abby@nonprofitmoco.org

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So far Abby Benson Grofic has created 10 blog entries.

Government & Community News

2024-09-11T15:16:20-04:00September 11th, 2024|Uncategorized|

Fiscal Year 2024 Resident and Community Food Gardening Grant Program recently awarded $200,000 to seven community-based organizations.

To learn more about this grant program and other opportunities for engagement in local food gardening efforts, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/OFSR.

Applications accepted for new Council and Board of Director Members with The Montgomery County Food Council

The Montgomery County Food Council is now accepting applications for new Council and Board of Directors Members. The Food Council annually selects candidates to serve two-year terms on the 25-Member Montgomery County Food Council and/or its 9-Member Board of Directors. Food Council Members serve in a volunteer capacity to guide the work of our Working Groups and Policy Committee, serving as subject matter experts and representatives of the Food Council’s work in the community. The Board of Directors governs the overall affairs of the Council as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a focus on the mission, values, objectives, achievement of goals, and efficient use of resources.

HIF Board of Trustees Announces New President and CEO

Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF), based in Germantown, MD, announces the appointment of Kathryn Stevens, an accomplished and trusted nonprofit leader in Montgomery County, will join HIF in mid-October as President and CEO.

Love One Another Service Challenge

Manna, So What Else, Farm Link, Mentoring Through Athletics, and the Food Project bring you the Love One Another Service Challenge. We want to challenge you to go out and do something good for your community, whether it’s putting on a food drive, sharing some extra food with your neighbors, or even putting out water for local wildlife in this heat! Take a photo of your service, share on social media with the hashtag #loveoneanotherchallenge and tag two other people to step up to the challenge next! Learn more.

Getting Real and Getting Ready for a Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program Application

Co-hosted by ISED and Food Systems Leadership Network, this two-part online series will help potential applicants to the Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP). Learn more. 

Walk With Me

Join Easterseals at the National Harbor Waterfront Plaza on Saturday, September 21

Walk With Me welcomes walkers, riders, dogs (leashed), and anyone who believes in inclusion, access, and high-quality care for children and adults, people with disabilities, and military families. This year, we’re paying special tribute to our military veterans and their families.

Sign up and learn more!

If you are a Nonprofit Montgomery member and have news or events to share with our subscribers, please send it to connect@nonprofitmoco.org.

September Advocacy Updates

2024-09-11T15:10:38-04:00September 11th, 2024|Uncategorized|

Now that summer is over, it’s time to start thinking about the County’s budget process and Nonprofit Montgomery’s FY25 advocacy. The County Council returns from recess this week and all local agencies are moving into active mode!

County Executive Community Conversations

The County Executive’s Community Conversations are a great way to draw attention to your organization’s or clients’ concerns. What the County Executive hears in these conversations will help him prioritize issues for the FY25 County Operating Budget, which will be released in March 2025.
Learn more.

County Council Community Events

Councilmember Natali Fani-Gonzalez is hosting a Public Safety Town Hall with D-18 and D-19 state legislators.

Wednesday, September 25, 6 pm-8 pm, Wheaton Library/Recreation Center
bit.ly/4cF6Cwn

County Council

Tuesday, September 10, 9 am
Growth Infrastructure Policy Public Hearing, 1:30 PM.
Sign up for testimony.

Full Council Session

Tuesday, September 17, 9 am
Full Council Session
Vehicle Noise Abatement Public Hearing,
1:30 PM. Sign up for testimony.

MCPS Board of Education Meeting:

Thursday, September 12, 2024,
15 W. Gude Dr., Rockville, MD
Sign-ups for testimony open one week before at 6 pm

Montgomery County Public Schools Listening Sessions with Dr. Thomas Taylor

(stay tuned for a date for a Nonprofit Montgomery session!)

  • Monday, Sept. 16, 7–8 p.m. Poolesville High School,
  • Wednesday, Sept. 18, 7–8 p.m., Rockville High School
  • Monday, Sept. 23, 7–8 p.m., Montgomery Blair High School

County Council with Planning Board – Attainable Housing

The Montgomery County Council, in collaboration with the Planning Department, will be hosting five in-person listening sessions about these recommendations. Sign up to attend.

  • Wednesday, September 11, 7-9 PM: Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center( 1315 Apple Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910)
  • Thursday, September 12, 7-9 PM: Wheaton Community Recreation Center( 11701 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902)
  • Tuesday, September 17, 7-9 PM: White Oak Community Recreation Center (1700 April Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20904)
  • Monday, September 23, 7-9 PM: Germantown Community Recreation Center (18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown, MD 20874)
  • Wednesday, September 25, 7-9PM: Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center (4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814)
  • Wednesday, October 2, 12 noon – 1:30 pm: Zoom

Montgomery County Planning Board:

Planning Board Speaker Series, “Housing Conversation: From Research to Reality”

Thursday, September 19,
5:30 – 7:30 pm,
M-NCPPC Headquarters, Wheaton, MD

Job Opportunities

2024-09-11T17:29:24-04:00September 11th, 2024|Uncategorized|

Join our Team!

Nonprofit Montgomery seeks a passionate Program Coordinator rooted in Montgomery County, MD. This role promises a chance to channel your creativity, make a real impact, and experience personal growth, all while finding fulfillment in serving your community through part-time work.

Learn more and apply!

Community Opportunities:

A Wider Circle: Corporate Partnerships Manager, Grant Writer, Driver, Loader-In-Kind-Donations Inventory
Carpe Diem Arts: Executive Director 

Chevy Chase At Home: Member and Volunteer Programs Manager

DC Volunteer Lawyers Project: Roxana Cannon Arsht Law Fellowship

Girls on the Run Montgomery County: Program Coordinator

Manna Food Center: Chief Executive Officer, Operations Director, Food Resources Coordinator

MCAEL Coalition for Connected Community: Grant Writer

Primary Care Coalition: List of current job openings

Rebuilding Together: AmeriCorps Client Outreach Coordinator,
AmeriCorps Project Coordinator

Sandy Spring Museum: Museum Facilitator

Strathmore: Director of Individual Giving, Director of Human Resources

VisArts: Individual Giving Manager (Part Time with Benefits)

Grant and Funding Opportunities

2024-09-11T17:39:40-04:00September 11th, 2024|Uncategorized|

City of Rockville New Grant Program Is Open for Applications
Local nonprofit community organizations that provide services to and/or enrichment programs for Rockville residents are encouraged to apply. Applications open Monday, Sept. 9 for the Fiscal Year 2026 grant application period. The deadline to apply is Monday, Oct. 14. Learn more

The Community Foundation now has the following funding opportunities available for organizations in the Greater Washington Region. Applications are now being accepted for the following initiatives:

  • Health Equity Fund (DC) Demonstration Projects seeks to support nonprofits working in innovative, collaborative, and targeted ways to implement economic mobility models that build community wealth for people and communities with the greatest economic and health disparities. Letter of Interest are being accepted on a rolling basis through March 2026 (or until funds have been exhausted) Learn more

Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program
The CFPCGP is intended to bring together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system and to foster understanding of national food security trends and how they might improve local food systems.
Learn more

FY 2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is providing $274.5 million for facility hardening and other physical and cyber security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist or extremist attacks.
Learn more

Free, Micro Bridge Loan Account (NIMBL) This interest-free, micro bridge loan program and fund supports the operations of nonprofit entities. The program is administered by the Maryland Nonprofit Development Center and the Maryland Department of Commerce. The program provides short-term financing support to qualifying nonprofit entities between the award date of a government contract and the actual receipt date of those awarded funds. Application accepted on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis.

The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County is now accepting applications for the FY25 Wheaton Cultural Project Grants. We encourage you to take this time to review the guidelines and templates available on our website and to register for a FREE application preparation webinar.
Deadline October 11
Learn more

AAPR Foundation: Building Capacity to Increase Older Adult Access to Health Essentials Programs: Organizations looking to implement capacity building projects that increase access and affordability of food, health care and medicine for older adults with low income. Full applications due October 11. Learn more

Ben & Jerry’s Foundation invites applications from grassroots organizations
The foundation invites applications to its National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO), which offers two-year, unrestricted, general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year—with an average grant size of $20,000 per year—to small, constituent-led grassroots organizations across the United States and its territories.
Learn more

Environmental Justice Data Fund invites applications for second round of grantmaking
The Environmental Justice Data Fund (EJDF) is open for a second round of grantmaking. Created and seeded by Google.org and supported by a $4 million fund, EJDF aims to help historically underserved frontline communities that are disproportionately impacted by climate change and environmental injustice in the United States use data to address environmental hazards.
Learn more

Greater Washington Community Foundation Health Equity Fund: The Health Equity Fund is offering grant opportunities for demonstration projects that provide proof of concept and determine the potential for scalability. The projects must consist of two or more partner organizations working collaboratively in a new and targeted way to implement economic mobility models that increase strategic economic participation and build community wealth for people and communities with the greatest economic and health disparities. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through March 2026 (or until funds have been exhausted). Learn more

The W. K. Kellogg Foundation — Accepts healthy kids and community/civic engagement grant applications throughout the year with no submission deadline.

 

Government and Community News

2024-07-19T12:51:21-04:00July 19th, 2024|MoCo, Uncategorized|

Interfaith Works Women’s Shelter fire

On July 4, Interfaith Works women’s shelter experienced a fire that caused extensive damage. Residents and staff will be displaced for potentially two months to a location that lacks kitchen facilities This MoCo360 article describes the needs. County residents looking to help out can prepare a home-cooked meal or order food from a restaurant to be delivered, Hall said. Those interested can contact Roslyn Roberts, Interfaith Works’ director of faith and community partnerships, at 240-468-6386.

Montgomery County food pantries struggle to meet need in face of limited county funding

Area food hubs are trying to figure out ways to continue to meet the needs of a growing population of food-insecure residents while dealing with less funding than they had hoped for coming from the county this fiscal year–as well as the end of pandemic-era federal funding. Read more.

400 new laws are now in effect, among over 1,000 signed into law this year. Measures affect everything from housing and health care to taxes and psychedelics

While many of the laws set up task forces to study an issue or start the clock on a change in the law that will take effect months in the future, some will be felt immediately. Those include a raft of tax and fee increases, and at least one decrease. Learn more.

School board’s new student member to focus on mental health, opioid awareness and school safety

Praneel Suvarna, a rising Clarksburg High School senior and newly sworn in student member of the county school board, plans to prioritize school safety and student mental health and take steps to help address the opioid crisis impacting students during his year-long term. Learn more.

Child care is scarce in MoCo and Maryland — and the pandemic made matters worse

Maryland has lost 15% of its childcare providers and 7% of its childcare slots in the last five years. The number of child care providers in Montgomery County fell 9.21% between Jan. 1, 2020, and Jan. 1, 2024. That’s the second smallest decrease in the state. Read more.

Compass Pro Bono Nonprofit Information Session

Compass Pro Bono provides free strategic consulting and board matching services to nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. Learn more on their website and register for an upcoming information session to find out how Compass Pro Bono can support your organization.
Register here

Fiscal Year 2024 Resident and Community Food Gardening Grant Program recently awarded $200,000 to seven community-based organizations.

To learn more about this grant program and other opportunities for engagement in local food gardening efforts, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/OFSR.

25,000 Free Computers Will Be Provided 

Montgomery County’s digital equity and inclusion program, “Montgomery Connects,” which is operated by the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS), will be distributing approximately 25,000 computers at no charge to eligible residents. Nonprofits who want to assist residents they serve in making arrangements to get computers can reach out to Montgomery Connects at montgomeryconnects@montgomerycountymd.gov to reserve blocks of appointments on specific dates for large enrollment events.

2024 Takoma Park Folk Festival (Sunday, September 8): Applications Open for Food Vendors & Community Tables

Takoma Park Folk Festival (TPFF) is getting ready for this year’s festival on September 8 and is ready to receive applications. For more information visit the City of Takoma Park blog.

If you are a Nonprofit Montgomery member and have news to share with our subscribers, please send it to connect@nonprofitmoco.org.

Advocacy Updates July 2024

2024-07-19T11:15:27-04:00July 19th, 2024|Advocacy|

Make your voice heard!
Upcoming Council Committee Worksessions – full schedule here

NOTE: Residents can upload written or prerecorded video or audio testimony online

All Council and committee meetings are broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery (Comcast channel 996 HD, 6 SD; RCN channel 1056 HD, 6 SD; & Verizon channel 30) and are streamed on the Council’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Archived materials and videos can be found here.

Planning, Housing and Parks Committee – July 18 – 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  • Executive Regulation 2-24, Rent Stabilization
  • Executive Regulation 16-23 Tenant Displacement – Right of First Refusal (ROFR)

ECON/TE  July 22 –  9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

  • Executive Regulation #8-21, Transportation Demand Management
  • Parking Lot District Funding
  • Urban Districts

PHP July 22 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  • Worksession – Growth Tiers Map
  • Worksession – Attainable Housing
  • ZTA 24-02, Agricultural and Rural Zones – Campground

PHP July 25 – 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  • Executive Regulation 2-24, Rent Stabilization

Three upcoming community conversations with Councilmember Sayles.
July 17, 6pm – Mid County
July 24, 6pm – Silver Spring
July 25, 6pm – Bethesda – Chevy Chase
Register here 

Board of Education Meetings

Upcoming Business Meeting – July 18

Montgomery County Residents Encouraged to Join State, Local Health Officials for Listening Session on Public Health Priorities on Tuesday, July 30

Residents wishing to speak should sign up here.

Opportunity to Provide Comments on Draft Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Regulations.

Stakeholders (maryland.gov)
Employers (maryland.gov)

For more information, watch the zoom recording

Governor Moore is bringing a list of proposed state budget cuts to the Board of Public Works on Wednesday, July 17.

Learn more

Nonprofit Montgomery News

2024-06-19T15:47:49-04:00June 19th, 2024|Member News|

Nonprofit Montgomery is thrilled to announce the appointment of Brigid Howe as the permanent Executive Director of Nonprofit Montgomery. Brigid had been our Interim ED for the last 9 months and it was a very easy decision to make it permanent. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector. With a robust background in nonprofit management and a passion for innovative collaboration and cross-sector partnerships, Brigid is poised to lead Nonprofit Montgomery into a new era of growth and impact.

Brigid’s extensive experience in the nonprofit sector includes leadership roles that have consistently demonstrated her ability to build strong, effective organizations and foster meaningful collaborations. A native of Montgomery County, she was Senior Director of District Councils at the Urban Land Institute from 2019 – 2023. Earlier in her career, she was appointed the first Executive Director of Nonprofit Montgomery in 2015.

Please join us in welcoming Brigid Howe back to Nonprofit Montgomery. Her visionary approach and dedication to community engagement align with Nonprofit Montgomery’s mission to support and empower the nonprofit community. We look forward to the exciting developments and achievements that lie ahead under her leadership.

Sincerely,

Cari Guthrie
Chair of Nonprofit Montgomery Advisory Board

Job Opportunities

2024-06-19T15:42:55-04:00June 19th, 2024|Job Opportunities|

Carpe Diem Arts: Executive Director 

Chevy Chase At Home: Member and Volunteer Programs Manager

Jubilee: Quality Assurance Specialist, Academy Coordinator, Academy Instructor
Manna Food Center: Donor Relations Coordinator, Bilingual SNAP Outreach Coordinator
Parent Encouragement Program: Outreach Manager, Latino Program Coordinator 

Rebuilding Together: Manager of Program Services

Red Wiggler Community Farm: 2024 Farm Apprentice

Sandy Spring Museum: Advancement Director, Museum Manager

Strathmore: Director of Individual Giving, Director of Human Resources

VisArts: Individual Giving Manager (Part Time with Benefits)

Grants & Funding

2024-06-19T15:33:31-04:00June 19th, 2024|Grants & Funding|

The Community Foundation now has the following funding opportunities available for organizations in the Greater Washington Region. Applications are now being accepted for the following initiatives:

  • 2024 Community Action Awards (DC, MD, NoVA) – These small grants will support nonprofits working to make our region more equitable and inclusive by addressing issues and challenges highlighted in the VoicesDMV Community Insights report. Applications must be submitted by Monday, June 24 at 4 pm.

  • Health Equity Fund (DC) Fostering Networks for Economic Mobility seeks to fund organizations that value community networks that strengthen community support services, provide health resources, and implement service models that increase income, economic mobility, and/or build wealth. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, July 10 at 4 pm

  • Health Equity Fund (DC) Demonstration Projects seeks to support nonprofits working in innovative, collaborative, and targeted ways to implement economic mobility models that build community wealth for people and communities with the greatest economic and health disparities. Letter of Interest are being accepted on a rolling basis through March 2026 (or until funds have been exhausted)
    Learn more

FY 2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is providing $274.5 million for facility hardening and other physical and cyber security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist or extremist attacks.
Learn more

Marilyn Hatza Memorial SHINE Grant: Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity.
Maryland Humanities’ grants program funds general operating support to nonprofits conducting work in the humanities throughout Maryland. We have been actively adjusting our grant practices over the past few years with a focus on equity and accessibility.
Learn more

AmFund 2024 Golden Pear Grant Application Open
The American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) officially announced it will begin accepting applications for its much-anticipated 2024 Golden Pear Grant Program beginning today, Tuesday, June 4th, at 10:00 am Eastern, through Tuesday, July 16th, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.

Wheaton Access Program will distribute a total of $75,000 in in-kind assistance towards the reduction of permitting costs for use of local government facilities and venues. Submission deadline: June 30.
Learn more

lululemon invites applications for the 2025 Here to Be Grant
which will award general operating support of up to $50,000 to community-led nonprofit organizations working to create equity in well-being, and serving populations most impacted by systemic inequity. Applications from organizations working at the intersection of environment and well-being are also welcomed. An annual budget of less than $2 million is preferred.
Learn more

Ben & Jerry’s Foundation invites applications from grassroots organizations
The foundation invites applications to its National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO), which offers two-year, unrestricted, general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year—with an average grant size of $20,000 per year—to small, constituent-led grassroots organizations across the United States and its territories.
Learn more

Additional Grant Opportunities for Food Assistance & Nonprofit Partners

Community News & Resources

2024-06-19T15:29:43-04:00June 19th, 2024|Events, Member News|

Councilmember Evan Glass (At-Large) announced a series of LGBTQ+ Pride Month events throughout June. Events include a Pride flag raising outside the Executive Office Building in Rockville, Pride Family Day at Glen Echo Park, and a mixer at the Olney Theatre Center. There are events for the whole family and for residents throughout Montgomery County.
Click here to RSVP!

Connecting the Government Contractors Community to HHS Opportunities – Virtual 
Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 2-3:30 pm
Calling all government contractors! Are you ready to tap into a treasure trove of opportunities in the federal government with HHS? This event will be packed with insights, connections, and a chance to secure your next big win.

Easterseals Community Fair
Tuesday, June 25 from 3 – 5:30 pm
1420 Spring Street, Silver Spring
Enjoy an afternoon of fun at Easterseals! Kona Ice, a petting zoo, music, and more will keep the kids smiling. Parents and others can tour Easterseals programs for children, older adults, those with disabilities, and veterans and military families. FREE! No reservations are required.

Montgomery County’s Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR), Manna Food Center (Manna) and the Morningstar Foundation have awarded more than $350,000 in funding to 14 nonprofit food assistance organizations and Montgomery County-based farm partners to support the purchase and installation of cold storage infrastructure that will build the capacity of the local food system and food security network.

Montgomery County and the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) have launched the Nonprofit Preservation Fund (NPF) to preserve affordable housing. The NPF will be funded with $50 million by Fiscal Year 2025 to provide low-interest interim loans to support nonprofit developers and HOC in acquiring and preserving naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH).

25,000 Free Computers Will Be Provided 
Montgomery County’s digital equity and inclusion program, “Montgomery Connects,” which is operated by the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS), will be distributing approximately 25,000 computers at no charge to eligible residents. Nonprofits who want to assist residents they serve in making arrangements to get computers can reach out to Montgomery Connects at montgomeryconnects@montgomerycountymd.gov to reserve blocks of appointments on specific dates for large enrollment events.

If you are a Nonprofit Montgomery member and have news to share with our subscribers, please send it to connect@nonprofitmoco.org.

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