Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $15,000 for Nonprofit Professional Development in Western Maryland

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $15,000 in federal funding for the United Way of Washington County (UWWC) for its Nonprofit Professional Development Opportunities project. These funds, provided through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), will be used for conducting eight training sessions over a two-year period for approximately 200 nonprofit professionals in Western Maryland. The objective of the training programs is to increase the capacity and skills of these professionals so that they may better manage their organizations and advance community and economic development in the region.

“Nonprofits in Western Maryland and across our state do exceptional work to help the community, and this funding will help support their tireless efforts. This professional training won’t just help the 200 people who participate – it will have a domino effect across the region, enhancing the resources these groups provide and boosting economic development,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees. “I will keep working in Congress to make sure we invest in ARC and all the great work it does in Maryland.”

“Western Maryland nonprofits have the trust and knowledge of their communities that position them well to solve local problems,” said Senator Cardin. “This project will create affordable, locally accessible trainings to enable professionals to maximize the effectiveness of their fundraising, grant writing, and other essential skills. Once again, ARC has selected a project which will have long lasting returns for the region.” 

“Nonprofits are on the front lines of so many of the top-notch programs and services in Western Maryland. Investing in their professional training and development is one of the best ways to ensure their success,” said Rep. Trone, member of the House Education and Labor Committee. “I will continue to fight for important ARC funding like this that invests in and propels economic development in Western Maryland.”

Established in 1965, ARC is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across Appalachia, according to ARC. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen and Congressman Trone advocated and secured significant funding for the program in the FY 2019 spending bill, including a $10 million increase from the FY18 level. The president had previously attempted to zero out funding for the program.

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