Events
December 4, 2024Save the Date for Grassroots DesignFest: March 29, 2025
About the Event
The Neighborhood Design Center is thrilled to announce Grassroots DesignFest, an annual design hackathon event, we are producing in partnership with MICA and T. Rowe Price in March 2025.
DesignFest is a dynamic, collaborative experience where nonprofit leaders, community advocates, and designers come together to tackle pressing challenges and develop quick-fire solutions and design concepts in partnership with Baltimore’s robust nonprofit community.
Over the course of this event, participants will work side by side with designers to spark fresh ideas, develop creative solutions, and take the first steps in shaping transformative projects that further each nonprofit’s important mission.
Built Environment projects that begin at DesignFest have the potential to grow beyond the event. With NDC’s broad suite of design services, including Arts Space Technical Assistance and Community Design Works, participants may find ongoing support to bring their concepts to life.
For larger-scale or long-term initiatives, DesignFest participants can also connect with NDC through its contract services, ensuring continued professional guidance tailored to their needs. Whether you’re planting the seeds of an idea or looking to build on a bold vision, DesignFest is your gateway to turning inspiration into impactful action.
Nonprofits
We know that nonprofits are busy serving their community, and that you may not have the time, budget, volunteers, or resources to dedicate to improving your visual identity. But your logo, branding, marketing materials, and website are essential tools for communicating your mission, attracting supporters, and securing the resources you need to continue your work.
DesignFest strives to help small nonprofits working in a wide range of issue areas including arts and culture, education, human services, and the environment.
Application Process
DEADLINE: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Through a competitive application, projects are screened for appropriate scope, level of need, and ability to execute. Each nonprofit will have key stakeholders at the event to collaborate with designers.
Before you fill out the application form, check out these tips for applying!
Still have questions about the application process or wondering if your project is the right fit? Sign up for DesignFest’s office hours to meet with an event organizer and get your questions answered!
Designers
Creatives of all disciplines are invited to participate, from graphic and web designers, to architects and artists of all stripes. Each design team is carefully assembled based on participants’ skills and preferences, and are composed of graduate students, undergraduate students, and professionals from across the Baltimore-DC region.
Registration opens in February 2025 — stay tuned for more details on how you can volunteer your expertise at DesignFest! In the meantime, view past design projects.
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