The Claude C. Thornton Foundation May eNews
- CCTF Board
- May 11
- 11 min read
Greeting's Friends and Family,
April showers are bringing in new blooming May flowers. This season reminds us that renewal and growth are still happening all around us and within us. As we step into a new month, we are also recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of making space for self-care, rest, and emotional wellness.
This month, we encourage you to take care of yourself in small but meaningful ways: take a few quiet moments to breathe and reset, stay connected with people who support you, and give yourself permission to rest without guilt. Self-care does not have to be perfect. It just has to be intentional.
We are also continuing to highlight the Clarinet Scholarship and our ongoing fundraiser to support students in financial need. Your support helps us to continue investing in education, access, and legacy. We also have many events happening this month, so make sure to check out our social media and stay tuned for upcoming updates, including more information about our Annual Greater Baltimore Climate Summit happening Nov 12th.
As always thank you for always being a part of the CCTF community.
With love and gratitude,
The CCTF Team
Highlights
Congratulations to Our Vice President, Kemi Teru
We are proud to share that our Vice President, Kemi Teru, was accepted into New Politics Academy’s Answering the Call program and has officially completed the program as of Saturday.
This program marks an important first step in Kemi’s continued leadership journey and commitment to public service. Through this experience, she explored ways to turn her values into action, strengthen her leadership skills, and stay engaged in serving the community in 2026 and beyond.
Please join us in congratulating our VP, Kemi Teru, on this meaningful accomplishment and her continued dedication to servant leadership.
New Program Alert: She Rises Mommy University
She Rises has launched a new program called Mommy University, a free 100-day postpartum support program designed to support young moms ages 15–25. The program provides education, community, and wellness support to help moms feel prepared, connected, and supported during motherhood.
Program: Mommy University
Offered By: She Rises
Cost: Free
Program Length: 100 days
Who It’s For: Young moms ages 15–25
Support Includes: Prenatal education, postpartum support, newborn basics, diapers and wipes, baby care packages, mental health support, community circles, and live check-ins
Languages: Available in English and Spanish
How to Apply: Scan the QR code on the flyer to apply.
Support the Clarinet Scholarship Initiative
The Claude C. Thornton Foundation has partnered with Coppin State University for the next five years to award $50,000 in scholarships to students in financial need. Our foundation’s commitment is $25,000, and we invite you to support our goal of raising the remaining $25,000 over the next five years to continue uplifting excellence in Baltimore communities.
Scan the QR code to make a donation today and help us continue a powerful legacy of educational excellence.
Upcoming Events
Mind over Millions
Join us on May 23rd from 5–9PM at Impact Hub Baltimore for an evening of creativity,
connection, and community healing focused on advancing mental health awareness within Black communities.
Stop by our table to learn more CCTF and access valuable resources designed to support wellness and growth.
This event will feature live performances, open mic, artist talks, networking, and more all in support of accessible mental health resources in Baltimore.
Event Details
When: May 23rd
Time: 5pm -7pm
Location: Impact Hub Baltimore
Grab your tickets: www.grainofarcane.com
Spring Family Fun Day
Bring the family out for a free evening of fun, music, games, and hands-on activities at BFA’s Spring Family Fun Day. This family-friendly event is open to all ages and will include playground fun, field games, music, hula hooping, science activities, and more.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Arlington Elementary
Address: 3705 W. Rogers Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215
Cost: Free
Building Greater Baltimore Momentum Series
Baltimore Metropolitan Council’s Senior Environmental Planner, Anna Marshall, AICP, and Manager of Planning and Communications Services, Christina Arlt, AICP, will overview collaborative goals in The Baltimore Region Climate Action Plan.
In 2025, the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, the State of Maryland, and seven jurisdictions (Baltimore City and the counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Anne’s) came together to respond to climate risks in the Baltimore region. The process involved gathering public feedback, identifying the priorities of each jurisdiction and the State, researching best practices, and performing greenhouse gas emission analyses. The resulting Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) contains 24 measures intended to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. This session will discuss the collaborative process of developing the CCAP and provide an overview of the measures in the plan.
2026 National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL)
Join a transformative leadership experience designed to empower college womxn and gender non-conforming students from across the nation. This conference creates a welcoming space to build leadership skills, connect with peers, and gain inspiration to drive meaningful change on campus and in your community.
Through engaging workshops, hands-on activities, and networking opportunities, attendees are challenged to grow as leaders and leave with tools that extend far beyond the conference experience.
New this year, registration includes a DC Tour Experience, giving participants the opportunity to explore Washington, D.C. as part of their journey while connecting with a powerful network of changemakers.
Event Details:
Dates: May 27 – May 30, 2026
Location: College Park, Maryland
Audience: Undergraduate students in student affairs and leadership spaces
Experience: Workshops, networking, leadership development, and DC Tour Experience
Sign Design Arts Event
Get creative and make your mark at this fun, family-friendly arts event. Participants will design and contribute to a community weather station sign while enjoying a relaxed, hands-on creative environment. All art supplies are provided, and lunch will be available.
Event Details:
Saturday, May 30th 1pm-4pm
Carrie Murray Nature Center, 1901 Ridgetop Rd Baltimore, MD 21207
Point of Contact: docar13@morgan.edu
All ages are welcome, so bring your friends and family and come ready to create and connect.
Points of Light Conference 2026
The Points of Light Conference will take place June 22–25, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This national gathering brings together nonprofit, corporate, education, government, and civic leaders who are committed to strengthening communities through volunteerism and civic engagement.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore innovative strategies, cross-sector solutions, and global conversations focused on creating meaningful impact. This conference is a great opportunity for leaders and organizations to connect, learn, and be inspired by new approaches to service and community engagement.
Event Details
Date: June 22–25, 2026
Location: Washington, D.C.
Resources
Blossoms Blooming Mentorship Program
This video is just a glimpse into our annual Blossoms Brunch award ceremony, where we collectively honor community mentors who have poured into our professional, personal, and emotional growth.
The Blossoms Blooming Mentorship Program empowers young women to reach their full potential through academic and professional mentorship and etiquette training. Last year we launched our group mentoring experience, grounded in discussion topics such as mindset, relationships and partnerships, career mobility, professional opportunities, femininity and more.
We have our annual brunch coming up on February 22 so stay tuned for updates. If you would like to learn more about this mentorship program, please click this link to inquire. To keep up to date with Blossoms Blooming follow us on Instagram and/or contact us via email at cari@thecctfoundation.org for any questions or concerns.
We offer parent coaching?
Did you know we offer parent coaching? Parents play a key role in shaping their child’s success and influencing school leadership decisions. Our coaching helps you advocate with confidence, stay informed, and clearly define what matters most for your child while building strong partnerships with schools.
What to look for in strong school leaders:
Commitment to student achievement and whole-child success
Transparent and consistent communication
Long-term dedication to the district
Experience leading diverse school systems
Collaboration with teachers, staff, and families
Accountability with measurable outcomes
Respect for community voice and engagement
Ways parents can get involved:
Stay informed about superintendent search timelines and processes
Research candidates and review their experience
Attend community forums and engagement sessions
Complete surveys thoughtfully and honestly
Share your priorities with school board members and advisory groups
Start at the school level:
Connect with principals and assistant principals
Build relationships with teachers and instructional leaders
Engage with school improvement teams and advisory councils
When families and schools work together, decisions better reflect the real needs of students and communities. You’ve got this! If you would like to schedule a free coaching session with us, please use this link to schedule a session.
Parents, We’re Here for YOU!
From navigating the school system to supporting your child’s mental health and behavior, parenting comes with a lot of challenges and you don’t have to do it alone.
Led by Autrese Thornton, a multi-decade special educator, school administrator, and nonprofit manager, The Claude C. Thornton Foundation’s Parent Advocacy & Coaching Program is here to listen, guide, and empower you with the tools and resources you need.
Tell us: What areas of education, mental health, or behavior do you need the most support with?
Email us at athornton@thecctfoundation.org
Regulate your nervous system this summer with Kellan!
Kellan is more than a Parent Coach she supports Black mothers who feel stuck in survival mode, carrying the invisible weight of overwhelm, self-doubt, and emotional labor.
This 8-week program is designed to help mamas reset, regulate, and reclaim their peace.
Have questions? Email Kellan directly!
Job Opportunities
As part of our commitment to economically supporting our community, we are excited to share these job opportunities with our network. We hope these workforce resources help you strengthen your friends, families and neighborhoods.
Launch Your Career with Purpose & Impact: Baltimore Corps Emerging Leader Fellowship
The Baltimore Corps Emerging Leader Fellowship (ELF) provides early-career professionals with opportunities to gain experience in local government, nonprofits, and growing industries facing workforce needs.
Fellows are matched with full-time, paid positions through employer partners across Baltimore City government. These opportunities are designed for motivated professionals who are ready to build leadership skills, support meaningful projects, and grow within mission-driven organizations.
Key Details
The Emerging Leader Fellowship offers early-career professionals full-time, paid placements with Baltimore City Government partners. Fellows gain hands-on experience, mentorship, career coaching, leadership training, and access to professional development opportunities.
Salary: Starting at $51,500+
Benefits: Health, vision, dental, paid time off, and additional benefits
Program Length: 12 months
Opportunities: Full-time paid placement, career coaching, leadership workshops, networking, and long-term career growth support
Location: Baltimore City Government agencies
Work Authorization: Legal U.S. work authorization required
HBCU Track | Launching Fall 2026
Open to HBCU graduates with less than 3 years of full-time professional experience
Must be available full-time for the 12-month fellowship
Application Deadline: June 21, 2026
City-Wide Track | Launching Early 2027
Open to college or university graduates with less than 3 years of full-time professional experience
Must be available full-time for the 12-month fellowship
Applications Open: Late 2026
Field Placement Program Coordinator
Coppin State University is hiring a Field Placement Program Coordinator to support student practicum and internship placements, school partnerships, grant management, and administrative operations within the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education.
Key Details
Location: Coppin State University
Position Type: Full-time
Salary: $75,000 annually
Application Deadline: May 20, 2026
Department: Teaching and Learning
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate student practicum, internship, and field placements
Build and maintain partnerships with local school districts and mentor teachers
Track placement records and prepare program reports
Support grant activities, budget tracking, and compliance reporting
Communicate with faculty, school partners, and internal departments
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field required
Master’s degree preferred
At least 3 years of experience in education program coordination, field placement, school partnerships, or a related area
Experience with P–12 education, grants, or budget administration preferred
Explore Careers in Higher Education with Mid-Atlantic HERC
Mid-Atlantic HERC connects job seekers to a wide range of higher education opportunities across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. From faculty and leadership roles to administrative and support positions, their job board offers options for all experience levels.
They also provide helpful tools like resume support, webinars, and job alerts to guide your search. If you are looking to grow your career in higher education, this is a great place to start.
Looking for more opportunities?
Explore more openings across the state at your convenience. Visit Maryland Jobs Quick Search to see which industries are currently hiring and discover positions that match your skills and interests.
Grant Opportunities
As part of our commitment to economically supporting our community, we are excited to share these grant opportunities with our network. We hope these resources help you access funding, grow your projects, and strengthen the impact of your work.
Looking Out Foundation – Grants to Charities
The Looking Out Foundation provides grant funding to support nonprofit organizations working to create meaningful impact in their communities. With a focus on evolving needs, this grant supports programs that uplift underserved populations and address critical social issues.
Key Criteria:
Open to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
Focus areas include: LGBTQIA2S+ support, disadvantaged youth, public health, women, the arts, food insecurity, and the unhoused
Typical grant range: $5,000 – $25,000
Does not fund individuals, scholarships, endowments, fundraising events, or annual appeals
Important Dates:
May funding cycle: Apply by January 15
November funding cycle: Apply by July 1
This is a strong opportunity for organizations looking to expand their impact and support underserved communities.
To apply for funding, please fill out this form.
The Foundation Grants Maryland website provides a centralized hub of diverse grant opportunities available to individuals, nonprofits, and community organizations across the state.
The Community Foundation offers a variety of grant programs designed to achieve specific goals within the community. Some opportunities reflect the charitable vision of local donors and Community Partners, while others are intended to spark new ideas and engage new audiences to drive community change. Click the link below to learn more about each grant’s timeline, deadlines, eligibility, and examples of previously funded projects.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
The Courage Project celebrates everyday courage in America by honoring individuals and organizations who uplift our communities and strengthen our shared future. This initiative recognizes those whose actions reflect the foundational values of our nation and inspire others to stand for what matters.
The Civic Participation Program strengthens democracy by supporting year-round efforts that encourage active engagement in civic life. This initiative focuses on on-the-ground organizing that empowers communities to participate fully beyond election-season activities. Please note that the program does not fund academic research, technology development, book projects, individual fellowships, or conferences unrelated to direct civic organizing.
Higher Education Opportunity: SEED Innovation Hub
The SEED Innovation Hub is actively partnered with Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney College, and Southside Virginia Community College to support student and faculty innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaborative projects.
SEED is now accepting applications for the 2026 SEED/NSF Faculty Innovation Fellowship, with up to five NSF-funded faculty fellow opportunities available for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2026.
Key Details
Opportunity: 2026 SEED/NSF Faculty Innovation Fellowship
Who Can Apply: Faculty interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, and SEED projects
Partner Schools: Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney College, and Southside Virginia Community College
For Students: Registration forms are available for Longwood, Hampden-Sydney, and Southside Virginia Community College students
For Faculty/Staff: Interest forms are available for those who want to get involved with SEED collaborations
Volunteer & Community Support Opportunities
Volunteer with the Maryland Food Bank
Volunteering with the Maryland Food Bank is a meaningful way to show up for your neighbors and make a real difference. By giving a few hours of your time whether sorting food, packing boxes, or helping with distribution you help ensure families have access to the nourishment they need. Every act of service matters, and your kindness helps strengthen our community, one meal at a time.
Volunteer Opportunities with JustServe
Looking for ways to give back? JustServe is a community-driven platform that helps you find volunteer opportunities in your area or even remotely. Whether you are looking to support local events, donate your time, or get involved in ongoing service projects, this hub makes it easy to connect with causes that matter to you.
What you can do:
Search for local volunteer opportunities by location
Explore remote and flexible service options
Discover upcoming events and community needs
Get involved with nonprofits and local initiatives
This is a great resource for individuals, families, and groups looking to make a meaningful impact in their community.
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