Baltimore Homecoming selects nine finalists for 2027 Heroes grant

Nine Baltimore nonprofits will compete for the 2027 Homecoming Heroes title. Baltimore Homecoming announced the list of semifinalists on Monday, Nov. 3. Three of these organizations will receive $20,000 each. The T. Rowe Price Foundation is providing the cash for these awards.

The selection committee narrowed down more than 200 nominations to these nine leaders. The committee included representatives from MCB Real Estate, Blaustein Philanthropic Group, United Way of Central Maryland, and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. Mandy Snyder, executive director of Baltimore Homecoming, said the city pointed to leaders working in the trenches every day. She noted that these finalists are preserving history, educating youth, rebuilding neighborhoods, and expanding economic opportunity.

The nine organizations are Associated Black Charities, Baltimore Youth Arts, Charm City Cultural Cultivation, DENT Education, Dominion Community Development Corporation, The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, PIVOT, Inc., Rebuild Johnston Square Neighborhood Organization, and Requity Foundation. Dr. Chrissy Thornton, Gianna Rodriguez, Derrick Adams, Micky Wolf, Nicole Earle, Dr. Joanne Martin, Veronica Jackson, Regina Hammond, and Michael Rosenband lead these groups respectively.

Public voting is open to determine the three finalists. Residents can vote at www.baltimorehomecoming.com from Nov. 2 through Nov. 16. Baltimore Homecoming will announce the final three winners on Nov. 18. Raymone Jackson, head of Community Affairs and president of the T. Rowe Price Foundation, said the foundation is proud to support the program. He added that the foundation puts real resources behind leadership that is deeply rooted in the community.

The grants are awarded directly to the 501(c)(3) organizations. The finalists will also gain access to a national network of Baltimore leaders and investors. They will present their work at the 2027 Baltimore Homecoming Signature Event in the spring. This event gathers the city's national alumni network. Past honorees include Vaunita Goodman, Jennie Janssen, Jahlik Mathis, Derrick Whiting, and Evan Woodard.

Organizations had to meet specific criteria to be eligible. They must be Baltimore City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating for at least two years. Their annual budgets must range from $100,000 to $2.5 million. At least 75 percent of their participants or beneficiaries must be Baltimore City residents. The program covers focus areas such as business investment, arts, technology, neighborhood revitalization, and philanthropy.

Baltimore Homecoming was founded in 2017 by Nate Loewentheil and JM Schapiro. The organization connects Baltimoreans from around the world with local leaders. It has mobilized millions in financial capital and facilitated dozens of partnerships. The T. Rowe Price Foundation has supported the local nonprofit community since 1981. It has provided more than $204.5 million in direct grants.