BUILD organizes for power.
We develop faith and community leaders to act and win.
BUILD works with people to create the change they want to see.
About us
A Non-Partisan Grassroots Power Organization Working to Improve Metropolitan Baltimore
BUILD unites congregations, schools, labor unions, nonprofits, and civic groups to create collective power for community change in Baltimore. As a multifaith, non-partisan, broad-based organization, we bring together religious and secular institutions to drive progress on local and regional issues. We are an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), the nation’s largest and longest-standing community organizing network.
What we do
How We Achieve Success
Leadership Development
The secret to BUILD’s success lies in our commitment to listen to, identify, and develop leaders in every community where we work.
Neighborhood Organizing
Through doorknocking, listening sessions, house meetings, BUILD helps people identify the changes they want to see, gives them the tools to make those changes, and mobilizes thousands every year to make their voices heard.
Relationship Building
BUILD supports issues and strategies that expand dignity and opportunity by connecting individuals and organizations across divides based on shared interests to amplify their power.
Our Values
What Anchors Our Work
Our integrity is integral to our ability to effect change. We meet people face-to-face and build relationships that help to re-knit the often frayed social fabric of our lives. We don’t seek justice and social change for people, we seek change with people. We tackle big problems by breaking them down into issues that can be addressed. We build power by bringing together institutions and communities. We win our biggest victories by listening to what is needed, finding people with shared interests to work with us for change, and engaging leaders who can help us to achieve our goals.
Community
Justice
Relationship
Action
Faith & Unity
Real results
Testimonials
BUILD has been instrumental in helping the Sandtown Winchester Community Collective advance our new Rec Center project. Through their strong community organizing, advocacy, and ability to bring key stakeholders to the table, BUILD has amplified resident voices and ensured that the Collective’s vision remains centered in the planning process. Their partnership has strengthened momentum and brought critical support to a project that will transform opportunities for youth and families in Sandtown Winchester.
Tracey Malone
Executive Director, Sandtown-Winchester Community Collective
BUILD is the conscience of the city of Baltimore, holding the public, private, and civic sectors accountable to the common good, defined from ethical mandates of our faith traditions. We build power through relationships that cut across ancient divisions, confident that we are stronger when we pursue our shared interests together. BUILD has given me the leadership training that I need to build a strong church that measures its effectiveness by the outcomes that we produce together with others who demand a city, a state, and a nation that works for all of its citizens.
Rev. Andrew Connors
Senior Pastor, Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church
Being a part of BUILD, both individually as a leader and as a member institution, has been transformative in a life-giving, powerful way. As a leader, I have grown in my skills, capacities and confidence as a direct result of the organizing training I have participated in through BUILD & the IAF. As an institution, Redeemer has been actively engaged in the ongoing renaissance of our city, rebuilding neighborhoods and schools, among other issues. Internally, our congregation has been strengthened and renewed through organizing practices such as relational meetings and house meetings. And the relationships that I and others at Redeemer have built and developed with other leaders from different neighborhoods across our city are deeply meaningful and without price.
Rev. Cristina Paglinauan
Associate Rector for Community Engagement, The Church of the Redeemer
In action
Latest News
Stay informed on BUILD’s campaigns, community wins, partnerships, and ongoing efforts to strengthen Baltimore neighborhoods. From organizing milestones to public events, this is where we share our work in action.
BUILD Leaders in Action June
Thanks to sustained action from hundreds of BUILD leaders, Baltimore City’s budget for immigrant services has doubled. BUILD’s consistent focus on building relationships, leadership development, and improving our communities makes wins like this possible.
BUILD Leaders in Action May
Driving forward real momentum, BUILD is advancing policy wins, showing up in public decision-making, and mobilizing leaders to advocate for stronger services and housing access. All the while, we are strengthening organizing capacity on the ground and prioritizing sharing strategies to increase our effectiveness.
BUILD Leaders in Action April
BUILD shows up and gets results—securing commitments to address dangerous intersections, breaking ground to start rehabilitation work on more vacants, and packing our annual meeting to get the business of BUILD done.
BUILD Leaders in Action March
From advocating in Annapolis to opening new community hubs and addressing neighborhood challenges on the ground, BUILD leaders are actively driving change alongside residents and local partners.
BUILD Leaders in Action January
From planning for 2026 to leading service projects and hosting early trainings, BUILD leaders are already taking action and building momentum for the year ahead.
BUILD Leaders in Action November
BUILD is bringing people together to build stronger neighborhoods—supporting development projects, strengthening partnerships, investing in community leadership, and expanding access to organizing training.
Get Started
Join BUILD’s fight for a Better Baltimore
Our organization is made up of local congregations, schools, neighborhood associations, and more, all united in the mission of creating lasting change. Supported by community leaders, businesses, and individuals who believe in a better Baltimore, we are committed to making this city a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive.
