A Social Innovation Competition to Highlight and Award Ideas in Central Maryland
United Way of Central Maryland’s Changemaker Challenge sparks social innovation to address challenges facing our communities.
The Challenge first launched in partnership with the Horizon Foundation in Howard Country in 2017, and it has since expanded to most of Central Maryland.
Most recently, United Way of Central Maryland invested more than $500,000 to 30 individuals and groups who pitched progressive ideas to address their communities’ most pressing issues, like physical and mental health, expanding equity, education, financial literacy, and more.
In addition, all Changemaker Challenge grantees received:
$1,500 support stipend (provided to all finalists)
Group and 1:1 pitching coaching and mentorship
Exposure from media partners
Access to The Lonely Entrepreneur learning community
The Lonely Entrepreneur provided a one-year membership to their online learning community for Changemaker Challenge entrepreneurs!
500
key learning modules on the business and personal obstacles
1:1
coaching to help with unique challenges
24/7
Community connection with thousands of fellow entrepreneurs
150+
finance resources for all stages of your project
Interested in learning more about The Lonely Entrepreneur? Connect with us!
Our 2024 Changemaker Challenge was supported by WBAL-TV, WBAL News Radio, and 98 Rock. WBAL talent Kai Reed and T.J. Smith served as emcees at two of our live pitch events, as well!
“The Changemaker Challenge isn’t a competition among applicants or ideas. Instead, it’s the challenge of addressing inequity. This platform gives more people a seat at the table and allows changemakers to share fresh ideas that will help close service and resource gaps so that united, we can help even more people and drive positive, meaningful change in our region.”
– Franklyn Baker,
President & CEO, United Way of Central Maryland
Changemaker Challenge 2024
We’re looking for progressive thinkers who are ready to elevate, accelerate and activate their big ideas to make their communities even better!
Through the Changemaker Challenge, we support innovative ideas developed by community members to benefit our region.
Finalists will receive group and one-on-one coaching and mentorship and promotion through United Way of Central Maryland’s networks and owned platforms. Selection, coaching, pitching, and awards will take place throughout Fall 2024.
In 2021, United Way of Central Maryland invested $500,000 in 28 individuals and groups who were invited to submit ideas for sustainable action to help residents and communities recover from the pandemic and the inequities it exposed.
“Being a Changemaker can take time, and the United Way knows that. Not only did the give us grant to launch our big idea, but they also connected us to the other necessary resources to sustain it!”
– Robert Cradle
Rob’s Barbershop Community Foundation, Inc.
Changemaker Challenge 2024 Winners
Anne Arundel County
Baltimore City
Baltimore County
Carroll County
Harford County
Howard County
