FAQs - Elevation Awards
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May I apply if my project scope is inclusive of, but not limited to, Baltimore City?
If I applied in the past, but was not awarded a grant, may I apply again?
What does Baltimore Corps mean by an "idea" or "early stage"?
Do I need to have an organizational structure, such as an LLC or 501(c)3, in order to apply?
What types of supports are available to awardees during the grant period?
Will there be further funding available after the initial award?
What is the purpose of the Elevation Awards?
The Elevation Awards provide early investment grants of $10,000 and personalized support to people of color who are Baltimore City residents building novel approaches to strengthen Baltimore communities. We envision a City with highly effective and innovative social solutions derived in, of, and for the community. In this aim, we also seek to develop BIPOC social entrepreneurs to become stronger leaders and decision-makers in our local ecosystem. The path to success for each social entrepreneur may look different but we hope to offer each Awardee funding, tools, and guidance in their entrepreneurial journey so that each one has the opportunity to become a sustainable and profitable venture that generates valuable impact.
Highly engaged Awardees who take advantage of the program offerings will be prepared to navigate the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Baltimore and gain further capital to continue growing their venture.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Elevation Awards has the following basic eligibility criteria:
At least 18 years of age
Person of Color
Baltimore City Resident
Venture must primarily serve Baltimore City Community/ies
Venture must be operating, having generated at least $1,000 but no more than $50,000 in revenue/funding
Entrepreneurial goal of making the social venture a full-time career
Commitment to participate in program activities such as education, goal-setting, reflection, and entrepreneurial planning
May I apply if my project scope is inclusive of, but not limited to, Baltimore City?
Yes, however the Elevation Awards are geared toward social solutions focused on communities within Baltimore City.
If I applied in the past, but was not awarded a grant, may I apply again?
Yes, you are welcome to reapply, so long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
The grant period will last 10 months, beginning in February 2025. Activities throughout the program will include asynchronous learning, direct mentorship, entrepreneurial planning, networking, and cohort engagement. The program is meant to be low-barrier in hopes that Awardees are able to balance existing commitments and full engagement in the program. (Learn more about program requirements during the grant period.)
All Awardees will receive $10,000 in various payments throughout the program year upon the completion of program milestones and deliverables. Opportunities to gain more grant funding throughout and beyond the program will be available for highly engaged Awardees.
Yes. The Elevation Awards are designed to be low-barrier, providing the opportunity for individuals to explore innovative social solutions in a low-risk, supportive environment. The support and coaching provided seeks to meet awardees "where they are." (Learn more about program requirements during the grant period.)
Our vision for social entrepreneurship is in agreement with Ashoka’s definition: “Social entrepreneurs are individuals with innovative solutions to society's most pressing social problems. They are ambitious and persistent, tackling major social issues and offering new ideas for wide scale change.”
We are seeking entrepreneurs and innovators who are already in the pilot stages of their ventures. Awardees will have already begun operations, having generated at least $1,000 but no more than $50,000 in revenue/funds. The Elevation Awards are not designed to fund organizations that are already up-and-running with full-time staff; often this is one of the first investments Awardees have received for their social venture. Ideas that are spin offs of more established programs will be considered, but not prioritized. These ideas must be uniquely different from the current established initiative.
Yes. The Elevation Awards are designed to be low-barrier, providing the opportunity for individuals to explore innovative social solutions in a low-risk, supportive environment. It is important to note that the program is meant for social entrepreneurs seeking to make their social venture a full-time career.
No. The support available to awardees includes exploring such options for structure.
Awardees will benefit from ongoing programming and coaching tailored to support their initiatives. From design to implementation, awardees will have access to constant feedback from experts in their fields. Awardees will also be introduced to a range of prospective partner organizations positioned to invest further in their initiatives.
Further funding for grantees is not currently available through the Elevation Awards but remains a goal of Baltimore Corps as we seek to invest in our Alumni Network. All awardees will have the opportunity to present their visions and projects to prospective seed funders at the end of the program. By the end of the program, Awardees will have skills and tools that support them in accessing further funding in Baltimore’s Social Entrepreneurship ecosystem.
You do not have to complete the application in one sitting; save and edit your application as you wish. Applicants are welcome to submit more than one social venture, as long as they vary in scope and partnership. A preview of the application is available here, and the link to apply can be found below. . If you do not have regular access to internet or need other accommodations, please contact us at social.innovation@baltimorecorps.org
No. While we are unable to meet with potential applicants throughout the entire application period, the following information sessions and application workshops are being held across the city, at which time interested parties can get further questions answered.