The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) has announced the winners of its 2025 Neighborhood Spotlight Awards, recognizing grassroots leaders who drive positive change in Baltimore neighborhoods. The awards, supported by BCF’s 50th Anniversary Neighborhoods grant program, provide a $5,000 grant to a Baltimore-area nonprofit of each winner's choice. The recipients will be honored at the annual State of BCF event on October 8, 2025.
“The Board and staff of Baltimore Community Foundation recognize that resident leadership is the heart and soul of stronger neighborhoods,” said BCF’s Vice President of Community Impact, Dr. Crystal Harden-Lindsey. “With the Neighborhood Spotlight Awards, we celebrate the everyday heroes who are creating a better Baltimore.”
The 2025 winners include Bria Evans, who as Operations Manager of Requity expanded culinary programs across four high schools and launched a youth-powered catering business that delivered over 3,000 free meals through the We All Eat Wednesdays program. Arrealia Gavins co-created the Realia Institute in McElderry Park, a home-based community hub offering free tutoring, youth mentoring, and wellness groups. Janette Graham founded No Struggle, No Success, Inc., supporting over 800 returning citizens with housing, job placement, and restorative justice.
Aaron Maybin, former NFL player and West Baltimore native, provides weekly mentorship and art programming through The Aaron Maybin Foundation and Level Up Leadership Academy. Nneka N’namdi, founder of Fight Blight Bmore, helped over 50 families avoid tax sales and cleared $100,000 in housing-related debt. Michael Richardson Sr. organizes harm reduction gatherings and a free market through Good Trouble Church in Station North.
Inez Robb, a 30-year housing advocate, has led efforts that reduced childhood lead exposure in Baltimore by 99%. Carla Schroyer launched CAN Stands Ready after the Key Bridge disaster, serving over 3,000 households. Keith Taylor spearheaded the Beacon of Hope project at Sparrows Point High School, transforming steel into solar-powered lampposts. Greta Willis runs a food pantry, organizes back-to-school festivals, and hosts an annual Stop the Violence cookout.
The 50th Anniversary Neighborhood Grants Fund, launched in 2022, supports these awards and BCF’s neighborhood-based grantmaking. For more information, visit https://bcf.org/spotlight/.
