Maryland Philanthropy Network members are invited to join representatives from B’more Invested, InFusion Community Grants, Youth as Resources, and other participatory grantmakers for an engaging discussion about what they are learning, especially about decision-making structures, coaching, compensation, and the power of allocating resources that directly impact their neighbors and peers. We’ll also discuss how the Ground Root Collective is collaborating on efforts to strengthen the social sector by supporting applicants and grantees before, during, and after grant cycles.  If you are curious about or have joined in participatory grantmaking, this is time to dig in and explore this practice and the implications of being more participatory!

Maryland’s Department of Labor is preparing to launch the Maryland Works for Wind program, a new apprenticeship model to support the region’s growing offshore wind industry funded with $22.9 million awarded to the state through the American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge grant. In partnership with leading employers—including Chesapeake Shipbuilding, Crystal Steel Fabricators, US Wind, and Orsted Offshore North America—and seven local unions, the Maryland Works for Wind program will build a training model to meet the needs of employers and local communities.  At this program, the Business Network for Offshore Wind will give an overview of Offshore Wind, what it will look like in Maryland, and the types of jobs expected to be needed. We will hear from training partner – Jane Addams Resource Corporation, and a labor representative about entry into apprenticeships that will lead to family sustaining employment in the sector.

The Arts Funders Affinity Group invites all members interested in arts and community investment to this continuation of conversations held in October 2018, July 2019 and April 2020. Leaders of Baltimore City's four Arts and Entertainment Districts, Chad Hayes, Director of Community Planning and Revitalization at the Baltimore City Planning Department, and David D. Mitchell, Program Director for Arts and Entertainment Districts, Maryland State Arts Council will provide updates about each districts’ major projects, redesignation status, successes, and current challenges. In addition, we’ll learn about the City's coordination efforts and funding and discuss current issues, such as safety.