Fashion Umbrella Foundation, Inc.

The Back-To-School: REFRESH (BTSR) program, held annually in January, embodies the Fashion Umbrella Foundation's commitment to empowering education. Revamped to streamline its support, BTSR now adopts a Baltimore school each year, providing essential school supplies to students in grades K-12. Unlike previous years where educators applied, the adoption approach ensures that a selected school receives the supplies needed to replenish and refresh after the winter break.

This initiative is designed to equip students with the necessary tools to succeed, fostering a seamless continuation of their educational journey in the second half of the academic year.

By addressing critical needs, the Fashion Umbrella Foundation reinforces its dedication to nurturing educational opportunities and supporting the community's future leaders.

The Educational Honors program, facilitated by the Fashion Umbrella Foundation, is designed to recognize and uplift students who demonstrate resilience and academic focus despite the challenges they face. In an environment where distractions and external pressures can hinder educational success, this program aims to celebrate students who maintain a commitment to their studies.

Students in grades 6 through 12 who achieve a GPA of 2.5 or higher throughout the academic year (September-June) are encouraged to enroll in the Educational Honors program. Those who meet this benchmark are recognized for their hard work and dedication. At the end of the school year, a private reception is held to honor these students, where they receive a special recognition award for their achievements. This celebration also acknowledges the vital role of their supporters, who are invited to share in this moment of accomplishment.

Through this initiative, the Fashion Umbrella Foundation reinforces its mission to inspire educational excellence and resilience among Baltimore's youth.

The Fashion Umbrella Foundation Scholarship Award is dedicated to providing financial assistance to college freshmen and sophomores, recognizing the critical need for support during the early years of higher education. With freshman and sophomore students facing some of the highest dropout rates, the Foundation strives to offer a helping hand to those determined to continue their educational journey despite the challenges.

While the scholarship may not represent a large financial sum, it serves as a meaningful gesture to ease the burden of expenses such as textbooks, class supplies, or even essential clothing for harsh weather conditions. By providing this stipend, the Fashion Umbrella Foundation aims to alleviate some of the financial pressures that can hinder a student's ability to succeed, reinforcing its commitment to fostering perseverance and academic achievement.

Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a difference, and the Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to support and uplift the next generation of scholars.

The Youth OPEN Mic Series, hosted by the Fashion Umbrella Foundation since 2018, is a dynamic platform celebrating the diverse talents of young artists. Adapted from the original blueprint of OpenMike Performance by SocialWorkChi.org, founded by Chancellor Johnathan Bennett, this event is dedicated to fostering creativity, self-expression, and community among youth performers.

Baltimore Fashion Week, an annual event held every August since 2008, is a distinguished platform that celebrates the creativity and talent of designers from across Baltimore, Maryland. Organized by the Fashion Umbrella Foundation, this event goes beyond the runway, offering participants professional coaching in runway presence, presentation skills, and industry etiquette, equipping them with the tools they need to excel in the fashion world.

In keeping with its philanthropic mission, Baltimore Fashion Week also incorporates a workforce development component, designed to empower models and members through skill-building and career development opportunities. This initiative, which now includes an honorarium, ensures that participants receive not only training but also recognition and financial support for their efforts, encouraging a commitment to professional growth and excellence.

Through this blend of fashion, education, and community engagement, Baltimore Fashion Week continues to inspire, uplift, and foster a thriving creative ecosystem in the heart of Baltimore.

The Fashion Umbrella Foundation Gala & Impact Awards is a premier annual fundraiser held each March, dedicated to two powerful causes: raising funds for the Fashion Umbrella Foundation Scholarship Award and honoring individuals and organizations that have made a significant, positive impact on others or their communities. This elegant evening brings together philanthropists, community leaders, and supporters who share a commitment to education, empowerment, and social change.