Business Volunteers Maryland

doing good. better.

Baker Donelson and Business Volunteers Join Forces to Support Light of Baltimore Incubator Program

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Baker Donelson, with support from Business Volunteers, hosts event that delivers nearly $30K of support to Baltimore social enterprises by mobilizing internal and external skills-based expertise. 

Baker Donelson partnered with Business Volunteers to offer pro bono consulting to eight social enterprises associated with their Light of Baltimore (LOB) Incubator. In a highly structured, multi-hour engagement, Business Volunteers and Baker Donelson mobilized 44 volunteers from 16 companies to provide strategic advice on numerous business challenges, resulting in nearly $30,000 in pro bono services delivered in a single day. 

Launched in 2022, the LOB Incubator at Baker Donelson supports local businesses by offering a collaborative workspace in Baker Donelson’s downtown building. Through a partnership with Innovation Works, the incubator also provides a comprehensive business development program to those in the cohort. 

“The Light of Baltimore Incubator represents our firm’s long-term commitment to Baltimore’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and downtown revitalization,” said Jennifer Curry, Baker Donelson shareholder and original visionary for the Incubator. 

Baker Donelson’s partnership with Business Volunteers on last week’s event was part of a larger initiative to focus the firm’s civic engagement strategies. 

“By partnering with Business Volunteers on [this event], we can offer our attorneys’ professional expertise to these emerging businesses precisely when they need it most—helping them build sustainable operations and contribute to our city’s economic growth,” Curry said. 

During the event, teams of volunteers from Baker Donelson and their business partners, as well as several Business Volunteers Board Members, worked directly with business owners from the LOB cohort, offering valuable insight and practical action plans related to  strategic planning, finance, fundraising, human resources, marketing, and operations.  

The eight participating social enterprise organizations included:  

“The energy in the room was incredible—talented professionals collaborating, problem-solving, and developing actionable plans to support organizations’ various challenges,” Alissa Ganser, President and CEO of Business Volunteers, said. “We are deeply grateful to Baker Donelson for hosting this event, engaging their associates, and inviting their clients and partners to join the effort. This is a powerful example of skills-based volunteering in action.”  

Michael A. Schollaert, Baker Donelson shareholder and member of the Business Volunteers’ Board of Directors, added:  

“It was truly uplifting to bring together colleagues, clients, and community partners in support of these outstanding organizations. The feedback from both the volunteers and the social enterprises was overwhelmingly positive.  We loved hosting this event in 2024, we’ve loved hosting it again, and we look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.”

Business Volunteers Maryland, with Top Sponsor THB Bagelry & Deli, Launches Competition to Support Local Nonprofits

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Business Volunteers Maryland (BVM), the leading expert for connecting businesses with community engagement in the region, today announced the launch of its 2024 Turtle Tank Nonprofit Storytelling Competition, which will award thousands of dollars to seven local nonprofits. New in 2024, THB Bagelry & Deli joins BVM with a united objective to support Baltimore charities and the good they do in the community.

Turtle Tank was founded in 2022 by storytelling expert Tom Mayer as a culmination of Business Volunteers’ flagship GIVE Fellowship. The GIVE Fellowship is a prestigious program that annually provides 40 Baltimore-area professionals (i.e. Fellows) dedicated to community leadership with hands-on experience working with local nonprofits to complete a long-term pro-bono consulting project. The Fellowship enhances participants’ civic leadership skills and allows them to develop a network of other professionals, including more than 600 program Alumni, who are committed to doing good, better.

During Turtle Tank, Fellows compete for prize money to benefit the seven Baltimore-based, grassroots nonprofits they have partnered with on their consulting projects. This exciting competition allows Fellows to showcase their storytelling prowess by creating a video commercial and presentation that highlights the incredible impact their nonprofit partners are making in the Baltimore community.

THB Bagelry & Deli, a family-owned business that has grown to be a flagship Baltimore brand, committed a leading $5,000 sponsorship to fund the competition.

“In THB’s 25-year history, we have partnered with hundreds of Baltimore nonprofits raising funds for education, mental health, and children’s causes among others,” explains Tony Scotto, CEO of THB. “This new partnership with BVM’s GIVE Fellowship program is a perfect match for our brand allowing us to engage more with nonprofits than ever before. It’s really an honor for us at THB to be able to support great nonprofits in our community doing great work.”

The 2024 Turtle Tank competition will take place during the GIVE Graduation ceremony on November 7 at Brown Advisory. Each team will present their commercial and deliver a compelling, shark-tank-like pitch about their projects. The audience, comprised of influential local business and nonprofit leaders, alongside a panel of esteemed judges, will vote on the most compelling stories. Prizes will be awarded to each of the seven nonprofits featured in 2024, including: Baltimore Community Rowing, Waverly Main Street, Cornerstone Community Housing, Lori’s Hands, South Creek Community Development Corporation, Southwest Sports & Fitness Alliance, and The Mental Health Emergency Fund, Inc.

Alissa Ganser, President and CEO of BVM shares, “Turtle Tank is a special opportunity to showcase the incredible nonprofits our GIVE Fellows have worked tirelessly to support in a fun and engaging way, all the while providing small, local nonprofits with critical funding to continue their missions. We are thrilled to have the support of an iconic Baltimore brand, THB Bagelry & Deli, to kick off our third year of Turtle Tank.”

The Turtle Tank competition is named as a nod to the Maryland community, and because turtles represent intuitive development, strength, courage, protection, wisdom, patience, determination, and receptivity, all of which describe BVM’s GIVE Fellows, their nonprofit partners, and our community. Turtle Tank is more than just a competition–it is a community of support to celebrate the amazing work that nonprofits in Baltimore are addressing every day.

For more information about the Turtle Tank event and sponsorship opportunities, please click below.

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Business Volunteers Maryland Announces New CEO

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Current Chief Service Officer selected to lead organization

Business Volunteers Maryland, the leading resource for connecting businesses with community engagement in the region, announces Alissa Ganser as its President and CEO, beginning June 1.  

Ganser currently serves as the Chief Service Officer. She follows Julie Crisp Kernan, who led the organization for five years, including during the challenging season of the pandemic. Kernan is retiring on May 31 but will remain on the Business Volunteers’ Board of Directors.  

“When I joined the organization, one of the clear visions was to develop a thoughtful leadership succession plan,” Kernan said. “Over the last five years, I have been able to witness the knowledge, skills, ability and passion Alissa brings to her work. She has a deep understanding of what it will take to continue to grow and serve our community, and I could not be more optimistic and supportive of Alissa as the Board’s choice to take my place.” 

“In the nearly nine years I have worked for Business Volunteers, I continue to be energized and inspired by the people we work with—our business partners, the leaders, the nonprofits—and the enthusiasm and impact I see following our events and programming,” Ganser said. “With tremendous value for both businesses and nonprofits, it is truly an honor to play matchmaker for social impact. I look forward to serving in this important role and building even stronger bridges between the sectors.”  

Ganser has been a staple in the community engagement and social impact space for more than two decades. Across roles at nonprofit and educational institutions throughout the country, including Baltimore’s Abell Foundation, KIPP Baltimore, and Reading Partners, Ganser has built transformative and innovative cross-sector partnerships and mobilized individuals in efforts that drive social change and uplift all parties involved. With a degree in Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins University, she understands social systems, the complementary relationship between business and community, and the importance of ensuring professionals have the pathways and knowledge they need to make an impact.  

“When we were building the leadership succession plan, Alissa was always at the top of the Board’s mind as a confident and competent leader,” Ron Causey, Business Volunteers Maryland’s Board Chair, said. “Prior to Julie’s arrival in 2019, Alissa served as our Interim Executive Director and then in the years to follow we were able to see her drive successful programming for the business and nonprofit community time and time again. The Board is confident in Alissa as the leader to take Business Volunteers into the future.” 

Business Volunteer Maryland’s mission is to inspire volunteerism and connect motivated people and businesses to nonprofit organizations leading to stronger communities. Over the past 21 years, Business Volunteers brings the talents of local business professionals to nonprofit organizations seeking volunteers and board leadership. 

Apply for the 2024 GIVE Fellowship!

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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.

Remembering Business Volunteers’ 20th Anniversary

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In June, Business Volunteers Maryland hosted a celebration in recognition of TWENTY YEARS serving our shared community. For two decades, BVM has kept the needs of our nonprofit community in the forefront, recognizing the role business leaders can and should play in making our City a better place to live and work. The vision for engaging business and professionals in board service and volunteering to share expertise and build stronger nonprofit organizations has resulted in not only stronger nonprofit organizations but also significant benefits for our business partners and the employees who serve. We had the opportunity to ask many of our stakeholders about how Business Volunteers Maryland has impacted their organizations. See the video below to hear directly from our business and nonprofit partners, founding board and current board members, and BVM Staff.

Each participant told an important part of our story and we are so grateful for your advocacy!

Our Favorite Ways to ‘GIVE’

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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 

The Benefits of Business Volunteers’ GIVE Fellowship

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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.

 

How Corporate Social Responsibility Is an Important Element of Company Culture

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Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a vital element of your company culture and, in some ways, also a product of it. While CSR might seem like a straightforward concept, it has a broad range of interpretations that can make it look very different from business to business. For maximum results, you should understand the relationship between corporate social responsibility and your company culture.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Company Culture

What is culture? The culmination of shared goals, attitudes and beliefs. Culture is what makes your company so special. It can be influenced by a number of things at your business, including your management style, work environment, ethics, expectations and values. It makes sense that corporate social responsibility is tied directly to company culture, as CSR is a company’s commitment to being socially accountable to itself, employees, stakeholders and the world.

It Shows You Care

CSR shows your employees and the public that you care. Whether it’s painting a school or taking a hard look at how your business could be more environmentally friendly, your CSR initiatives show that you care.

Practice Corporate Social Responsibility

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. To learn more about our services contact us by calling (410) 366-6030.

Join Us at the Business Impact Summit

Learn more about Corporate Social Responsibility and join Business Volunteers Maryland at the 2019 Business Impact Summit on October 3, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency in Baltimore, MD. This annual event will explore how you can harness community engagement and accelerate impact on your business, your employees and your community. To get your tickets and learn more, click here.

All About Our 2019 Business Impact Summit

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We are excited to announce our Business Impact Summit approaching this fall. Business Volunteers Maryland will be hosting the 2019 Business Impact Summit on October 3, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency in Baltimore, MD. This annual event will explore how you can harness the power of community engagement and accelerate impact on your business, your employees and your community.

Take Your Business to the Next Level

While more companies than ever before are prioritizing social causes and supporting their communities, there is also more opportunity than ever before for this impact to be multiplied externally and internally. Business Volunteers Maryland will again be uniting regional business leaders to build upon the concept of community engagement as a business imperative with proven tactics for success. By participating in the Summit, your business can learn ways to foster win-win situations in your community and business.

Our Speakers

Our keynote speaker for the Business Impact Summit is Seth Goldman, the Co-founder and TeaEO Emeritus of Honest Tea and Executive Chair of Beyond Meat. Seth grew a Maryland-based global brand that refused to budge from its core values of honesty, integrity and sustainability. Seth is an excellent example of how a mission-centered culture can be good for business.

Our closing speaker is Jenny Lawson, Chief Civic Innovation Officer and leader at Points of Light. Through her role, she leads forward-thinking initiatives and campaigns to advance the missions of Points of Light around the world. Jenny is committed to aiding businesses in achieving social change goals through the actions of their employees.

The Details

Our Business Impact Summit will take place from 7:30 AM-12:30 PM on October 3, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Baltimore, MD. The day will start with registration, light breakfast and time for networking. Networking will be followed by Seth Goldman and two separate workshops focused on how your company can leverage the efforts of community engagement and explore new ways to give back. Our closing session from Jenny Lawson is sure to inspire you and leave you with plenty of food for thought as you depart. Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact us to learn more!

Join Us at the Business Impact Summit

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 engagement efforts while achieving your business goals. To learn more about our services and learn more about attending our summit, contact us by calling (410) 366-6030.