Eligible nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for Frederick County’s Fiscal Year 2026 Community Partnership Grant Progra, This program awards competitive grants to nonprofit 501 (c)(3) community organizations that provide and deliver services to Frederick County residents.

"Frederick County is proud to partner with local nonprofit organizations to serve residents more effectively," said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. "The Community Partnership Grant Program values the amazing work nonprofits do and enhances programs in key areas that foster a strong, thriving community."

The FY26 grant program will accept applications that target the following priority areas:

• Addressing Homelessness and Housing Solutions, such as housing insecurity, affordable housing opportunities, financial literacy, and initiatives to help people age in place.
• Quality of Life initiatives, such as childcare, support for seniors, youth empowerment and engagement, programs that increase community inclusion and belonging, and transportation innovation.
• Public Health, such as programs addressing food insecurity, mental health, behavioral health, substance use disorder, intimate partner violence, health equity, and maternal health.
• Supporting the Arts, such as expanding access to cultural enrichment, using the arts to build bridges and make connections, placemaking, and providing community arts programming.

Applications will be accepted from eligible nonprofit organizations, with a limit of one application per organization. Grants come with accountability standards that all grantees must meet. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, January 8.

Interested nonprofits are encouraged to sign up to receive updates and reminders on the FY26 grant cycle.

For more information on the application process and eligibility requirements, please visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/CPG or contact CPG@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Bill Expands Who Qualifies for Veterans Tax Credit

More Frederick County veterans could see their property tax bills drop, under a proposed change to the county’s Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit. County Executive Jessica Fitzwater introduced the expansion to close a loophole that previously prevented service members in Maryland from receiving the tax credit if their disability is classified as non-permanent.

"On Veterans Day, and every day, we should honor the sacrifices made by our service members," County Executive Fitzwater said. "This proposed bill will make it easier for veterans to stay in our community. The tax credit is a meaningful way to thank them for their service."

Frederick County’s Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit originally passed in 2021, thanks to a bill co-sponsored by then-Council Member Fitzwater. Until this year, Maryland law did not allow local governments to issue the tax credit for veterans who have non-permanent service-connected disabilities of 100%. Council Member Steve McKay, who sponsored the 2021 bill, agreed to sponsor the revised legislation.

"I was proud to sponsor the original Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit during my first term," Council Member McKay said. "This is an important tool that we have to show our appreciation for our veterans who have given so much for this country. I'm now very pleased to work with the County Executive on this amendment to the property tax credit, which clarifies the status of our veterans who may be 100% disabled, but still not able to qualify for the State property tax exemption."

In honor of the more than 16,000 veterans who live in Frederick County, County Executive Fitzwater ordered Winchester Hall to be lit in green from November 4-11 as part of the National Association of Counties’ Operation Green Light.

Frederick County Launches Collaborative Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking

Frederick County is taking a bold stand against human trafficking with the launch of the Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force, an initiative designed to combat this pervasive crime through collaboration, prevention, and survivor-centered care. Between January 2022 and April 2024, 34 victims of sex trafficking and 7 victims of labor trafficking were identified in Frederick County alone—a sobering reminder of the urgent need for action.

Supported by a $1.06 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, the ECM Task Force unites federal, state, and local partners to strengthen efforts to hold traffickers accountable, expand support services for survivors, and prevent trafficking before it begins.

The launch event brought together leaders from across sectors, showcasing a united commitment to address trafficking at every level. Activities included a tour of the Intercept Task Force offices, a meet-and-greet with executive leadership, and a roundtable discussion focused on fostering collaboration and partnership.

Highlight of the Day: Building Collaboration Around the Table

"This task force is about more than combating trafficking; it’s about ensuring that every voice is heard and every partner plays a vital role," said Kristi Wells, CEO and Co-Founder of Safe House Project. "By bringing diverse stakeholders to the table, we are building a framework for collaboration that prioritizes survivors and strengthens our community’s response to trafficking."

The roundtable discussions emphasized the importance of partnerships and underscored the broader task force goals: fostering collaboration, valuing every perspective, and ensuring survivors have access to a full network of support.

The ECM Task Force has been made possible through a $1.06 million grant over the next three years, awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. These funds will enable the task force to implement survivor-centered care, prosecute traffickers, and prevent trafficking across Frederick County.

For more information about the task force or to get involved, contact Joyce King, Chief Counsel, Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, jking1@statesattorney.us

Maryland Historical Trust Now Accepting FY25 Historic Preservation Loan Program Applications

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), a division of the Maryland Department of Planning, is now accepting FY25 applications for financial assistance through the Historic Preservation Loan Program. The purpose of this capital program is to assist and encourage efforts to acquire and preserve historic properties. A maximum of $300,000 in funding is available for the program.

Eligible applicants for loans include nonprofit organizations and local jurisdictions. Business entities and individuals may also apply for program loans when seeking funds for a preservation or development project that serves a high public purpose; however, such applicants must demonstrate an inability to obtain private financing. Eligible loan projects include acquisition, refinancing, rehabilitation, or restoration of historic properties. Loan terms are up to 20 years and a preservation easement must be conveyed to MHT on any assisted property. Loan application and loan closing fees are required.

In addition, certain nonprofits are eligible to apply for a non-repayable transfer of funds from the program. This component of the program is only available to a "qualified cooperating nonprofit organization," meaning a nonprofit organization that is based in the state, operates statewide, and has demonstrated experience rehabilitating historic structures, managing preservation funds, and holding preservation easements.

Eligible costs under the transfer program are limited to acquiring, rehabilitating, or restoring historic properties for resale or lease; providing loans to other nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and businesses to acquire, rehabilitate, restore, or refinance historic properties; providing loans to individuals to rehabilitate or restore National Historic Landmarks; and certain administrative costs and programmatic expenses.

Applications for either a loan or a transfer are due by January 15, 2025. Interested potential applicants should contact Bill Hersch, MHT Capital Grants and Loans Administrator, at (410) 697-9574 or bill.hersch@maryland.gov for assistance in determining your project’s eligibility and for additional guidance. Copies of the loan program guidelines and application are available at www.mht.maryland.gov.

MHT is a state agency dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of Maryland’s past. Through research, conservation, and education, MHT assists the people of Maryland in understanding their historical and cultural heritage. MHT is a division of the Maryland Department of Planning and serves as Maryland’s State Historic Preservation Office pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

New Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court launches to expand services to veterans

Veterans Treatment Court Celebrates Its Ninth Anniversary And Announces The Expansion Of The Program

On November 12, the District Court in Baltimore City launched the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court, which will expand the program to serve Baltimore City and Baltimore County, plus Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties. The new regional veterans treatment court will provide a court-supervised, comprehensive, and voluntary treatment-based program for justice-involved veterans charged with misdemeanors in the District Court of Maryland.

The District Court in Baltimore City celebrated six veterans who recently completed the program, which was founded in 2015 and is presided by U.S. Army Veteran and Senior District Court Judge Halee Weinstein. There are currently 25 veterans in the program and 117 have graduated since the program’s inception.

"In Maryland, we are fortunate to have 73 problem-solving courts that help people to receive access to the treatment, resources, and case management services they need to successfully resolve their court cases and improve their lives," said Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader. "I thank Governor Wes Moore, our justice and community partners, judges, and court leadership and staff, for their support and vision to serve through this vital community resource."

"When I joined the United States Army, I learned a simple but powerful creed: leave no one behind. Today’s launch of the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court is guided by that mindset," said Gov. Moore. "Together, we are delivering critical services to veterans in central Maryland who need and deserve our support – and ensuring that when we say 'thank you for your service,' we follow those words with action."

The Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court is the third multi-county veterans treatment court in Maryland and the fourth multi-county problem-solving court in the state. It will provide intensive treatment, accountability, and mentoring to former military service members who have committed crimes and may suffer from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, other mental health issues, and substance use disorders. Through the program, veterans can resolve outstanding criminal offenses, obtain the treatment and services they need, and stabilize their lives. A goal of the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court is to reduce recidivism and help connect eligible participants to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, local resources, long-term supportive housing, and other benefits for participants whose service-related disabilities may prevent or impede their return to the workforce.

"Judge Weinstein and her team have done a tremendous job over the years, and I commend them for their efforts to bring the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court to fruition to increase access to justice for military veterans," said Chief Judge John P. Morrissey, District Court of Maryland. "I also want to thank the many justice partners who worked together on this initiative, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring that local veterans receive appropriate treatment when they are involved with the criminal justice system."

"The expansion of the Baltimore City Veterans Treatment Court into a regional model provides justice involved veterans from four additional counties access to a Veterans Treatment Court, thereby improving and enhancing access to justice for those who have served our country," said District Court Senior Judge Halee F. Weinstein.

Eligible veterans who have court cases will be referred to the program by the District Court in each county. The criteria for eligible participants include being a U.S. military veteran regardless of eligibility for VA benefits and being a defendant charged with misdemeanor offenses or concurrent jurisdiction felonies in the District Court.

In addition to the Maryland Judiciary’s Office of Problem-Solving Courts, VTC project partners include the United Way of Central Maryland; the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; Warrior Canine Connection; the State’s Attorney’s Offices for Baltimore City and Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties; the District Offices of the Public Defender in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties; the Maryland Department of Parole and Probation; the University of Baltimore School of Law; and several other federal, state, and local service providers.

"It has been a great privilege to serve our veterans through the Veterans Treatment Court program," said Franklyn Baker, President and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland. "United Way of Central Maryland is committed to help in the fight for those who have fought for our country with the launch of a regional program modeled after the successful Baltimore City program. The Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court will provide physical and mental health services, employment, financial counseling, and more to help veterans navigating the District Court system in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County. This program supports veterans with a goal of returning productive, law-abiding citizens to the community and reducing recidivism and criminal justice costs."