Every initiative reflects our three core pillars: Narrative Power, Learning and Convening, and Resource Mobilization. These pillars are the foundation of our work and ensure that Black-led organizations are not only funded but also celebrated, connected, and equipped to grow. Our initiatives are more than programs; they are pathways for reimagining philanthropy, telling new stories about Black leadership, and ensuring resources flow into communities that have historically been underfunded.

Some of our initiatives, like giving circles and micro-grant programs, are ongoing and provide year-round opportunities to engage. Others, like CLLCTIVGive, are annual campaigns that bring the entire community together for a powerful day of giving and celebration. No matter the timeline, each initiative builds on the others to create a continuous cycle of investment, visibility, and impact. The initiatives page is updated regularly so you can always see what is active now and what is on the horizon.

Transparency and storytelling are central to our work. We share updates, stories, and impact reports that highlight the real outcomes of your involvement. You will see not just the numbers, but also the lives and organizations transformed by your support. We make sure you can trace the difference you are helping to make. When you give, volunteer, or partner, you are part of a collective story of resilience, creativity, and change.

CLLCTIVLY’s initiatives are designed to support organizations, leaders, artists, and changemakers who are building stronger, more just communities in Baltimore and beyond. Our programs provide resources, visibility, and capacity-building support to grassroots and emerging groups that are often underfunded and overlooked by traditional philanthropy. The impact extends far beyond individual organizations, creating ripple effects that benefit families, neighborhoods, and the wider region.

CLLCTIVLY leads a comprehensive portfolio of programs and initiatives to invest in and amplify Black-led social change across Greater Baltimore and beyond. Our work spans cultural convenings, grantmaking, leadership development, and digital innovation, all grounded in a commitment to equity, narrative power, and resource mobilization.
Key initiatives include:
1. We Give Black (May 2027): We Give Black is a three-day national gathering and communal celebration of Black culture as the foundation of community-driven wealth. Rooted in Baltimore and resonating across the nation, the festival convenes changemakers, artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday givers to honor our traditions of mutual aid, collective care, and imagination.
2. CLLCTIVGive (every August): Greater Baltimore’s 24-hour giving campaign dedicated to Black-led organizations, featuring a crowdfunding campaign and an in-person celebration. In 2025, the campaign raised over $1.2M for 133 organizations.
3. 28 Days of Black Futures (every February): An award-winning digital storytelling campaign that shares the daily stories of Black leaders, artists, and activists throughout Black History Month, generating over 1M digital impressions annually.
4. Drs. Elmer and Joanne Martin Social Impact Fellowship (Spring 2026): The Drs. Elmer and Joanne Martin Social Impact Fellowship is a six-month leadership institute for Black social entrepreneurs, created by CLLCTIVLY in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy.
5. Black Futures Initiative & Microgrants: An ongoing investment strategy that provides capacity-building microgrants, mental health support, and infrastructure funding to Black-led grassroots organizations. To date, over 200 organizations have received support.

There are many ways to be part of CLLCTIVLY’s work. You can support by donating through our campaigns, joining us at community convenings, and amplifying stories from our digital platforms. We also invite volunteers, partners, and funders to collaborate with us in building sustainable ecosystems of support. Whether you give, attend, share, or connect, your involvement helps strengthen the movement for Black-led social change. By participating, you are not just giving back, you are helping to build a stronger, more equitable community where everyone has a chance to thrive.

We are proud to partner with organizations that share our belief in equity and community-led change. Partnerships can take many forms, including sponsorships, employee engagement opportunities, co-branded activations, and multi-year investments. We work closely with each partner to align their goals with our initiatives and create collaborations that are meaningful and mutually impactful. Together, we can move resources where they are needed most and build long-term sustainability for Black-led changemakers. To explore partnership opportunities, please connect with our Director of Partnerships, Chelsea Brown at chelsea@cllctivly.org.