A program of the
Social Innovation Lab at Johns Hopkins University
In partnership with
Do you want to change your neighborhood or the world?
Are you currently leading a community organization, nonprofit, or mission-driven business?
Do you have an idea for a project or organization you’d like to start?
Do you want to learn how to transform an idea into a project or organization that makes an impact?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you should attend our Bootcamp!
Each year, through a competitive application process, Social Innovation Lab selects up to ten promising non-profits and mission-driven businesses and provides them with funding, mentorship, and more to help them make an impact and grow. This Bootcamp is a one-day, condensed version of our program for people who want to gain or enhance the skills essential for launching and leading a community project, nonprofit, or mission-driven business. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Since launching this program in 2016, we've held five bootcamps that have equipped approximately 355 community members and students with the skills and connections to create change. Some participants have gone on to be selected for Social Innovation Lab's cohort program, win a Baltimore Corps Elevation Award, or become an OSI-Baltimore Community Fellow.
- 100% of attendees at our last bootcamp reported that they gained a new skill or insight that they will apply in their work
- 92% of attendees at our last bootcamp reported that they made meaningful connections with other attendees that will lead to collaborations and partnerships
- 92% of attendees at our last bootcamp reported that they feel better equipped to make an impact after attending the bootcamp
- Anyone who wants to learn how to develop an idea into a viable project that makes an impact
- Current or aspiring changemakers, community leaders, and social entrepreneurs
- Individuals or teams currently launching or leading community projects, nonprofits, or mission-driven businesses
- Students to retirees (and everyone in between)
Participants will explore what it takes to be a social entrepreneur – the mindset, commitment, etc. – and articulate a leadership vision for themselves and establish personal goals for launching a social venture or community project. We'll also try some exercises to turning participants' ideas for a social venture or community project into a plan with actionable steps and measurable milestones.
The Social Innovation Lab (SIL) at Johns Hopkins University accelerates ventures that create change and opportunity in Baltimore and beyond. SIL does this by providing funding, mentorship, office space, and workshops, to help innovative non-profits, mission-driven companies, and disruptive technologies develop and grow into thriving, sustainable ventures that make a measurable impact. To learn more, view our 2018 Impact Report. Also: SIL is currently accepting applications! If you're interested to apply, please review the details available at https://ventures.jhu.edu/sil-apply/.
The Open Society Institute-Baltimore launched the Community Fellowships Program in 1998. It is now a corps of social innovators 190 strong. The program seeks dynamic activists and social entrepreneurs interested in implementing projects that address problems in underserved communities in Baltimore City. Fellowship awards are in the amount of $60,000 for a term of 18 months. For questions and more information, please contact Katy Caldwell at katy.caldwell@opensocietyfoundations.org.
The Elevation Awards provide planning grants of $10,000 and personalized support to people of color who are Baltimore City residents piloting novel approaches to strengthen Baltimore communities. The aims of the Elevation Awards are as follows: Directly leveraging the assets of communities to pioneer new solutions in social entrepreneurship; Elevating leaders of community solutions; and Supporting the early-stage pipeline of social entrepreneurs in Baltimore. For questions and more information, please contact Jennifer Clark at jennifer@baltimorecorps.org.
Questions about the Bootcamp? Email Alex Riehm at alriehm@jhu.edu.
