Better Together Upcoming Opportunities, Events, & Resources Digest

  • 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.

  • Week of September 4, 2026

    Food Insecurity Screening and Intervention for Public Health and Healthcare Professionals

    What: The Mid-Shore Health Improvement Coalition is pleased to partner with Maryland Hunger Solutions to offer a food insecurity screening and training event for public health and healthcare professionals in the mid-shore region.

    When: Tuesday, October 6th, 1:00 -2:00 pm on Zoom.

    Register here.

    …

  • Week of August 28, 2026

    Community Baby Shower

    What: You are invited to a community baby shower on Thursday, October 1st from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Please join us for raffle prizes, resources, and information. Participants must be pregnant or have a child under 2, and must be a Caroline County resident. Residency will be verified upon entry.

    When: October 1st

    Where: Federalsburg Volunteer Fire Department – 208 N. University Avenue, Federalsburg, MD 21632

    ITCH Career Club

    Who: All students between the ages of 14 and 18 are welcome to participate in Career Clubs. This includes individuals attending public, private, and parochial schools, as well as home-schooled students.

    What: Career Clubs are hosted by University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and are available at five county locations: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot.

    Career Club operates two sessions each year, with meetings held one night per month. The fall session takes place from September through December, while the spring session runs from January through April. Meetings are scheduled from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. It is important that students are picked up no later than 8:00 PM. Each county location has a registration limit of 20 students. Registration is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Fall 2026 Career Club registration is open and the first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 17.

    Register here by September 15th. Please contact info@itchmed.org with questions.

    Eastern Shore First Responder Peer Support Symposium

    What: Join first responders, peer support leaders, behavioral health professionals, and community partners from across Maryland’s Eastern Shore for a day dedicated to strengthening peer support, building connections, and advancing the mental health and wellness of those who serve our communities.

    This free symposium will bring together experts and peers to explore effective peer support models, program development, best practices, and collaborative strategies that help first responders support one another. Whether you’re currently involved in a peer support team, looking to start a program, or are a behavioral health professional serving first responders, this event offers valuable education, networking, and practical tools. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided.

    When: Thursday, September 17th from 8 am until 4 pm

    Where: Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College

    Register here.

    QPR Suicide Prevention Training

    What: Learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help.

    When: September 2, September 10, September 18, and September 22.

    Learn more and Register

    …

  • Week of August 21, 2026

    Unity Day Vendor Registration

    Deadline: September 14th

    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 no
    later than September 14th, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Faith
    Patchett at (410) 754-8173 or Maggie McConnell at (410) 754-8173.

    MDH Produce Rx Feedback Request

    Deadline: October 14th at 5 pm

    Medicaid enrollees, providers, community leaders, and stakeholders are encouraged to submit feedback using the Request for Information (RFI) form available at bit.ly/MDHNutritionServicesRFI. The RFI is open for planning and information gathering purposes until 5 pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. 

    Background: The Maryland Department of Health is exploring how to build food and nutrition services into Maryland’s Medicaid program, and we want your ideas.

    Maryland Department of Health plans to use In Lieu of Services and Settings (ILOS) authority to meet health-related medical needs with programs such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions for eligible Medicaid enrollees beginning in 2028. ILOS gives Medicaid managed care organizations the option to provide Department approved services as cost effective alternatives to, or complements of, traditional covered services.

    Please note, no contracts or grants will be awarded on the basis of the answers to this survey. Learn more.

    Please note, no contracts or grants will be awarded on the basis of the answers to this survey. To learn more, see https://health.maryland.gov/AHEAD/Pages/ILOSRFI.aspx.

    This effort builds on Maryland’s existing Food is Medicine investments, including the Medically Tailored Meals initiative and the Produce Prescription program, both supported by the Population Health Improvement Fund.

    Your ideas and input are critical to shaping how these services are delivered across Maryland. Please share this information widely with colleagues and your community. If you have any questions, please reach out to mdh.ilosrfi@maryland.gov.

    Habitat for Humanity Ribbon Cutting

    What: Join us as we celebrate Habitat for Humanity Choptank’s new location in Caroline County! The ribbon cutting will take place on September 23, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 212 Market Street in Denton. Light refreshments will be served.

    When: September 23rd from 4 pm to 6 pm

    Where: 212 Market Street in Denton

    RSVP Here!

    …

  • Week of July 31, 2026

    Office on Violence Against Women:  FY 2026 Consolidated Grant Program

    Deadline: September 8th

    • Description: This program supports community-based efforts to develop or expand prevention, intervention, treatment, and response strategies addressing the needs of children and youth (ages 0-24) affected by domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. It also supports work with men and youth to prevent those crimes. View Full Application Requirements (PDF)
    • Eligibility: Tribal and local governments, nonprofit organizations, victim service providers, and school districts.
    • Learn More and Apply

  • Week of July 24, 2026

    Opportunity to Connect with CCPS Staff

    What: Next month, Caroline County Public Schools will welcome all 1,100 members of the Caroline Family back for the 2026–2027 school year. As part of our opening day, we will host a Wellness Resource Fair designed to support the many dimensions of employee well‑being: physical, financial, emotional, nutritional, and more. It’s a joyful way to start the year together and connect our staff with partners who care about their health and success.

    When: Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 8:00 – 9:30 am

    Where: Colonel Richardson Middle School, 25320 Richardson Road, Federalsburg

    If you are interested in participating please reach out to Sandi Barry, Communications Officer, Caroline County Public Schools 410-479-1460

    H.R.1 DHS Update

    On July 1, 2026, Maryland officially restarted its three-year clock for SNAP work requirements, creating an important opportunity for SNAP customers who may have previously lost their benefits, especially those who lost benefits earlier this year because of the expanded work requirements in H.R. 1. These individuals, known as “Time-Limited Participants” (formerly ABAWDs), can now re-apply to receive a brand-new, three-month period of food assistance as long as they qualify for SNAP.

    Please encourage community members to check their status and re-apply for SNAP online at benefits.maryland.gov or contact their local department of social services for more information. Customers can learn more about the impacts of the expanded federal work requirements on DHS’ H.R. 1 website. Your outreach can help neighbors leverage this fresh start to prevent food insecurity and support household stability.

    For more information click here.

    Leading Change Workshop

    What: Leading change in public health organizations is no longer just a leadership skill — it’s an essential capability. Public health operates in a fast-changing environment where new challenges emerge, community needs shift, and evidence-based practices continue to evolve. Leaders must be able to navigate uncertainty, inspire teams, and guide organizations through change to remain resilient, responsive, and ready for what’s next.

    If you’re ready to build these skills and lead with confidence in both clinical and non-clinical public health roles, ASTHO’s Leading Change Workshops are designed for you. Through practical strategies, real-world examples, and actionable tools, you’ll gain insights you can apply immediately to drive meaningful change in your organization.

    When: October 6 – 7, in-person, full day

    Where: ASTHO HQ, Arlington, VA

    Learn More and Register

    Inaugural Eastern Shore Fatherhood and Reentry Conference

    What: The Inaugural Eastern Shore Fatherhood and Reentry Conference will be held at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Intergenerational Center, Cambridge, Maryland on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The Conference Reception will be at The Packing House, Cambridge, MD on the evening of Friday, October 16, 2026.

    This one day conference will bring together educators, facilitators, service providers, and elected leaders who are committed to advancing fatherhood programming and reentry services.

    When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 (with Reception on Friday, October 16th)

    Where: Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Intergenerational Center, Cambridge, Maryland

    Learn More and Register.

    Eastern Shore Virtual Produce Rx Networking & Info Session

    What: As the Maryland Department of Health’s Produce Prescription (Produce Rx) Request for Applications (RFA) is now open, the Mid-Shore Health Improvement Coalition, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, invites you to join us for a virtual info session for Eastern Shore organizations interested in applying for Produce Rx funding.

    As part of this funding opportunity, organizations are required to apply as coalitions. This event will provide an opportunity for organizations interested in serving ENOUGH communities on the Eastern Shore to learn more about the application process and connect with each other.

    When: Wednesday, July 29th, Noon – 1:00 pm

    Where: Online via Google Meet

    Register now. View a flyer for the event here.

    CHW Appreciation Luncheon

    What: Join us as we recognize the incredible dedication, compassion, and impact of Community Health Workers across the Eastern Shore of Maryland during our CHW Appreciation Luncheon! 

    When: Wednesday, August 26th, Noon; Doors open at 11:30 am.

    Where: Grove Intergenerational Center, 108 Chesapeake St., Cambridge, MD 21613

    For more information, contact Lisa Widmaier at lwidmaier@esahec.org.

    Maryland Project Greenspace

    Deadline: September 1st at 3:00 pm

    • Description: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2028 Greenspace Equity Program grant round. This is a competitive grant program and only proposals that meet program requirements submitted by eligible applicants may be considered for funding.

      A complete Greenspace Equity Program FY 2028 Application and Project Agreement with all the necessary accompanying documents must be mailed to ​​laplocalgrants.dnr@maryland.gov
    • Greenspace Equity Program Grant Proposal Guide
      Brief guide on program requirements and how to apply for funds.
    • Greenspace Equity Program Grant Application and Project Agreement​
      Please download the Word file, save on your desktop, and use the saved file to complete all required fields and submit with all necessary attachments.
    • Use the MDEnviroScreen t​ool to determine whether a property is located in an overburdened community or an underserved community.

    ​Please be advised that incomplete or late applications may not be considered for funding.

    Questions about this grant opportunity may be directed to: Stephanie Benavides at ​stephanie.benavides1@maryland.gov or 443-510-4572.​​​

    • Learn More and Apply

    Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Mini-Grant Application 2026

    Deadline: September 4th at 11:59 pm PT

    • Description: Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day honors the living legacy of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges. Every November 14th, we celebrate Ruby’s courageous and historic act by encouraging students to walk to school and engaging in a day of dialogue about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. The goal is to inspire kids to make positive changes in their school and community.

      Submissions are due by Friday, September 4, 2026 at 11:59 Pacific Time. Grants will be awarded by Friday, October 2, 2026. You may request a grant in amount of $500 or $1000. Award amounts will be determined based on the number of students reached.
    • Learn More. Apply now.

    Clif Family Foundation Open Call Grant

    Deadline: August 3rd

    • Description: Supports general operating costs for organizations that align with the foundation’s mission to transform food systems, revitalize the environment, and enhance community health. Typical grants range from $5,000 – $50,000 and last for one year.
    • Eligibility: 501(c)3 organization or entity fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 organization
    • Learn More and Apply

    Maryland Affordable Housing Trust Competitive Grant Deadline

    Deadline: September 10th

    • Description: MOOR is pleased to announce our 2027 Opioid Restitution Fund Grant Program! This is a competitive opportunity through which eligible organizations will be able to apply for up to $1,000,000 to support efforts to address the harms of the opioid and overdose crisis.
    • Eligibility:  Non-profits providing non-billable services, Non-profits providing billable services to disproportionately impacted populations, Local governments not party to Maryland’s opioid settlement
    • Learn More and Apply

    2027 Opioid Restitution Fund Grant Program

    Deadline: September 15th

    • Description: The Maryland Affordable Housing Trust promotes affordable housing for households earning less than 50% of area or Statewide median income by: (1) Funding capital costs of rental and ownership housing; (2) Providing financial assistance for nonprofit-developer capacity building; (3) Funding supportive services for occupants of affordable housing; and (4) Funding operating expenses of affordable housing developments. To receive the Round 53 (SFY27) application package, including program guidelines, please send a request to MAHT.DHCD@maryland.gov.
    • Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, Public housing authorities, Government agencies, Profit-motivated entities
    • Learn More and Apply