THE UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL MARYLAND INC logo
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Funding Amount

Variable (invested $500,000+ across multiple winners)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Changemaker Challenge

Overview: A social innovation competition designed to highlight and award progressive ideas addressing challenges facing Central Maryland communities. The Changemaker Challenge sparks social innovation to address pressing community issues.

Award Amount: $500,000+ invested across multiple individuals and groups (2024); $500,000 across 28 individuals/groups (2021); additional support provided to finalists.

Award Components:

  • Grant funding to winners

  • $1,500 support stipend provided to all finalists

  • Group and 1:1 pitching coaching and mentorship

  • Media exposure through partner networks

  • The Lonely Entrepreneur membership (one-year access to online learning community)

    • - 500+ learning modules on business and personal obstacles
    - 1:1 coaching for unique challenges
    - 24/7 community connection with thousands of entrepreneurs
    - 150+ finance resources for all project stages

    Focus Areas: Progressive ideas addressing:

  • Physical and mental health

  • Expanding equity

  • Education

  • Financial literacy

  • Community recovery and resilience

  • Addressing service and resource gaps

    • Geographic Scope: Most of Central Maryland, including:

  • Anne Arundel County

  • Baltimore City

  • Baltimore County

  • Carroll County (one recipient per Carroll Biz Awards annually)

  • Harford County

  • Howard County

    • Eligibility:

  • Community members with innovative ideas

  • Individuals and groups

  • Progressive thinkers ready to elevate, accelerate, and activate big ideas

    • Timeline: Selection, coaching, pitching, and awards typically occur throughout Fall cycle

    Media Partners (2024): WBAL-TV, WBAL News Radio, 98 Rock

    Contact: United Way of Central Maryland

  • Phone: 410-547-8000

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    Submission: Applicants submit ideas for consideration

    Process Components:
    1. Application submission with innovative idea proposal
    2. Selection of finalists
    3. Coaching - group and 1:1 coaching sessions
    4. Mentorship - ongoing support from United Way team
    5. Promotion through United Way networks and owned platforms
    6. Live pitch events where ideas are presented
    7. Awards granted to selected changemakers

    Finalists Receive:

  • $1,500 support stipend

  • Group and 1:1 pitching coaching

  • Mentorship

  • Media exposure

  • Connection to The Lonely Entrepreneur learning community

    • Specific application materials and detailed requirements not provided in website content.

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