Events
May 16, 2026Join Us for the Trash Dash FUNdraiser on Saturday, May 16!
The Neighborhood Design Center is heading back to Middle Branch Park for Trash Dash 2026 to battle a major issue faced by so many of our public parks: trash!
The Trash Dash is an annual community cleanup competition and fundraiser. Teams of up to 10 will race to collect as much trash and debris as possible along the Patapsco River, turning a real problem in a beloved public space into collective, visible action.
Together, we aim to raise $12,000 to fuel NDC’s Community Design Works program.
Community Design Works provides pro bono design and planning services to neighborhoods that wouldn’t otherwise have access to them.
Every bag of trash collected (and every dollar raised) helps move community-led projects forward. This year’s Trash Dash is how we fund it. We’ll bring the gloves, tools, bags, light fare, and refreshments. You bring the energy (and maybe a little competitive spirit).
Where
Meet at Middle Branch Park:
Broening Park Boat Ramp: 2801 S Hanover St, Baltimore, MD 21225
When
Saturday, May 16, 2026:
9:30 - 10:30 am – Welcome & Safety Briefing
10:30 - 11:30 am — Trash Cleanup
11:45 am - 12:00 pm — Awards
How to Get Involved
There are three ways to be part of Trash Dash 2026.
1. Captain a Team
Ready to lead the charge?
Register yourself and recruit up to 10 others to compete alongside you. As Team Captain, you’ll register your group through Eventbrite and set up a team fundraising page on Mightycause to help drive donations toward our $12,000 goal.
When you check out, be prepared to share each participant’s email, dietary restrictions, and any access needs.
Still pulling your crew together?
Register yourself now and share your registration link as people confirm. Just ask everyone to use your team name at checkout — we’ll handle the rest.
2. Join Without a Team
Don’t have a group lined up?
No problem.
Register as an individual and we'll match you with a team of fellow community members, NDC staff, and board members at the start of the event.
3. Support the Cause
can’t make it? You don’t have to pick up a single bag to make a difference.
Across Baltimore, residents have ideas for their neighborhoods — better parks, safer blocks, more usable public spaces. What they often lack are the design and planning resources to make those ideas real. Together, we can close that gap.
Head to our Mightycause page to support a Trash Dash participant or donate directly to our fundraiser. Every dollar drives NDC’s work in Baltimore neighborhoods.
Whether or not you’re lacing up your shoes on May 16th, your support moves community-led projects forward.
Questions?
We’d love to hear from you! Reach our team at events@ndc-md.org
Past Events
Last year, over 70 people showed up with competitive spirits ready. Together, we collected 90 bags of trash.
We raised $10,350 for NDC’s community design work across Baltimore. This year, we’re doing it again and aiming for $12,000.
Is your organization interested in sponsoring the Trash Dash?
By supporting the Neighborhood Design Center, you’re supporting a vision of improving public spaces for all. Check out our three corporate sponsorship levels and benefits below. Sponsorships are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law.
Reach out to NDC’s Deputy Director for Development, Briony Hynson, via phone at (301) 830-5219 or by email at bhynson@ndc-md.org to discuss donation and sponsorship opportunities.
Sponsorship Levels
$500: Community Sponsor
$1,000: Advocate Sponsor
All Community Sponsor benefits, plus:
$2,500: Champion Sponsor
All Advocate Sponsor benefits, plus:
A big thank you to our generous sponsors for making this cleanup competition possible!
