Funding Baltimore's Changemakers
Imagine a local version of “Shark Tank” where passionate changemakers pitch bold ideas to drive social impact in Baltimore.
What is Turtle Tank?
Turtle Tank is a competition founded by alumni of the Business Volunteers GIVE Fellowship as a fun, engaging way to provide monetary support to Baltimore-area nonprofits participating in GIVE Advisory Projects.
Why Does it Matter?
Many nonprofits and social enterprises don’t have the resources they need to bring about meaningful change. The Turtle Tank competition provides them with the visibility, expertise, and funding to drive their mission. By supporting the next wave of organizations and community leaders, we’re helping Baltimore grow stronger.
The Ask
Now in its fourth year, the 2025 Turtle Tank Competition is aiming to raise $20,000 in honor of the Class of 2025 – to be awarded at GIVE Graduation in November. With your donation, we can ensure all 8 nonprofits can walk away with transformational funding.
About Your Donation
Recipients of prize money will be local nonprofit organizations who are doing good, better in our community. The eight possible 2025 recipients are detailed below.
Online donations can be made by clicking here.
Donations may also be made via check, payable to Business Volunteers Maryland (1201 S. Sharp St, #302, Baltimore MD 21230; please write “Turtle Tank” in the memo line). Business Volunteers will consolidate the donations and allocate prizes via check to the successful nonprofits who win the Turtle Tank competition.
The nonprofits prioritized for placement with GIVE Fellows are small (<$1M), grassroots organizations serving Baltimore communities. Scroll down and click on each nonprofit name below to learn more.
Each giving level is detailed below.
Leatherback Turtle Level: $5,000
- Opportunity to judge the Turtle Tank competition on November 5, 2025
- Name/logo recognition on ceremonial checks to competition winners
- Named in event remarks & logo recognition in event presentation
- Standalone social media highlight on BVM’s Facebook and Instagram channels
- Named in press release
Green Turtle Level: $2,500
- Opportunity to judge the Turtle Tank competition on November 5, 2025
- Named in event remarks & logo recognition in event presentation
- Logo included in social media highlight on BVM’s Facebook and Instagram channels
Loggerhead Turtle Level: $1,500
- Invitation to Turtle Tank competition on November 5, 2025
- Named in social media highlight on BVM’s Facebook and Instagram channels
- Name listed in event presentation.
Snapping Turtle Level: $250
- Invitation to Turtle Tank competition on November 5, 2025
Painted Turtle Level: $25-$249
• Prefer to make an individual contribution? Gifts of any size support our nonprofit partners. Thank you!
Donations will be collected through GIVE Graduation on November 5, 2025. The campaign for next year’s Turtle Tank will open in spring 2026!
If you have already donated or cannot donate at this time, share with your network to spread the word. Stay tuned for fundraising events where you can socialize, network and give back all at the same time. Also, save the date for November 5, 2025 and join us for the in person Graduation, video presentations, and the awards ceremony!
2025 Turtle Tank Winners
iMentor won 1st place, securing $9,000!
Teens with Trauma won Second Place, securing $6,000!
Women Leading Baltimore won Audience Choice, securing $5,235!
Environmental Justice Journal Initiative won 3rd place, securing $4,000!
The Turtle Tank Experience
Turtle Tank occurs once a year during Business Volunteers’ GIVE Fellowship Program, as part of GIVE Graduation. Teams of GIVE Fellows pitch their nonprofits to a crowd of crucial local changemakers. Judges select the winning teams, though all the nonprofits get to walk away with some cash!
Who Are The Judges?
YOU have a chance to be an official judge during Graduation by sponsoring the competition at the $2,500 level or above.
When/Where is GIVE Graduation?
The 2026 GIVE Fellowship graduation will occur on November 4, 2026 from 3:00-5:00 PM at Brown Advisory (901 S. Bond St, #400, Baltimore, MD 21231). Attendees MUST RSVP via Eventbrite. Contact give@businessvolunteersmd.org if you have questions!
Nonprofits for Turtle Tank 2025
The mission of the Alternatives to Violence Project is to empower people to lead nonviolent lives through affirmation, respect for all, community building, cooperation and trust.
OOH‘s mission is to instill hope and make a difference in the lives of children, adults, elders, veterans, families, and animals as they navigate through life’s interruptions and disruptions by providing a sustainable continuum of care services including emotional, educational, and behavioral support.
EndsideOut (EO) aims to reduce Baltimore’s risk of preventable diseases by providing health education programming for youth, their families, and the broader community to achieve optimal health.
The Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI) empowers communities to play an active role in environmental justice initiatives within their neighborhoods. Based in Baltimore, our mission is to facilitate connections between community members and the environmental challenges they face, fostering collaboration and advocacy toward sustainable, equitable solutions.
iMentor builds mentoring relationships that empower first-generation students to graduate high school, succeed in college and career, and achieve their ambitions.
The mission of RICH – Restoring Inner City Hope is to love, inspire, and empower youth and families in Baltimore.
The mission of Teens with Trauma is to inspire hope, ignite resilience, and empower healing for teenage survivors of sexual abuse.
Women Leading Baltimore empowers girls ages 12-18 to lead the world beyond the classroom through mentorship, sisterhood, and exposure to opportunities. Our mission is to cultivate a strong community of young leaders by providing meaningful connections with mentors, workforce development programs, and experiences that inspire confidence, ambition, and a commitment to service. Through guidance, support, and real-world exposure, we equip girls with the skills and networks they need to thrive in their education, careers, and personal lives.
Every single nonprofit participant received a grant of an equal amount of the remaining prize money.
Thank you to our sponsors for helping us give back to deserving nonprofits!
