A Strategic Addition to Baltimore’s Future: Will Holmes Joins the Baltimore Civic Fund
The Baltimore Civic Fund has long served as a vital engine for progress in the city, acting as the financial backbone for crucial public-private partnerships. As the official fiscal sponsor for the City of Baltimore, this independent 501(c)(3) organization manages millions of dollars annually for over 125 city programs. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for all residents by supporting initiatives in business and economic development, education, job growth, and the creative economy. By bridging the gap between innovative city programs and the philanthropic community, the Civic Fund provides the essential grant management, technical assistance, and stewardship needed to turn ambitious civic goals into reality.
In a significant move to bolster this mission, the Baltimore Civic Fund announced that Will Holmes will join its Board of Directors in 2025. Holmes is a deeply respected and award-winning figure in Maryland’s economic landscape, bringing over two decades of experience in helping organizations grow. As the founder of Will Holmes Consulting (WHC), the Baltimore Economic Leadership League (BELL), and Chairman Emeritus of the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce, he has a proven track record of fostering entrepreneurial success. His work, which has been recognized by state and city officials, is dedicated to providing business owners with the training and support they need to access capital, increase revenue, and create jobs, making him a natural and powerful ally for the Civic Fund’s objectives.
Holmes’s appointment is poised to bring immense value to the Civic Fund’s operations and impact. His expertise in developing scalable business accelerator programs and entrepreneurship curricula—successfully implemented with partners like Johns Hopkins University and multiple county governments—can directly enhance the Fund’s economic development initiatives. Furthermore, his extensive network, cultivated through years of leadership in both business and academic circles, is a significant asset for forging the collaborative solutions between public, private, and community partners that are central to the Fund’s model. His results-driven approach, which has helped hundreds of business owners increase revenue and create jobs, aligns perfectly with the Fund’s commitment to stewardship and achieving measurable outcomes for the city.
Ultimately, this partnership promises a significant positive impact for the city of Baltimore. By integrating Holmes’s practical expertise in small business growth, the Baltimore Civic Fund is better equipped to advance its vision of an inclusive city where all residents can prosper. This collaboration will strengthen the Fund’s ability to support and scale programs that generate tangible economic benefits, from creating sustainable jobs to empowering local entrepreneurs in every neighborhood. As Baltimore continues to build a more equitable and thriving economy, the addition of Will Holmes to the Civic Fund’s leadership represents a strategic investment in the city’s future.