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Our Work

We are a statewide membership association representing over 100 funders, including foundations, donor advised funds, giving circles, and corporate giving programs.

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Four people are seated at a table speaking on a panel for a 2025 Baltimore Workforce Funder Collaborative event.

Mission

Our mission is to build and activate a diverse, informed, and effective network of philanthropists to inspire transformational impact throughout Maryland.
 

Vision

We envision a courageous philanthropic community leading transformative and innovative work that results in an equitable and just Maryland.

Values

Generosity

We believe generosity is an essential component in our democracy and fundamental to our humanity and community life.

Inclusivity and Respect

We value the perspectives and contributions of all people, and incorporate the viewpoints of diverse communities in our work. We strive to create an open, compassionate and trusting environment that facilitates learning, dialogue and healthy debate to inform and strengthen philanthropy.

Diversity

We are committed to supporting a funding community that encompasses differences in the attributes of both individuals (such as race, ethnicity, age, socio-economic status, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and religion) and organizations (foundations and giving programs of differing sizes, missions, geographic locations, and approaches to grantmaking).

Racial Equity

We value racial equity as an organizational operating principle and are committed to continued learning on issues related to race, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Forward-Thinking

We seek strategic opportunities and new ways to meet emerging and existing challenges.

Forthright Stewardship

We conduct our business with honesty and integrity and utilize best practices in the stewardship of our resources and accountability for our results.

Vision meets action.

Our updated Strategic Frame outlines the big-picture thinking guiding MPN’s work including our mission, north star, and core capacities for impact.

100+
Events hosted annually
100+
Member organizations across Maryland
12
Active Affinity Groups and Collaboratives
40+
Years of advancing equity in philanthropy

Equity is not just a goal, it’s a commitment.

Maryland Philanthropy Network is committed to fulfill its mission by embracing diversity and inclusiveness and focusing on racial equity in its governance and programs. We recognize this is an ongoing process which requires intentionality and explicitness.

FAQs

Have questions? We hopefully have the answers!

What is Maryland Philanthropy Network?

Maryland Philanthropy Network (MPN) is a statewide membership association that brings together funders to learn, connect, and collaborate. We serve as a trusted resource, convener, and organizing backbone for philanthropy in Maryland, helping members strengthen their practice and increase the collective impact of giving across the state.

 

Our mission is to build and activate a diverse, informed, and effective network of philanthropists to inspire transformational impact throughout Maryland. We envision a philanthropic community leading courageous, innovative work that advances equity and justice for all Marylanders.

Who does MPN serve and how can I get involved?

Maryland Philanthropy Network primarily serves funders, including foundations, donor advised funds, giving circles, and corporate giving programs. We also engage nonprofits, grantseekers, and community partners through learning opportunities, convenings, and shared initiatives that strengthen the broader social sector. 

 

You can stay connected by creating an account on our website, subscribing to our newsletters, attending public events, or learning more about membership. Funders interested in joining MPN can explore membership, while nonprofits and partners can access resources such as our Job Board, subscription-based Member Directory for Grantseekers, and newsletter for the social sector as well as grantseeker-focused programming.

How is MPN funded?

Maryland Philanthropy Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by a combination of membership contributions, foundation and public grants, partnerships, and earned income from programs and services.

 

Learn more about joining our Leadership Circle or becoming a Sponsor.

Does MPN award grants or accept grant proposals?

No. Maryland Philanthropy Network does not award grants and does not accept proposals for funding. We are also unable to make introductions to funders. If you are a nonprofit leader looking for funders, we encourage you to check out our curated list of Resources for Grantseekers.

Policies, Governance, and Financials

We are proud to share our financials, policies, and governing documents to connect our practices to our values and trust the information presented here and throughout our website strengthens our credibility, builds public trust, and facilitates greater collaboration.

40+ Years of Philanthropy

MPN Founded

Formerly known as the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers, MPN was founded in 1983 to provide a forum in which philanthropic colleagues could address common problems and interests together.

Timeline

More Program Offerings

Hosted first of the yearly Presidents Roundtable luncheons, a garden harvest volunteer day, and cosponsored the “Intergenerational Succession Conference” with the Baltimore Community Foundation and the Associated. Julie Asworth hired as Special Projects Coordinator and Anne Sherrill was hired for Baltimore Neighborhood Collaborative.

Board President: Margaret Mauro (1994-1996), Diana Morris (1996-2000)

30th Anniversary

The organization holds its first full-day Board and staff training with ABFE focused on how race matters. Partnered with Stoop Storytelling for the first Betsy Nelson Legacy Fund activity, The Giving Life: Stories about the purpose, passion, and power of generosity and service. MD Environmental Health Network publishes "Maryland Children’s Environmental Health Progress Report". Elyse Robinson is hired as Office Administrator.


Board President: Beth Harber (2012-2013)

40th Anniversary Brings a New President and CEO and 7th Strategic Plan

The organization celebrates its 40th Anniversary and completes its 7th strategic plan set up as a new Strategic Framework. Danista E. Hunte was announced as the organizations next President and CEO at the 40th Anniversary Celebration and Kathy Shulman was hired as the Funders Together to End Homelessness Baltimore Facilitator.
 

Member Milestone: Open Society Institute - Baltimore announces closure at the end of the year.


Board President: David Daniels (2021-2023)

Danista Hunte headshot
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