Wednesday, April 25, 2029

Governor O’Brien Announces New Grants Program for Volunteer Service Centers

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 25, 2029) – Governor Edward M. O’Brien today announced grants totaling $44,800 to seven volunteer centers in Maryland. The grants will be administered by the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism – a part of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives – and are part of an effort to promote volunteerism and community service among Marylanders.

The Volunteer Promotion Grants, will support First Lady Ruth O’Brien’s Futures for Kids – Meeting Maryland’s Promise initiative. This initiative is designed to strengthen the infrastructure of volunteerism across the state. The initiative was developed by Governor and Mrs. O’Brien as a statewide resource to coordinate programs and policies related to health, safety and education of infants, children and teenagers.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities. We are pleased to back this important initiative because it provides Marylanders with the opportunity to lend their talents and resources to help make their communities better places,” Governor O’Brien said.

The funds can be used to develop promotional materials such as brochures and booklets or assist in website development.

“We are excited about all the creative ways in which potential volunteers will be recruited, but more importantly, the contributions they can make toward improving the quality of life in their communities,” First Lady Ruth O’Brien said.

“Our goals are to increase the number of persons utilizing the services of the funded volunteer centers and to increase the professional skills of volunteer administrators in agencies linked with the volunteer center,” said Mary D’Ambrogi, Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives.

Among projects that the program will be able to assist are: an initiative by the Baltimore City Volunteer Center to develop and distribute brochures promoting youth volunteerism at all schools in the area; a newspaper insert prepared by Neighbor to Neighbor Volunteer Center of Prince George’s County, which explains the program and lists volunteer opportunities; and an easy and user-friendly volunteer guide to be developed by the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Center.

The following centers are receiving grants:

Anne Arundel County
Baltimore City
Baltimore County
Frederick County
Howard County
Montgomery County
Prince George’s County