Better Together Upcoming Opportunities, Events, & Resources Digest

  • Week of October 16, 2026

    Maryland Primary Care Office Regional Stakeholder Meeting

    Who: Regional stakeholders (multi-county planning agencies, economic development bodies, metropolitan councils and intercounty commissions)

    What: The Maryland Primary Care Office (PCO), within the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Population Health Improvement, invites you to participate in an upcoming regional stakeholder meeting to support the PCO’s 2027 Statewide Community Health Needs Assessment. This virtual meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 27th at 10:30 AM-1:30 PM.

    Every five years, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), requires each state’s PCO to complete a needs assessment to identify communities with the greatest unmet health care needs, disparities in health outcomes, and health workforce shortages. Maryland’s PCO values your direct input as an essential part of the process to identify individual jurisdiction’s priority needs; and contribute in addressing those needs.

    Topics:

    • Purpose of the Needs Assessment & Project Background
    • HPSA Status & Current designations
    • Workforce & Provider Data
    • MD Healthcare Workforce Data Clearinghouse Project 
    • Community Needs, Challenges, & Barriers
    • Open Q&A / Input for the upcoming assessment

    Where: Virtually

    When: October 27th, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

    Learn more & Register. Have questions? Please contact Alphuis Sesay at alphius.sesay1@maryland.gov.

    PEP Family Resilience Program for Fathers

    Deadline: Today, October 16 at 5pm

    Who: Fathers and father figures

    What: In partnership with the Young Men and Boys Initiative of the Governor’s Office for Children, the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) is offering a FREE, 8-week virtual program on Zoom for fathers and father figures—including grandfathers, uncles, and other caring adults involved in children’s lives.

    The program provides practical tools to strengthen family connections, support children’s mental health, and encourage success in school. View Flyer

    Cost: Free

    Incentive: Receive a $50 e-gift card for attending at least 5 sessions plus the evaluation session (limit one per household).

    When:

    • Track 1: Tuesday evenings starting October 20.
    • Track 2: Wednesday evenings starting October 21.

    Where: Virtually on Zoom

    When: October 27th, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm.

    Duration & Format: 8 weekly Zoom sessions lasting 1.5 hours each, held during evening hours.

    Learn more & Register. Have questions? Email frp@PEPparent.org or call 301-929-8824.

    Atlassian Foundation – Open Call for Proposals

    Deadline: January 29, 2027

    • Description: Maryland’s Labor and Transportation departments have launched the Road to Careers grant program, a $24M initiative to increase skilled workers in the transportation construction sector. This program uses Registered Apprenticeship, Pre-Apprenticeship, and Integrated Education and Training models to prepare job seekers for careers such as skilled trade workers, equipment operators, and welders.
    • Eligibility: Local Workforce Development Areas, Community-based Organizations, Workforce Training Providers, Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors, Adult Education Providers, Community Colleges, Organizations serving immigrants and refugees 
    • Learn More and Apply

    Federalsburg Better Together Neighborhood Action Plan Survey

    Federalsburg is one of Maryland’s 27 ENOUGH (Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Government and Households) communities. Federalsburg Better Together, with the support of the ENOUGH Quarterback, the Caroline Human Services Council, is working with community members, public agencies, community organizations and other partners to make Federalsburg a place where all residents can thrive.

    To do this, stakeholders and partners are focusing on four pillars—Child Care and Youth Development, Healthy Families, Economic Mobility and Workforce Development, and Thriving Communities—to identify goals and create a Neighborhood Action Plan to achieve these goals. 

    Federalsburg Better Together is now seeking contributions to the plan through a short survey. The survey reflects ongoing conversations within Federalsburg Better Together and aims to gather specific information and opinions about where and how to focus our collective efforts. Those that complete the survey will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for a $50 Food Lion Gift Card.

    Please use the following link (or any of the links above) to complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NAPSurveyDigest. We would also appreciate you sharing the survey with folks in your networks.

  • Week of October 9, 2026

    Federalsburg Better Together Neighborhood Action Plan Survey

    Federalsburg is one of Maryland’s 27 ENOUGH (Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Government and Households) communities. Federalsburg Better Together, with the support of the ENOUGH Quarterback, the Caroline Human Services Council, is working with community members, public agencies, community organizations and other partners to make Federalsburg a place where all residents can thrive.

    To do this, stakeholders and partners are focusing on four pillars—Child Care and Youth Development, Healthy Families, Economic Mobility and Workforce Development, and Thriving Communities—to identify goals and create a Neighborhood Action Plan to achieve these goals. 

    Federalsburg Better Together is now seeking contributions to the plan through a short survey. The survey reflects ongoing conversations within Federalsburg Better Together and aims to gather specific information and opinions about where and how to focus our collective efforts. Those that complete the survey will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for a $50 Food Lion Gift Card.

    Please use the following link (or any of the links above) to complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NAPSurveyDigest. We would also appreciate you sharing the survey with folks in your networks.

    No Kid Hungry & Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Update:

    Our partners at the Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Coalition have launched two ways for providers to speak up about the new public charge rule. We hope you’ll take part and share them with the food banks, food pantries, health providers, and other service providers in your network.

    PIF is a national coalition working to protect immigrant families’ access to public benefits, and a close partner of ours on this issue. Public charge is the test immigration officers use when reviewing some green card applications. The new rule, which took effect September 18, replaces clear standards with vague ones and allows officers to consider benefits like SNAP, including those used by family members such as U.S. citizen children.

    The rule applies to a limited group of people, but its reach is much wider. Fear and confusion can lead many immigrant and mixed-status families to pull back from nutrition programs, including SNAP, WIC, school meals, and even food pantries, even when they aren’t affected. That chilling effect makes it harder for kids to get the food they need.

    Two ways to take action

    • Provider sign-on letter (deadline: October 18): Providers can add their name, or just their role and state, to a national letter opposing the rule.
    • Story collection form (ongoing): Providers can share a short example of what they’re seeing in their work, which helps make the case concrete for policymakers.

    Both are for individuals signing in their personal capacity, not on behalf of their organization.

    How PIF is protecting privacy

    We know this is a sensitive time, so here are the safeguards PIF has in place:

    • Anonymous by default: The recommended option lists people only by role and state, for example “Food bank worker, Ohio.” Names and employers are never made public under this option.
    • Private details stay private: Email, employer, and phone number are used only for verification. PIF shares totals only, such as how many signers are in a state.
    • Limited access: Only a few designated PIF staff can see the contact information people submit.
    • Data deletion: Anyone can ask to have their information deleted by emailing data@pifcoalition.org.

    PIF is also transparent that anonymity can’t be guaranteed to be perfect or permanent. The form includes extra guidance for public employees and for staff at organizations with federal funding. People in either situation may want to check their employer’s policies first and choose the role and state option.

  • Week of October 2, 2026

    Maryland Higher Education Outreach and College Access Program

    Deadline: October 26th

    • Description: The purpose of the Maryland Higher Education Outreach and College ​​Access Program(MDHEOCAP) is to:

      (1) Encourage low-income Maryland high school students to attend and complete college;

      (2) Connect potential college and ​university students with nonprofit organizations that have a history of successful higher education outcomes for targeted youth;

      (3) Create an equal matching fund for nonprofit organizations to access in order to increase college outreach services to low-income students;

      (4) Provide funding for nonprofit organizations that are already established in communities to provide targeted outreach to encourage low-income students to enroll in college; and (5) Increase the number of low-income students attending and succeeding in college.
    • Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that have been in existence for five (5) or more consecutive years that meet the minimum eligibility criteria outlined in the RFP.
    • View Further Information

    Speaker Adrienne A. Jones African American Heritage Preservation Program Grant Opportunities

    Deadline: November 20th (First Round for 2027)

    • Description: The Speaker Adrienne A. Jones African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP) provides grants to preserve and interpret buildings, sites, and communities significant to Maryland’s African American heritage.

      In her last year as speaker, Adrienne A. Jones introduced House Bill 1010, which created a non-capital grant under the African American Heritage Preservation Program. This legislation, which was signed into law by Governor Moore in May of 2025, responds to overwhelming constituent feedback for additional funding to support organizational capacity, education, and interpretation of African American history and culture in Maryland. Administered jointly by MCAAHC and MHT, the goal of this non-capital grant program is to invest in the staffing, planning, and programming of Maryland’s African American heritage sites.

      With $250,000 allocated for its first round in fiscal year 2027, applications will open on October 1st and close on November 20, 2026. Grantees will be notified in March 2027. MHT and MCAAHC encourage interested organizations to visit the program webpage and watch the upcoming webinar to learn more about the grant program.
    • Eligibility: Maryland African American heritage sites
    • For further information: Full details can be found on the new program webpage at bit.ly/AAHPP-MHT or contact MCAAHC Research Specialist Alexandria Anderson at alexandria.anderson@maryland.gov or MHT Capital Programs Administrator Stacy Montgomery at stacy.montgomery@maryland.gov.

    Help Shape the Future of Rural Maryland

    10-min Survey for All Rural Maryland Residents, Business Owners and Community Leaders

    • Description: The Rural Maryland Council is asking residents, business owners, and community leaders to share their experiences in a quick 10-minute survey.

      Your input will guide legislative advocacy, strengthen program priorities, and inform future funding decisions for the Rural Readiness Program and two grant programs—the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) and the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF).
    • Why Your Voice Matters:

      ➡️ Rural communities face unique challenges

      ➡️ Your lived experience provides valuable insight

      ➡️ RMC uses your input to create change
    • What Your Feedback Supports:

      ➡️ Local economic development

      ➡️ Rural health and wellness

      ➡️ Agriculture and natural resources

      ➡️ Broadband & infrastructure investments

      ➡️ Small business and workforce development
    • To take the survey, click here. 

  • Week of September 25, 2026

    Head Start/Early Head Grants in Multiple States

    Deadline: December 15th

    • Description: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS), announces a competitive notice of funding opportunity to provide high-quality Head Start Preschool (HSP) and Early Head Start (EHS) services for low-income children and families. This funding opportunity advances ACF’s mission to promote the economic and social well-being of children, families, and communities, and reflects OHS’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality, comprehensive early childhood services that strengthen family stability and community prosperity.
    • Eligibility: Small businesses, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Public and Native American housing authorities, County governments, Federally recognized Native American tribal governments, City or township governments, Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3), Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3), Independent school districts, Private institutions of higher education, and Public and state institutions of higher education
    • View Further Information

    Cigarette Restitution Fund Program (CRFP)

    Deadline: July 16th

    • Description: The Caroline County Health Department (CCHD) Cigarette Restitution Fund Program (CRFP) would like to invite your school/organization to apply for a CRFP mini-grant for fiscal year 2027 (7/1/26-6/30/27).

      The goal of mini grants is to provide funding to schools/organizations to fund activities led by the school or organization to promote tobacco-free lifestyles as the norm. The focus should be on preventing initiation of tobacco/nicotine and vaping products, especially among youth; promoting quitting; and advancing health equity by identifying and eliminating commercial tobacco product-related inequities and disparities.

      A limited number of mini-grants are available to support tobacco prevention activities.
      Applicants may select the amount they wish to apply for, ranging from $1,000 up to $2,000. Grant funds can be used for educational materials (posters, models, displays, brochures, etc.), staff stipends, speaker fees, supplies needed for activities/events, transportation costs, venue space, promotional items with tobacco prevention messages, and incentives for youth participation and leadership. A small percentage (<25%) of funds may be used for food.

      Examples of fundable activities include health fairs, educational table displays/outreach, peer to peer educational activities, poster/sign/storyboard contests, Public Service Announcements (PSAs), social media campaigns, tobacco litter clean up events, and activities featuring a speaker focused on the topic of tobacco/nicotine prevention. While activities can be integrated with other planned events, they must distinctly emphasize tobacco/nicotine/vaping prevention. Youth leadership is highly encouraged.
    • Eligibility: Schools/organizations in Caroline County, MD.
    • For further information, contact Heather Grove, BSN, RN at heather.grove@maryland.gov or (410) 829-0848.

    UMBC Do Good Institute’s Summer 2027 Impact Interns Program

    Deadline: November 4th

    • Description: The Do Good Institute offers hands-on experiences, funding opportunities, engaging curriculum, and effective programs that prepare Terps with the skills, experiences and resources to Do Good throughout their lives. We are currently seeking Summer 2027 partners.

      Impact Interns provides social impact organizations with talented University of Maryland students to build your capacity over the summer. We also offer applicant screening, suggestions on how to attract even more students with your position description, onboarding support, and connections with other organizations and resources. Additionally, we offer nonprofit organizations grants to cover up to two-thirds of the cost of hosting an intern.

      If your organization has a project or internship opportunity that may be a good fit for a graduate or undergraduate student this upcoming summer, sign up for an upcoming 30-minute session through our Host Information Session Sign Up Form. Attending an information session prior to applying is required for any organization interested in hosting an Impact Intern that has not already participated in the program. During the information session, we leave time for questions after a 15-20 minute presentation on the program.

      Applications are now open and the application portal can be accessed on the Impact Interns webpage. The deadline to submit an application is November 4th. Applications will be reviewed right after the submission deadline, so be on the lookout for a notification about the status of your application on November 13th.
    • Eligibility: Nonprofit and mission-driven organizations in Maryland.
    • View Further Information. For more information contact ccurtis5@umd.edu.

  • Week of September 18, 2026

    Unity Day Vendor Registration

    Deadline: ASAP

    What: The Town of Federalsburg’s Unity Day is a community-wide multicultural celebration created to bring residents together, celebrate the town’s diversity, and promote inclusion, civic engagement, and healing. The inaugural event was held in September 2024 and featured music, food, children’s activities, and opportunities for residents and community organizations to connect.

    The event also has a deeper purpose. Following legal challenges over Federalsburg’s historic election system, Unity Day became part of the town’s efforts to strengthen community relationships and create a more inclusive future. Town officials describe it as an opportunity to honor the community’s shared history, while encouraging participation from people of different backgrounds, generations and neighborhoods.

    Unity Day is a free, family-friendly community gathering that celebrates Federalsburg’s diversity and brings people together around unity, inclusion, and a shared sense of community.

    When: September 26, 2026 from 1 pm until 4 pm. Set up can begin at 12:00 p.m. and the Marina will be closed to traffic at 12:30 p.m. Vendors are asked to bring their own tables, chairs, and tents (optional). In the event of rain or severe inclement weather the event will be postponed until a later date.

    Where: Federalsburg Marina

    Register: PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM TO: fpatchett@federalsburg.org. If you have any questions, please contact Faith Patchett at (410) 754-8173 or Maggie McConnell at (410) 754-8173.

    Putting ‘Community’ Back in Community Schools: Make Your Voice Heard on the New State Regulation

    Who: This is for anyone with a stake in Community Schools including students, parents, families, Community School Coordinators, and district leads. The state will be accepting public feedback soon, and we want your voice in the room.

    What: There’s a new proposed state regulation most families, educators, and coordinators may not have heard about yet that could change how Community Schools funding is structured, how programming is designed, and how academic goals are set for your school.

    Strong Schools Maryland and the MOST Network invite you to “Putting ‘Community’ Back in Community Schools: Make Your Voice Heard on the New State Regulation,” a virtual info session and Q&A.

    We’ll cover:

    • A Community Schools overview
    • A 101 on the new state regulation including funding, programming, and goal-setting
    • What it could mean for your school and community
    • How to take direct action before the regulation is finalized
    • Live Q&A

    When: September 22nd from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

    Where: Virtual session on Zoom.

    Register here.

    Driving Local Change in Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore-Asset-Based Community Development Training

    Who: Community leaders and organizations

    What: Creating a longevity ecosystem requires community-driven action. Join local changemakers to learn how to leverage the asset-based community development (ABCD) approach to lay a foundation for collective action and better mobilize community strengths.

    This interactive, half-day training will provide community leaders and organizations with the tools necessary to identify existing capacities, resources, and relationships, and build a coordinated network to activate planning and policy development at the local level.

    When: Tuesday, September 29th from 11:30 am until 4:00 pm.

    Where: Salisbury University, 1101 Camden Ave, Guerrieri Student Union (Wicomico Room), Salisbury, MD 21801

    Learn more and Register.

    Stop the Bleed Trainings

    Who: Everyone

    What: ‘Stop the Bleed’ was launched by the National Security Council at The White House to empower everyday people like you to take action in emergencies. Inspired by advances in military medicine during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, this program translates battlefield knowledge into lifesaving skills for the public. Whether it’s an everyday emergency or a large-scale disaster, knowing how to control bleeding can mean the difference between life and death.

    Join the movement. Become a hero. Start your journey today and be prepared to save a life when every second counts!

    Any questions we can help with?  Please email us here:  stopthebleed@mdcot.com

    Where & When: Several local dates and times —

    • September 19th, 9:00 to 10:00 am in St. Michaels
    • October 1st, 4:00 – 5:00 pm in Ridgely
    • October 1st, 6:00 – 7:00 pm in Ridgely
    • October 14th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm in Cambridge

    Register here.

    PEP Family Resiliency Program for Fathers Fall 2026

    Who: Fathers of children ages 2–18

    What: In partnership with the Young Men and Boys Initiative of the Governor’s Office for Children, PEP is offering its FREE 8-week program for fathers.

    The PEP Family Resiliency Program helps parents build tools to strengthen family connections, support mental health, and encourage child success in school.

    Topics include how to raise more motivated & cooperative kids, understanding and supporting children’s mental health needs, when to set limits and when to let go.

    When: One a week for 8 weeks, 1.5 hours per session. Choose your track: Tuesday (starts 10/13) or Wednesday (starts 10/14) evenings. Attend at least 5 sessions plus the evaluation session and receive a $50 e-gift card (limit one per household).

    Where: Virtual sessions on Zoom

    Learn more and Register

  • Week of September 11, 2026

    Expanded Maryland Community Compass Platform to Help Community Developers Revitalize their Neighborhoods

    Governor Moore today announced an expansion of the Maryland Community Business Compass, the state’s free data platform designed to help entrepreneurs start and grow essential-service businesses, to now serve the broader community development ecosystem. Built by the Maryland State Innovation Team in partnership with Anthropic and relaunched as the Maryland Community Compass, the upgraded digital platform empowers local builders and community leaders with expanded data insights, new site-specific guidance, and richer information on capital required to revitalize neighborhoods with affordable housing, retail, and community spaces.

    “Maryland’s community developers have their finger on the pulse — they know the strengths of their neighbors and the potential of their neighborhoods better than anyone,” said Gov. Moore. “We’re continuing to put real tools and capital directly into their hands — because building thriving neighborhoods opens pathways to work, wages, and wealth in every zip code. This platform is about continuing to make government more efficient for Marylanders, helping to create neighborhoods where parents can find sustaining jobs, children can have spaces to learn, and families can plant deep roots.”

    Previously, evaluating a project’s feasibility meant paying costly consultants or manually hunting through scattered zoning, environmental, and funding databases, delaying vital community projects. The Maryland Community Compass centralizes this data, allowing local developers and community-based organizations to enter an address and immediately see economic trends, development activity, permitted uses, environmental flags, relevant funding opportunities, and more in one click, across every neighborhood and address statewide.

    Launched in December 2025 by the Maryland State Innovation Team, the Maryland Community Business Compass provided new access to market data, state and local funding opportunities, and expert support for essential service businesses, starting with child care and fresh food. Since launch, the platform has served over 15,000 active users and helped guide nearly $14 million in state funding to high-need areas across the state.

    “Working with small business owners, we saw an opportunity to widen our platform to support the developers and organizations building alongside them. Our conversations revealed that capacity and funding — not project merit — can limit what’s built in a neighborhood,” said Maryland’s Chief Innovation Officer Francesca Ioffreda. “We designed the Maryland Community Compass with community development practitioners to close that gap, using data and technology to save developers time and money so they can spend more energy building thriving communities.” 

    The expanded Compass will help to level the playing field for Maryland’s community developers through several transformational features:

    Neighborhood Insights: An interactive mapping tool that helps developers, investors, and community leaders uncover high-value opportunities. Powered by approximately 60 unique metrics, it makes it easy to assess economic growth, understand community needs, and target investments effectively.

    Site Insights: A parcel-evaluation tool that helps builders and organizations know exactly what is buildable before spending money. By synthesizing hundreds of public datasets across federal, state, and local sources — including zoning codes across all 23 counties and 96 municipalities — it delivers clarity on permitted uses, environmental constraints, and site viability for 2.4 million properties across Maryland.

    Find Funding: An AI-powered funding directory that supports teams in assembling their capital stack. Aggregating over 2,600 programs from 100+ sources, it’s one of the most comprehensive databases of public and private funding in Maryland. The data is also used by Site Insights and Neighborhood Insights to surface relevant grants and funding for specific projects based on their location.

    Maryland Data Connector: With the Compass Model Context Protocol (MCP), users using AI assistants like Claude or ChatGPT can connect directly to Maryland’s official program data, grounding the AI’s answers in real state records instead of guesses.

    The Governor’s announcement came during a convening of community developers, state and local leaders, philanthropic partners, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) at the Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center in the center of Baltimore’s Upton community. The event, hosted by the Maryland State Innovation Team, highlighted the extensive co-design process that shaped the expansion of the Compass platform.

    The Compass is powered by Claude, Anthropic’s AI assistant, which was used to build the platform’s funding database from thousands of scattered program documents and now serves as an in-platform guide that helps users navigate the data and find resources relevant to their projects. Anthropic served as a strategic and technical advisor throughout the project, shaping the AI use cases, implementing safety guardrails, and developing evaluations to measure the system’s performance and accuracy.

    “We’re so excited about the power of AI to help people strengthen communities and build new tools that help people prosper,” said Daniela Amodei, President and Co-founder of Anthropic. “The Maryland Community Compass is widening access to information, connecting real people today who are making an impact in their community, and giving them the resources they need to do their best work. We’re proud to partner with Governor Moore and the Maryland State Innovation Team to bring their incredible ideas to life.”

    “Entrepreneurs across Maryland have great ideas for how to make their communities stronger, but too often they don’t know where to start or how to find the resources to make those ideas a reality,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “The Maryland Community Compass seeks to change that by bringing together the financing, technical assistance and community development tools that small businesses, community developers and local partners need to confidently invest in great places.”

    Maryland small businesses, community development organizations, and developers are encouraged to learn more at compass.maryland.gov.

    For more information, contact compass@maryland.gov.

    …