APRIL 21, 2025

Robert W. Deutsch Foundation and Central Baltimore Partnership Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Spirit of Leadership Award 

$25,000 Unrestricted Award Honors Exemplary Community Leadership in Central Baltimore 

The Robert W. Deutsch Foundation (RWDF) and Central Baltimore Partnership (CBP) are now accepting applications for the third annual Mac MacLure Spirit of Leadership Award to honor and celebrate exceptional community leadership. 

The Mac MacLure Award awards one $25,000 grant to a community leader whose work in Central Baltimore represents the values and spirit Mr. MacLure exemplified in his community engagement and leadership on behalf of the Foundation. Nominations in the form of a letter should be submitted via email to Theresa Robertson, Administrative Director, CBP, trobertson@centralbaltimore.org by May 19. Honorees will be selected by a small panel assembled by CBP and RWDF. The awardee will be announced in early June. 

“This award was created in honor of Laurens “Mac” MacLure, a director and long-time senior member of the Deutsch Foundation staff, as well as a highly respected and much-loved member of the Central Baltimore community,” said Robert W. Deutsch Foundation President, Jane Brown. 

The award seeks to honor those who have served their community in ways that are innovative and inclusive, and who have made a long-lasting contribution toward creating a more equitable, thriving community. 

Awardees will have demonstrated the traits and skills that characterize Mr. MacLure, including:

  • Quiet, effective, collaborative leadership; 

  • Integrity and generosity of spirit; 

  • Empathetic advocacy for individuals, the community, and the city, especially for those who are often marginalized; 

  • A thoughtful, knowledgeable, and thorough commitment to excellence; and 

  • Fair-minded problem solving when facing urgent challenges. 

The $25,000 award may be used by the honoree at their discretion and may include furthering personal or professional goals; supporting an individual or organizational vision or mission; or investing in an emerging individual or organization. 

“This prize money is unrestricted, meaning the recipient can do whatever they wish with it. Professional training or education? Debt paydown? Down payment on a home or other property? Vacation or sabbatical? Contribution to a favorite organization? It’s totally up to the recipient,” said Ellen Janes, Executive Director, Central Baltimore Partnership. 

The two prior awardees of the award were CJ Philip of Dance&Bmore and Crystal Forman of Holistic Wellness and Health.

“Central Baltimore has an exceptional array and depth of community activism, and we look forward to this year’s nominations,” said Ms. Janes.