Giving Tuesday: Six Organizations Changing Lives and Strengthening Communities

On this Giving Tuesday, I’m spotlighting organizations that are not only shaping Baltimore’s future, but also shaping lives across the country. These nonprofits provide free, high-quality programs that remove barriers, expand opportunity, and empower people to thrive. I’ve had the privilege of working with several of them directly—and supporting all of them is a powerful way to fuel impact today.

Here are six organizations worth supporting this Giving Tuesday.

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Greater Baltimore Urban League: 101 Years of Service, Power, and Purpose

For more than a century, the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) has stood at the center of civil rights and economic advancement. From helping desegregate the Baltimore City Fire Department and the University of Maryland, to today’s work training underemployed Baltimoreans for careers in technology and construction, GBUL continues to build real pathways to stability and success.

Its signature Saturday Leadership Program prepares youth for college and careers, while all programs remain completely free of charge.

Supporting GBUL’s 10.10 Campaign this Giving Tuesday helps sustain and expand these vital programs:
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/baltimore-urban-league

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NCIA: Workforce Development With Dignity and Results

The National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) is one of Baltimore’s most impactful workforce organizations—especially for the unemployed, underemployed, and previously incarcerated. At no cost, NCIA offers CDL Class B, automotive mechanic, and HVAC training, supported by wraparound services including food assistance and case management.

This Giving Tuesday, NCIA is offering a board match, doubling every donation made.
https://www.ncianet.org/donate/

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Per Scholas Baltimore: Preparing Baltimore’s Tech Workforce

As Baltimore continues re-envisioning itself as a tech-forward city, Per Scholas Baltimore is preparing the talent. With free training in software engineering, IT support, and cybersecurity, Per Scholas equips adults with industry-recognized certifications and skills that open doors to stable, high-demand careers.

A Giving Tuesday donation helps expand access to these transformative opportunities:
https://give.perscholas.org/team/785866

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Arts for Learning Maryland: Advancing Education Through Creativity

For 75 years, Arts for Learning Maryland—formerly Young Audiences—has proven that creativity is a powerful force for academic growth. Through arts-integrated classroom instruction, pre-K programming, and after-school enrichment, A4L improves literacy, math achievement, and student engagement across the region.

The organization is now expanding its impact with a new arts-integrated public charter school set to open next year.

Support Arts for Learning’s mission this Giving Tuesday:
https://www.artsforlearningmd.org/donate/

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Innovative Initiatives: Closing Baltimore’s Digital Divide

As a new board member of Innovative Initiatives, I’ve seen firsthand how critical digital access is for economic opportunity. This organization provides free computer literacy classes, workforce development, and youth technology programs—including teaching young people how to build gaming PCs.

By closing the digital divide, Innovative Initiatives is helping Baltimore families compete and succeed in a digital-first world.

Support their work this Giving Tuesday:
https://innovativeinitiatives.org/

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Hooper’s Heroes: A Legacy That Continues to Inspire

Hooper’s Heroes holds a special place in my heart. Founded by my former high school classmates, this nonprofit honors the legacy of our late SAT prep teacher, Clair Hooper. Ms. Hooper was brilliant educator who uplifted generations of students in a low-income, majority-minority school.

Her former students created this scholarship fund to support first-generation, low-income college students from our hometown. On Giving Tuesday, you can help keep her legacy alive:
https://hoopersheroaward.com/

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Why Giving Tuesday Matters

Giving Tuesday is more than a day on the calendar—it’s a reminder that we all play a role in lifting our communities. Donations made today help nonprofits expand their reach, deepen their impact, and continue offering free, life-changing programs to those who need them most.

If you’re able, I encourage you to support one or several of these organizations. Every dollar makes a difference. Together, we can transform lives—today and every day.