August 17th is officially proclaimed National Nonprofit Day in Anne Arundel County to honor the organizations, staff, and volunteers who serve our community every day. The federal Tariff Act of 1894 first established tax-exempt status for charitable organizations, laying the groundwork for today's nonprofit sector. National Nonprofit Day celebrates more than a century of mission-driven work and honors the people who make a daily difference.
Behind every successful program are passionate staff members and dedicated volunteers who pour their time and energy into lifting up our neighbors. Nonprofits are also major employers, accounting for 1 in every 10 members of Maryland’s workforce, with 7% of the state’s nonprofits operating right here in Anne Arundel County.
From Brooklyn Park down to Deale, and Crofton over to Annapolis, our local nonprofits work tirelessly to ensure no neighborhood and no resident is left behind. When a crisis hits, local agencies step up as essential first responders to provide food assistance, emergency shelter, and mental health support. Even while navigating funding cuts and economic challenges, nonprofit workers remain steadfast in meeting the rising needs of local families.
Anne Arundel County proudly supports this work through investments like $2 million in grants recently awarded to 69 local groups to keep operations running on the ground. Nonprofits cannot do this work alone. Whether it's through donating, advocating, or volunteering one’s time, when we work together, each person giving in their own unique way, we help make Anne Arundel County “The Best Place for All.”