Creating Communities, Innovation Award

The Innovation Award is presented to a group(s) that through innovation or an implemented idea has led to positive change in how the philanthropic sector operates, thinks or impacts communities. Types of innovation can include, forming a public/private partnership, implementing a unique grantmaking strategy, leveraging resources, engaging in creative funding, or investing strategies, or developing a new collaboration.

“I was really impressed with how Creating Communities pivoted during the COVID situation; it affirmed what I had already seen — that this is a really mission-driven organization. They haven’t lost track of who they need to serve. I think they are a great model of what a nonprofit community organization can be.”
— Joanna Tobin, Educational Consultant 

When he saw the need for innovative arts programs for underserved children and adults in Anne Arundel County, award-winning jazz musician and creative artist Rob Levit did something about it. He founded Creating Communities. Since 2007, the nonprofit has been using the power of music, art, movement, and photography to enrich and transform lives. This year, however, there were additional needs and Creating Communities stepped in to help, said nominator and education consultant Joanna Tobin, Ph.D. Although Creating Communities is not a nonprofit dedicated to food and supply distribution, the organization was able to rapidly develop and leverage its strong “in-neighborhood,” community and school partnerships to deliver healthy snacks, arts and educational supplies, masks, and healthy produce to multiple locations in Annapolis and Southern Anne Arundel County, said Tobin. 

“All Creating Communities distributions were done together with communities as opposed to for communities –a key distinction,” she added. “I was really impressed with how Creating Communities pivoted during the COVID situation; it affirmed what I had already seen —that this is a really mission-driven organization. They haven’t lost track of who they need to serve. I think they are a great model of what a nonprofit community organization can be.”

In addition, during the pandemic, Creating Communities created a robust online Arts Mentorship Academy via Zoom and delivered an Arts and STEM program for 70 children from low-income households, covering a geographic span from Brooklyn Park to Shady Side. According to Tobin, no other nonprofit in Anne Arundel County created and delivered a program with as diverse a student population, number of school partners, array of cutting-edge Arts and STEM activities, highly qualified and trained mentors, and provision of all supplies and technology at 100% scholarship.   

Tobin added that Creating Communities executes all of this on a small, carefully managed budget while still paying its mentors in recognition of their unique skills and talents. “In doing so, Creating Communities demonstrates for its participating students and families that it values and respects everyone, equally,” she said.

The nonprofit also worked with the Light House, a homeless prevention support center, during the COVID crisis to provide art and educational supplies to its guests.  “They truly lifted spirits and got our collective creativity flowing. We were delighted to find that the grownups enjoyed the supplies and activities as much as the children did. Receiving such a wonderful gift made our guests feel so special and remembered by the community,” said Jill Thompson, Light House Director of Client Advocacy.

“It’s so important to know what the arts bring to our lives and it’s critical now, especially to communities who are experiencing stress, trauma,” said Tobin. “It can open up new avenues for children to find their gifts, to find what they love. Creating Communities recognizes that need.”  

Watch the full video below.