Search Results for: GIVE

Apply for the 2024 GIVE Fellowship!

January 3, 2024 by Alissa Ganser

As you think about the new year, I encourage you to consider the 2024 GIVE Fellowship for yourself, your company, or a like-minded person in your network.

The Business Volunteers GIVE Fellowship is the region’s premier professional development opportunity for civic-minded professionals looking to develop a critical perspective, deep experience, and a game changing network of accomplished alumni who share a commitment to giving back. Each year, from April to November, GIVE welcomes 40-50 dedicated professionals from a wide network of the region’s leading employers.

Is GIVE right for your employer?

With over 200 leading businesses having participated in GIVE, there is tremendous value in making sure your company is represented. GIVE Fellows embark on the ultimate professional development journey with proven growth in a variety of key leadership skills and the gain of an impressive network.

Is GIVE right for you?

Are you committed to giving back and building a healthy and thriving Baltimore?
Are you interested in a transformative personal and professional development experience?
Are you seeking to be a part of a network of 600+ like-minded professionals?

Simply put, there is no better investment than GIVE.

Applications for the 2024 GIVE Fellowship are now open! Closing February 5th.

To learn much more about the program, our fellows and alumni, sign up for an info session,
access the application, or nominate someone you know, CLICK HERE.

give

2023 GIVE Graduation and Celebration

December 11, 2023 by Alissa Ganser

Business Volunteers Maryland invites you to join us in learning from and celebrating our 2023 GIVE fellows at graduation and celebration.

GIVE Graduation on Wednesday, November 13 from 3PM-5PM, and stay to celebrate from 5PM-7PM, both at Brown Advisory

Hear about the accomplishments of our 2024 GIVE Class – professionals who dedicated 7 months to community leadership, personal and professional growth, and camaraderie. Join us in honoring them, their dedication to community, and their detailed and impactful project work with 7 fantastic Baltimore nonprofits.

P lus, experience the Turtle Tank! Turtle Tank is an opportunity for teams of Fellows to demonstrate their storytelling skills by producing a commercial about the incredible impact their non-profit partners are making in Baltimore. The videos are shared at GIVE Graduation and judged by a panel of Turtles – select Business Volunteers Maryland board members and friends – with teams who produced the most compelling videos securing prize money for their respective nonprofit partners to further their impact. All nonprofits, whether winners of the cash prize or not, walk away with a video commercial that can be further used for marketing purposes and a greater awareness of their mission – everyone’s a winner!

I f you’d like to be a part of this, please consider donating to this initiative. There are different tiers with different benefits including: Nonprofit Meet & Greet before the event, premium bar, and an opportunity to be a judge. Click here to learn more and to donate today!

Afterwards, we will stay in the beautiful Brown Advisory atrium to celebrate with light fare and drinks. All are welcome!

Come for graduation, the celebration, or both!

Interested in learning more about GIVE? Want to apply for the 2025 GIVE Fellowship?

We are recruiting for our 2025 GIVE Class and we invite you to attend graduation to hear the 2024 fellows share their reflections from the year AND/OR join us after graduation for a celebration afterwards to mingle with alumni, staff, and recent grads who will tell you more about the fellowship and answer any questions you have. All are welcome!

GIVE is a seven month fellowship offered through Business Volunteers Maryland that prepares rising leaders in Baltimore for civic engagement and community leadership. Join over 600 civic minded professionals who are making a positive impact on the community.

Please fill out this information/nomination form to learn more. GIVE applications can be found on the Business Volunteers Maryland website. Applications open January 1st

Parking is available on-street in Fells point or in the city garage at 805 S. Caroline Street.

We look forward to seeing you there!

GIVE Advisory Projects (for Nonprofits)

APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 GIVE ADVISORY PROJECTS
OPEN MARCH 2ND!

What is the GIVE Advisory Project (GAP) Experience?

Business Volunteers Maryland is excited to open applications GIVE Advisory Projects, for its annual opportunity for nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations to host a group of GIVE Fellows as long-term pro bono consultants helping with a business challenge they are facing.

Your organization must be based in Baltimore City to apply. High priority will be given to small, Baltimore-City based nonprofits. For this application, small nonprofits are defined as organizations with less than $1M in annual revenue. If your organization has more than $1M in revenue, please contact us before applying.

Teams of 5-7 GIVE Fellows are matched with a nonprofit for a 5-month period. Each Advisory Team will immerse themselves in a collaborative process with their nonprofit between July and November. GIVE Fellows engage thought-partnership to understand and address complex organizational challenges impacting nonprofit leaders.

GIVE Advisory Project Deadlines

Applications Open | March 2
Application Deadline | March 30
Interviews | April 20 – May 1
Notification of Participation | May 11

Information Sessions

Required Dates

VIRTUAL Orientation | June TBD
Working Group | July 8, 2026 | 9:00-12:00PM
Site Visit at Nonprofit | July 22, 2026 | 9:00-12:00PM
Working Group | August 5, 2026 | 2:00-5:00PM
VIRTUAL 1st GAP Check-in | September TBD, 2026
Working Group | September 30, 2026 | 9:00-12:00PM
VIRTUAL 2nd GAP Check-in | October TBD, 2026
Graduation & Turtle Tank | November, 4 2026 | 3:00-7:00PM

Learn More...

Advisory Project Selection Criteria

Benefits of Hosting an Advisory Project

Examples of Past Advisory Projects

Advisory Project Selection Criteria

Benefits of Hosting an Advisory Project

Examples of Past Advisory Projects

GIVE Fellowship and Application

2026 GIVE Applications ARE NOW OPEN!

Interest and Nomination Form

If you or a civic-minded leader you know would like to learn more about the GIVE Fellowship, complete the GIVE Fellowship Interest and Nomination Form to the right. Business Volunteers will send updates about GIVE and the application process to all interested individuals.

2026 GIVE Fellowship Information Sessions

Want to learn more about the 2026 GIVE Fellowship? Join one of our information sessions to hear directly from alumni, explore the application process, and get answers to any questions you may have!

Review details about the 2026 GIVE Fellowship

The main GIVE Page provides an introduction to the GIVE experience.

Details about the GIVE Fellowship program are to the right. Expand each section and read carefully before applying.

Application Agreements

Before starting the application, applicants will review the following application requirements: the selection process (as described below), the fellowship commitment, requirements of the supervisor and reference forms, and the tuition.

Details, including dates of the GIVE program and the cost of tuition, are provided below and in the application.

Important Dates

APPLICATION DATES

Application Opens: January 1, 2026
Application Deadline: February 16, 2026
(If Invited) Phone Interviews: March 2- 11, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: March 23, 2026

MANDATORY 2026 FELLOWSHIP EVENT DATES (Subject to change)

April 15, 2026 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
May 6, 2026 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
May 20, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
June 10, 2026 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
July 8, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
July 22, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
August 5, 2026 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
August 19, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
September 2, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
September 30, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
October 14, 2026 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
November 4, 2026 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm

The Selection Process

Round 1 | Application
Each application is reviewed by the Selection Committee. Applicants will complete the online application with short essays and the scholarship application (if applicable).

Two forms will be completed by other individuals: supervisor approval form and the professional reference form.

Round 2 | Phone Interview
Applicants who are selected to participate in round 2 will participate in a phone interview conducted by a Selection Committee member.

Selection Committee
The Selection Committee is comprised of Business Volunteers staff members, GIVE Advisory Committee members, and GIVE Alumni Committee members. In considering the diversity of the class and the number of applications received, qualified candidates are not always accepted.

Tuition

GIVE Tuition is $3,500. We encourage applicants to request professional development funds to cover their tuition. If selected, you or your employer will be invoiced for tuition. Tuition is non-refundable for participants who are dismissed or who voluntarily withdraw. A payment plan may be arranged after acceptance to the program.

Many GIVE Fellows receive sponsorship through their employer. Some GIVE Fellows pay part or all out of pocket. Participants are recommended to contribute at least $250 of the fee and encourage company sponsorship of the remaining portion of the fee to demonstrate personal investment and company support of professional development.

Jim Brinkley Scholarships

Business Volunteers Maryland offers a limited number of Jim Brinkley Scholarships to nonprofit employees, participants paying out of pocket, and deserving community leaders that would not otherwise be able to participate. The scholarship application can be completed at the end of the application.

Jim Brinkley is a civic and philanthropic leader and champion of community change and impact. Business Volunteers created the Jim Brinkley GIVE Scholarship Fund in recognition of his contributions and leadership in the creation of Business Volunteers. The Fund supports talented professionals with an opportunity to participate in the GIVE program.

Please note that full scholarships are not available. Partial scholarships may be awarded. Our giving capacity is limited and based on need, applicant quality, and availability.

Scholarship applications will be reviewed by the selection committee. All applicants will be notified concerning their status at the time of admission.

Alumni Benefits

Access to exclusive alumni network. Upon completing GIVE, Fellows join an influential network of nearly 700 alumni, who have infused more than $9.1 million, and growing, into the community. This network provides life-long ties to accomplished, like-minded alumni who are motivated and passionate about community engagement.
Scholarship benefits in partnership with Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. When you join GIVE, you also gain access to an exclusive education partnership with the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, designed to strengthen your leadership and strategic skills and support your career and community impact goals. Through this partnership, Fellows are eligible for special scholarships for Carey’s Flexible MBA and part-time master’s programs for working professionals, as well as a 20% reduced investment on Executive Education open-enrollment courses focused on management, communication, and leadership.

Complete the Application

All applicants must complete an application are asked to send the supervisor approval form and reference form to their contacts before starting the application to ensure your the forms are submitted before the application deadline.

QUESTIONS: give@businessvolunteersmd.org

GIVE Nomination

Our Favorite Ways to ‘GIVE’

December 15, 2020 by BVMD Staff

From Oprah’s Favorite Things to the Rolling Stones Top 50 Albums, this time of the year is jam packed with top lists and countdowns. We have a list you may not have realized you needed: BVM’s Favorite Ways to “GIVE.”

Since 2010, the GIVE Fellowship has empowered 450+ rising professionals with resources, tools, and connections to transform and strengthen communities across the Baltimore region. For our team, the most wonderful time of the year is…wait for it…the GIVE application launch! Why is this special for us? We have the privilege of meeting community-minded individuals who want to do good. better.

The GIVE application will be open from January 6, 2021 to February 10, 2021. We have the inside scoop! Here are our Favorite Ways to “GIVE.”

Nominate

Do you know a rising professional looking to have a greater role in their community? We invite you to nominate colleagues and friends who are ready to connect with a transformational network. Submit a nomination.

Receive updates

Our team will make sure you continue to get the inside scoop on the application, tips for a stellar application, and updates on events you can attend. Join our email list. Attend an information session

Do you want to learn more about the GIVE Fellowship experience? Meet with our team and alumni as we walk you through the 2021 GIVE season, the application process, and the stories that inspire us. Register for a session.

Meet GIVE alumni

Do you want to talk with someone who went through GIVE? Hear from an all-star line-up of alumni who are ready to connect. Here is your chance to ask your burning questions. RSVP for an alumni social.

Our Favorite Ways to “GIVE” continues on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, and Instagram. From alumni stories to event highlights, we will be sharing the fun and excitement throughout the application period.

If you are as excited as we are about GIVE, you can start learning about the program on the GIVE page.

Contact: give@businessvolunteersmd.org

Congratulations to the GIVE Fellowship Class of 2020

November 6, 2020 by Tracy O’Connor

Congratulations to the graduating class of Business Volunteers Maryland’s GIVE Fellowship. On Friday, November 13, 2020, Business Volunteers will host a virtual celebration to recognize forty-six rising professionals who amplified their civic engagement, deepened their relationship with Baltimore, and connected with community leaders from across the region. The 2020 class of GIVE will join a network of 450+ GIVE alumni.

When Business Volunteers transformed the fellowship into a virtual experience due to COVID-19, the GIVE Advisory Projects (GAP) remained a core component of the program. The GAP connected nonprofits with GIVE fellows who served as skilled volunteers over a six-month period. From conducting interviews to participating in volunteer activities, GIVE Fellows worked in small teams to learn about their nonprofit partner, the community served by the organization, and the challenges faced by the nonprofit’s leaders. Teams were paired with a GIVE alumnus who served as their project mentor as fellows followed a collaborative process. Each year, GAP teams develop recommendations and solutions that increased nonprofits’ capacity to do good. better.

This year’s GIVE fellows were introduced to collective impact practices and partnered with organizations committed to strengthening Baltimore for youth. GIVE fellows will present their projects with their teams during graduation.

Our graduating fellows, their GAP teams, and the alumni mentors are presented below.

2020 GIVE Advisory Project Teams

Baltimore Food Parks

Works to improve vacant lots, conduct scientific research, and help conserve Baltimore’s greenspace/wildlife through community engagement.

Alec Mitchell, CBRE, Inc.
Brian Lasan, City of Baltimore
Jessica Duvall, Rosenberg Martin Greenberg LLP
Rebecca Moschina, Continental Realty Corporation
Zainab Farhat, Annie E. Casey Foundation
Project Mentor: Kaitlin Brennan (GIVE 2019)

Community Law In Action (CLIA)

Develops young people to be leaders and advocates to advance positive community change through public policy.

Ashley Monroe, BGE
Benjamin Fertig
Jesse Haladay, T. Rowe Price
Michael Mercado, Northrop Grumman
Sandra Herrera
Project Mentor: Samantha Myrick (GIVE 2019)

HASA (The Hearing & Speech Agency)

Connects people to their worlds through hearing and speech-language services, interpreting, and education.

Aaron Nichols, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston
Lauren Novsak, Business Volunteers Maryland
Tamara Arnold, Baltimore Corps
Timothy Sugrue, PWC
Project Mentor: Ashley Webb (GIVE 2014)

iMentor

Builds mentoring relationships that empower first-generation students from low-income communities to graduate high school, succeed in college, and achieve their ambition.

Aaron Fishbein, Transamerica
Alicia Dennis, CohnReznick LLP
Emily Plahanski, SIG
Molly Hayeslip, Baltimore Collegetown Network
Project Mentor: Jhonell Campbell (GIVE 2017)

Improving Education (Bedtime in A Box)

An initiative of Improving Education, Bedtime in A Box partners with community institutions to distribute a curated package of components designed to increase regular and routine exposure to literacy.

Brian Gordon, Brown Advisory Inc.
Catherine Patterson, de Beaumont Foundation
Elie Calm Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn PA
Jennifer Bove, Atapco Financial Services, Inc.
Meagan Mallen, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Project Mentor: Craig Heron (GIVE 2017)

Middle Grades Partnership

Provides students from both Public and Private schools with widely different life experiences the opportunity to work together toward a common goal.

Angela Bossle, Prometric
Brett Sanders, PwC
Eryn Lessard, KIPP Baltimore
Kyle Jenson, M&T Bank
Project Mentor: Austin Tremblay (GIVE 2018)

MissionFit

Provides a safe space, resources for health, and an environment for continued personal growth.

Beth H. McGuire, BGE
Kevin Shields, Harborside Group
Moe Shoots, Baltimore Ravens
Rachel Feldman, Pearlstone
Tatiana Beato, Erickson Living
Project Mentor: Rachel Thompson (GIVE 2019)

Patterson Park Public Charter School, Inc.

Provides a community-centered learning environment that values diversity and embraces a whole child approach to develop well-educated citizens.

Alex Chiang, SimplyAgree
Amanda Parsley, State Employees Credit Union (SECU)
Jheannelle Laguerre, Exelon Corporation
Stephen Pfaffenhauser, T. Rowe Price
Project Mentor: Colleen Helak (GIVE 2019)

The One Love Foundation

Educates young people about healthy and unhealthy relationships to empower them to identify and avoid abuse and learn how to love better.

Amanda Chong, Gordon Feinblatt LLC
Benjamin Suttman, Under Armour
Derrick Pendleton, Legg Mason
Jamie Nash, Think Stack
Katie Blacketor, Mindgrub Technologies
Project Mentor: Kelly Tallant (GIVE 2018)

Y in Central Maryland

Advances a holistic approach to well-being that strengthens the community’s commitment to healthy living, youth development and social responsibility.

Callie Tucker, Kramon & Graham, PA
Colin Kendall, SC&H Group
Joseph Creamer, Planit Advertising, Inc.
Laura Collins, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C.
Trena Oakley, Sontiq, Inc.
Project Mentor: Krystina Wales (GIVE 2018)

Applying for the 2021 GIVE Fellowship

Are you interested in learning more about the GIVE Fellowship? Would you like to nominate an individual for the 2021 class? Complete this interest form. Applications for the 2021 GIVE Fellowship will open in December.

About the GIVE Fellowship

GIVE is a multi-month fellowship offered through Business Volunteers Maryland that prepares rising leaders in Baltimore for civic engagement and community leadership. Over 125 companies in Baltimore have committed to community engagement through sponsoring GIVE fellows. To learn more, visit the GIVE program page.

About Business Volunteers Maryland

Business Volunteers Maryland works with regional employers to build strategic connections between businesses, professionals and the nonprofit community. Business Volunteers consults with businesses, trains and places business professionals on nonprofit boards; develops civic leaders; manages and matches teams with meaningful skilled and direct service volunteer opportunities; creates partnerships between companies and the community, and much more.

The Benefits of Business Volunteers’ GIVE Fellowship

October 23, 2019 by BVMD Staff

While graduate school might come to mind when you think about a fellowship program, things have changed over the past few years! Professional fellowship opportunities, like the GIVE Fellowship at Business Volunteers Maryland, are designed to help cultivate leaders, grow networks, offer unparalleled professional development opportunities and have a positive impact on the community. What are some of the benefits of GIVE?

Professional Development

Fellowships offer structured education and professional development opportunities designed to help those who want to make a difference in their community. They offer the resources, support and networks needed to learn new things and pursue goals that would seem unreachable otherwise. Our GIVE Fellowship offers a wealth of personal and professional development opportunities to every fellow.

Leadership Skills

Especially when an individual is a rising star in their field or in the start or mid-point of their career, leadership skills can be imperative to their future success. The opportunity to cultivate those skills in a positive and challenging environment is unique to a fellowship program, and many individuals from our GIVE Fellowship program go on to take leadership roles within their companies or by serving on nonprofit boards and more.

Expand Your Network

A fellowship program will also connect you with like-minded individuals and those who already have successful careers in the field you are interested in. Fellowships typically include a combination of trainings and networking events that expand the fellow’s reach and network. Through expanding your network, you are also better equipped to learn professional development and leadership skills through proximity to knowledgeable professionals.

All About GIVE

Our fellowship program is known as GIVE. GIVE is designed to create a stronger community, develop your leadership skills, give you access to a broad network of professionals and help you grow personally and professionally. The program is a nine-month commitment and consists of monthly workshops, action projects, networking opportunities and events. Numerous high-profile employers participate in our program and benefit from having their already-dynamic employees become even closer to reaching their potential.

Participate in an Amazing Fellowship Program

Business Volunteers Maryland is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the community by creating strategic connections between businesses, nonprofits and individuals. We help companies like yours to establish and expand community impact efforts while achieving your business goals. Click here to learn more about GIVE or contact us by calling (410) 366-6030.

GIVE Fellowship

Everyone can do good. better.

GIVE empowers civic-minded professionals with resources, tools, and connections to strengthen communities. with communities.

About the GIVE Fellowship & Alumni Network

Communities across the region face complex challenges. The good news: visionary community leaders armed with effective solutions are ready to tackle these issues. However, in order to effectively execute these solutions and scale operations, community leaders need help.

Business Volunteers Maryland tackles the social sector’s most pressing issues by inspiring volunteerism and mobilizing the business community in doing good. better. The GIVE Fellowship, a program of Business Volunteers, is a fellowship and alumni network committed to accelerating the involvement of rising professionals in service with communities. With a focus on Baltimore, each year 40-50 professionals from the regions leading employers engage in an eight month experience of transformational personal and professional growth while working alongside their cohort, regional experts, and community leaders.

With nearly 700 alumni, Fellows join an incredible group of like-minded people who become a life-long network of friends.

How GIVE Advances Community Engagement

We ignite our greater role. GIVE is launchpad. We refine our individual paths as leaders to champion causes in support of the greater community.

We amplify our collective knowledge. GIVE is a learning community. We expand our understanding of local conditions and transform ideas into action.

We elevate our relationships. GIVE is an active network. We build momentum for social change by deepening relationships among fellows, alumni, and changemakers.

We instill our “with community approach.” GIVE is a consulting hub. We listen intentionally and collaborate with cause leaders to reinforce their capacity to fulfill their mission.

The GIVE Experience

The GIVE Mindset

Fellows embrace the following mindset when entering the Fellowship.

New in 2026, GIVE Fellows and Alumni now have access to an exclusive tuition scholarship for the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School degree and executive education courses. This partnership between Business Volunteers and the Carey Business School helps GIVE Fellows and Alumni expand their education, build stronger organizations, and drive impact across the community. As a Carey Partner, GIVE Fellows and Alumni now have access to: