How much funding does Changemaker Challenge provide?

Changemaker Challenge provides Variable (invested $500,000+ across multiple winners) in funding.

When is the deadline for Changemaker Challenge?

The funder has not published a deadline for this grant.

Who is eligible for Changemaker Challenge?

Eligible applicants: Individuals and groups.

How often is Changemaker Challenge offered?

Changemaker Challenge runs on an annual cycle.

Changemaker Challenge

The United Way of Central Maryland Inc

Foundation Annual

Funding Amount

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

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Tracked since: April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

Individuals and groups

Other requirements

Community members with innovative ideas
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

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

Phone: 410-547-8000

How to Apply

Application Process

Submission: Applicants submit ideas for consideration

Process Components:

Application submission with innovative idea proposal
Selection of finalists
Coaching - group and 1:1 coaching sessions
Mentorship - ongoing support from United Way team
Promotion through United Way networks and owned platforms
Live pitch events where ideas are presented
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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What The United Way of Central Maryland Inc actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 216
Total given: $10.59M
Median grant: $15K
Range: $5,067–$462K

By dollars: Maryland 93%, Virginia 1%, Florida 1%. Top recipient cities: Baltimore, MD; Towson, MD; Brooklyn, MD.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
41% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

Example grants

Civil Justice Inc · Baltimore, MD

Designated and or granted in support of agency programs

$462K
Center for Hope Inc · Baltimore, MD

Designated and or granted in support of agency programs

$406K
Catholic Charities of Baltimore · Baltimore, MD

Designated and or granted in support of agency programs

$402K
Associated Catholic Charities of Baltimore · Lutherville, MD

Designated and or granted in support of agency programs

$402K
Afro Charities Inc · Baltimore, MD

Designated and or granted in support of agency programs

$375K