abby@nonprofitmoco.org

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So far Abby Benson Grofic has created 19 blog entries.

Registration Now Open for 2026 Tools to Thrive Expo

2025-12-09T13:54:23-05:00December 9th, 2025|Advocacy, Events, Member News, Nonprofit Resources, Training Opportunities|

Registration is now open for Nonprofit Montgomery’s second annual Tools to Thrive: Building Strength & Resilience Expo

March 2, 2026 |Silver Spring Civic Building
Expo – 9 am – 2:30 pm
Learning Sessions – 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Luncheon – 12:30 pm

Nonprofit Montgomery’s Tools to Thrive Expo is where mission-driven leaders, partners, and changemakers come together to build the future of our sector. This year’s theme, Building Strength and Resilience, honors the essential work nonprofits do every day to support our community and highlights the tools, strategies, and partnerships that help organizations grow, adapt, and thrive.

Join us for a morning filled with inspiring and practical learning sessions designed to strengthen operations and elevate organizational excellence across our sector. Then, keep the momentum going with a ticketed networking lunch that brings together leaders ready to collaborate, innovate, and strengthen the nonprofit landscape in Montgomery County.

Let us connect, learn, and build a more resilient future together.

Register Today!

This event welcomes organizations serving Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Howard counties and offers a special member rate for all members of Nonprofit Montgomery, Nonprofit Prince George’s, and the Association of Community Services of Howard County.

Not a Nonprofit Montgomery member? Join or renew today!

Nonprofit Montgomery Releases Federal Impact Supplement Highlighting Urgent Challenges Facing Local Nonprofits

2025-10-01T13:39:53-04:00September 30th, 2025|Advocacy|

September 30, 2025 – Nonprofit Montgomery hosted a lunch event to release the Federal Impact on Montgomery County Nonprofits, a supplement to its 2025 State of Nonprofits in Montgomery County Report. The event brought together nonprofit, government, and community leaders to examine how shifts in federal policies and funding priorities are affecting local organizations and the residents they serve.

The new supplement, based on data from a survey conducted of 34 Montgomery County nonprofits, underscores the strain nonprofits face amid deep cuts to safety-net programs, federal workforce reductions, and dramatic changes in funding streams. It also provides recommendations for how local leaders can work collaboratively to sustain vital community services.

Panelists included Amy Javaid, President & CEO of A Wider Circle, and Rafael Murphy, Director of the Montgomery County Office of Grants Management, who shared their perspectives on building resilience in the nonprofit sector and ensuring continued support for Montgomery County residents.

The Federal Impact supplement builds on Nonprofit Montgomery’s ongoing research into the health of the local nonprofit sector, offering policymakers and community partners data-driven insights and actionable recommendations.

For more information and to access the full report, visit Federal Impact on Montgomery County Nonprofits.

One Year Until the 2026 Maryland Primary – The Countdown Is On!

2025-06-24T10:06:41-04:00June 24th, 2025|Advocacy|

One Year Until the 2026 Maryland Primary — The Countdown Is On!

June 23, 2026, marks the next Maryland Primary Election — and the work begins now. Every four years, Nonprofit Montgomery mobilizes the power of the nonprofit sector to engage in the electoral process. As a vital part of our democracy, nonprofits can and should participate in nonpartisan civic engagement — and we’re here to help you do just that.

In the coming months, we’ll:

  • Educate nonprofit leaders on how to engage legally and effectively in the election;

  • Host informational sessions with Montgomery County Council candidates; and

  • Present a County Executive Forum to elevate the issues that matter most to our sector.

Over the next 12 months, be on the lookout for regular updates about monthly candidate meet-and-greets and a save the date for our Spring 2026 County Executive Candidate Forum.
Our Advocacy Committee guides this process. If your organization is a Nonprofit Montgomery member and you would like to join the Advocacy Committee to participate in this, please contact us.

Nonprofit Montgomery Unveils 2025 State of Nonprofits Report and Hosts Tools To Thrive Expo

2025-04-03T10:08:07-04:00March 20th, 2025|Advocacy, Events, Member News, Uncategorized|

Nonprofit Montgomery Unveils 2025 State of Nonprofits Report and Hosts Tools To Thrive Expo

Montgomery County, MD — Nonprofit Montgomery is proud to announce the release of the 2025 State of Nonprofits in Montgomery County Report, an in-depth examination of the sector’s current impact, challenges and emerging trends. This comprehensive report offers critical insights into the evolving needs of local nonprofits, workforce dynamics, economic contributions and strategies for sustainable growth.

Despite the essential role Montgomery County’s nonprofits play, few understand the daily complexities and challenges they face. A decade after Nonprofit Montgomery’s influential Beyond Charity report highlighted the sector’s importance to Montgomery County’s economic vitality, this new report, developed in partnership with Sharp Insights, LLC, builds on existing research and the Montgomery County Nonprofit Needs Assessment Survey findings. It serves as a valuable resource for community leaders, stakeholders and nonprofit professionals.

“This report is more than just data—it’s a call to action,” said Brigid Howe, Executive Director of Nonprofit Montgomery. “It reveals the incredible impact nonprofits have on our community while exposing the challenges that threaten their sustainability. By releasing this report now, we’re bringing the community together to spark collaboration, share solutions and ensure our nonprofits have the support they need to keep making a difference.”

The report outlines key recommendations to strengthen the nonprofit sector in Montgomery County, including ensuring nonprofits receive at least 15% of contract funding to cover essential overhead costs, aligning with federal standards. It calls for supporting sustainable funding, strategically investing in nonprofit infrastructure and fostering stronger collaborations between nonprofits and other sectors. The report also advocates for policies that address the high cost of living for nonprofit staff and promote economic policies that benefit middle-income residents. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of leadership development and cultural competency to help nonprofits meet the evolving needs of Montgomery County communities.

To commemorate this milestone, Nonprofit Montgomery is hosting the Tools To Thrive Expo—an event designed to connect nonprofits with the resources, services, and partnerships needed to thrive. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, learn from experts and discover innovative solutions to strengthen their impact.

Event Details:

  • Date: Match 20, 2015
  • Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
  • Location: Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Pl

For more information and to access the full 2025 State of Nonprofits in Montgomery County Report, visit nonprofitmoco.org/advocacy/stateofnonprofits2025/.

About Nonprofit Montgomery:
Nonprofit Montgomery strengthens the nonprofit sector through capacity-building initiatives, advocacy, and collaboration. We work to empower organizations with the tools they need to thrive and create lasting change in our community.

nonprofitmoco.org

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White House Rescinds Freeze on Federal Grants – Advocacy and Updates

2025-01-29T17:23:36-05:00January 29th, 2025|Action Alerts, Advocacy|

White House Rescinds Freeze on Federal Grants – Advocacy and Updates

Nonprofit Montgomery is relieved to learn that the White House has reversed its decision to freeze essential federal grants and funding. Like many of you, we were alarmed that the new federal administration had issued a memo pausing federal grant funding — a move that could have disrupted vital resources for nonprofits, as well as state and local governments nationwide.

Nonprofit groups swiftly took action and filed a lawsuit challenging the freeze, leading U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan to issue an administrative stay just minutes before the freeze was set to take effect.

Since this news broke, we have been actively engaged with key stakeholders to understand the implications and advocate for the nonprofit sector. We have been in contact with the offices of Congressman Raskin (District 8), Congresswoman Delaney (District 6), Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks, as well as DHHS, the County Executive’s Office, County Council President Stewart, Councilmember Albornoz, and MCPS. Additionally, we are closely monitoring updates from Maryland Nonprofits and the National Council of Nonprofits.

Our representatives at all levels of government are working to gather more information and assess the full impacts of these actions.

If President Trump’s Executive Orders will jeopardize your organization, please fill out this short survey. 
Resources

Nonprofit Montgomery SB184 Support

2025-01-15T15:03:43-05:00January 15th, 2025|Advocacy|

Advocacy Statement
Nonprofit Montgomery SB184 Support

Nonprofit Montgomery is an alliance of nonprofits serving residents of Montgomery County, Maryland’s largest county. We work to strengthen the nonprofit sector serving Montgomery County, Maryland, through leadership development, organizational capacity building, and peer-to-peer networking and support; increase the visibility of nonprofits and the work they do; and influence progress through advocacy and strategic partnerships.

We would like to share our support of  Senate Bill 184 authorizing the Secretary of State to issue regulations that allow them to exercise flexibility in enforcement actions for late or missing registrations or payments.

Many Montgomery County nonprofits are led by part-time or volunteer staff, and their governing boards are almost, if not entirely composed of unpaid volunteer directors. We are aware that compliance with state filings is a challenge for many organizations, including those with paid staff. It is almost always the case that these challenges are unintended and based on a failure of awareness or understanding of the myriad requirements.

Often, these are related to issues of succession planning and continuity, where paperwork is handled by a long-time employee or volunteer, and after they depart, responsibility isn’t clearly delegated to another person. In Montgomery County, we hear from many small and emerging organizations, many with leaders who are unpaid, not native English speakers, and perhaps new to the county, state, and country. They often discover their lack of compliance when applying for county grant funding to support their community-based organizations.

The current practice of the Secretary of State’s Office, to prioritize assisting in compliance rather than imposing penalties, is more appropriate in the majority of these situations, than a referral to the Central Collections Unit.

Senate Bill 184 does not preclude the Secretary’s Office from the option of pursuing forced collection or penalties in cases where it is deemed appropriate.

We urge you to give Senate Bill 184 a FAVORABLE report.

January 2025 Advocacy Updates

2025-01-15T14:57:32-05:00January 15th, 2025|Advocacy|

Recap of Council President Kate Stewart’s Q&A with Nonprofit Montgomery

On Monday, January 6, Nonprofit Montgomery kicked off 2025 with a conversation with Council President Kate Stewart. Council President Stewart shared updates on the the county’s plans for protecting residents in the context of the new federal administration, county budget process, the council’s oversight of grants, and her general priorities for 2025.

County Council Budget Advocacy Timeline:

  • County Executive’s Recommended Budget is released in mid-March

  • The County Council begins work sessions in April and May

  • The County Council votes on the budget before Memorial Day.

Nonprofit Montgomery’s County Budget Advocacy:

  • After the County Executive’s budget is released, Nonprofit Montgomery will share our suggested talking points with our members as well as information on how to sign up for testimony. Additionally, we will be arranging appointment with councilmembers to discuss nonprofits’ concerns, and will share signup information to join those appointments.

  • Additionally, our State of Nonprofits in Montgomery County 2025 Report will inform our budget advocacy. Our kickoff event for this report is on March 20. This will be followed by a series of fireside chats to explore the recommendations in the report more fully.

MCPS Budget Advocacy:

Superintendent Thomas Taylor has proposed a $3.61 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The recommendation reflects a “Focus on Fundamentals” approach that targets investments directly to schools, supports student success and addresses structural deficits within the system.

The Board of Education will now hold public hearings and work sessions on the budget. The timeline follows:

  • Public Hearings: Thursday, Jan. 16, and Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

  • Work Sessions: Tuesday, Jan. 14, Thursday, Jan. 23, and Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

  • Board Approval: Tentative adoption of operating budget; Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.

  • Final Adoption: Adjustments based on revenue projections will follow, with final adoption expected Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

More information can be found on the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget website

 

Grant Opportunities

2024-12-27T15:17:37-05:00December 27th, 2024|Uncategorized|

  • FY25 Food as Medicine Grant Program: Launched on December 13, 2024 with Stage One applications due January 6, 2025 at 11:59 PM.  $750,000 in total grant funding will be available in early 2025 to support innovative programs that increase access to culturally diverse, medically-relevant, nutritious, and locally produced food for Montgomery County children and households with children ages 0-18 who are: 1) currently at high-risk or actively experiencing diet-related disease and 2) at risk of or currently experiencing food insecurity.
  • RRF Foundation for Aging invites applications for projects in aging

Community News & Resources

2024-12-27T14:55:06-05:00December 27th, 2024|Uncategorized|

Montgomery County MLK Day of Service
The Montgomery County Volunteer Center will host an upcoming MLK Day of Service on January 18 – 19, where volunteers across the County will come together to make a difference in our community. Learn more.

Montgomery County is investing $3.5M in 45 food assistance programs to fight hunger and ensure fresh, culturally relevant food reaches every corner of our community. Together, we’re addressing food insecurity and supporting local families. Learn more

Expedited Bill 23-24, cosponsored by Councilmember Andrew Friedson, Council President Kate Stewart, and Councilmembers Marilyn Balcombe, Gabe Albornoz, Natali Fani-González, Kristin Mink, Sidney Katz and Evan Glass was extended on Tuesday, December 10. The bill continues the County’s commitment to supporting minority, female and disabled business owners. This bill extends the sunset date for the County’s minority-owned business purchasing program for five years until Dec. 1, 2029.

MCPS Summer RISE is looking for hosts to mentor rising juniors & seniors. Businesses, nonprofits, and agencies can help students explore careers, build skills & make informed choices for their futures. Flex options available. Apply by March 7! Learn more. 

Grant and Funding Opportunities

2024-10-11T14:07:34-04:00October 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.

The City of Rockville’s Community Services and Enrichment Grant Program Application deadline has been extended to November 1st. Visit www.rockvillemd.gov/370/Grant-Opportunities to access the applications portal.

Learn more

FY25 Nonprofit Security Grant Program: Opened September 23, 2024 and closes October 18, 2024. The Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) is soliciting grant applications from nonprofit or faith-based organizations located in Montgomery County that are at a high risk of experiencing hate crimes. Funding may be awarded to augment costs for security personnel, planning, training, or security cameras. FY25 Nonprofit Security Grant applicants may request funding up to $15,000 per facility.

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

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.

FY25 Low and Middle Income (LMI) Electrification Grant Program: Estimated launch in early October 2024. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is soliciting grant applications from nonprofits for one competitively selected federally funded subgrantee to upgrade one or more low-income communities with energy-efficient electric appliances, heating, and hot water systems. The goal of the grant project is to complete fuel-switching activities in at least 30 single-family units or at least 1 multifamily building serving 15 units. The single award will total roughly $1.8 million.

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