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Applications Now Open: Drs. Elmer + Joanne Martin Social Impact Fellowship 2025-26

Baltimore, MD – Today, CLLCTIVLY is thrilled to announce applications are now open for the Drs. Elmer and Joanne Martin Social Impact Fellowship, which will host its second cohort of social entrepreneurs this fall in partnership with the Center for Social Impact Strategy (CSIS) at the University of Pennsylvania. This innovative initiative is designed to provide social entrepreneurs in Baltimore with the tools, resources, and confidence needed to drive meaningful social change within our community.

This second cohort will include 12 dynamic social entrepreneurs from Baltimore who are dedicated to addressing critical issues within the community. Each participant will receive $2,000 per month for six months, from October 2025 to March 2026, ensuring they have the financial support necessary to fully engage in this intensive program. This funding is specifically intended to address inequities and enable full participation, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all participants.

Honoring a Legacy of Impact

The fellowship is named after Drs. Elmer and Joanne Martin to honor the visionary founders of the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum and celebrate their remarkable legacy. With a deep commitment to education, social justice, and cultural preservation, the Martins established this groundbreaking institution. Their work has made a significant impact on the field of social work, particularly through their influential research, including “The Helping Tradition in the Black Family and Community,” “The Black Extended Family,” and “Spirituality and the Black Helping Tradition in Social Work.”

Program Experience

Fellows selected for this opportunity will be exposed to the best practices of social enterprise development in ways that are grounded in the best traditions of Black-led social change throughout history and from across the African Diaspora. Highlights from these two tracks include:

Social Impact

  • – Social Impact Strategy
  •  – Business Models for Social Enterprise
  • – Digital Media in Social Movements

Black Social Change Traditions

  • – AI (Ancestral Intelligence) Informed Design
  • – African-Centered Leadership Principles
  • – Centering Rest, Pleasure, and Play
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Program Details

Cohort Structure: 12 social entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in this six-month program, receiving mentorship, training, and financial support to enhance their impact.

Financial Support: Each participant will receive $2,000 per month to support their full engagement in the program.

Application Process: Interested social entrepreneurs can apply by completing the application form. FAQs regarding the program can be found below. For any additional questions, please reach out to hello@cllctivly.org.

Important Deadlines:

  • Applications for priority consideration must be submitted by Friday, August 15th
  • Applicants will be notified of their selection status by Friday, September 5th
FAQa

This fellowship represents a significant investment in Baltimore’s social entrepreneurship ecosystem, providing the next generation of changemakers with the support they need to create lasting impact in our community.