human-made crises.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation is saddened to share that Patrice Cromwell, vice president of the Foundation’s Center for Economic Opportunity, passed away on Aug. 27, 2024, after a long illness. Cromwell, who spent nearly 20 years at the Foundation, led its investments to improve financial stability and educational and economic prospects for children, young people and families.
The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund is taking a select group of grantees to SXSW EDU 2025 to experience the 15th annual conference.
Baltimore Community Foundation has awarded a $545,000 grant to the Baltimore Museum of Industry, providing critical early support for the development of a major exhibition memorializing the victims and impact of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. This lead gift will jumpstart the museum's fundraising campaign and underwrite a significant portion of the exhibition’s development, allowing the museum to move forward with confidence.
Kelley Q. Kilduff, a longtime friend of The Marion I. & Henry J. Knott Foundation and our valued Executive Director, has submitted her resignation, and the Board has regretfully accepted it, effective March 14, 2025. As we navigate this transition, Kathleen McCarthy, the Foundation’s Program Director, will step into the role of Interim Executive Director. We appreciate your support and partnership during this period of change.
To Our Community,
For over three decades, Rachael's Women's Center was more than just a day shelter—it was a lifeline.
A City at a Crossroads
What if all of Baltimore City became an enterprise zone?

