$100K In Grants To Support Open Space, Environmental Projects In Prince George's

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — To help support the development of environmental, open space and resiliency projects across the District of Columbia and Maryland communities, Pepco and Sustainable Maryland has announced the nine recipients of the 2023 Sustainable Communities Grants Program.

The one-time grants, totaling $100,000, support environmental stewardship programs, community gardens and enhanced resiliency for local communities.

"The projects and organizations highlighted today are working to make a lasting impact on the environment and in the communities we serve," said Valencia McClure, Pepco region president. "We are proud to partner with them and our broader communities as we work to reach our shared climate objectives and advance a cleaner and safer environment for everyone."

Pepco launched the Sustainable Communities Grant program in 2020. To date, the program has provided $350,000 in grants supporting environmental, open space and resiliency efforts in the communities where Pepco serves.

"The municipalities and nonprofits that comprise the 2023 Pepco Sustainable Communities grantees are to be commended for their progressive leadership on environmental stewardship and climate resilience within their communities," said Mike Hunninghake, director of Sustainable Maryland. "The towns and organizations represented in the program continue to grow each year, adding to the breadth of impactful and inspirational projects across Montgomery County, Prince George's County and the District of Columbia.”

This year, Pepco and Sustainable Maryland have awarded grants to the following municipalities:

• Town of Upper Marlboro ($8,000) – The grant will be used in Budget Priority Emergency Resiliency Support from the Town's Community Emergency Response Team.
• Centro de Apoyo Familiar ($10,000) – The grant will be used to educate diverse Hispanic youth and communities on topics such as indoor air and water quality, healthy homes and environmental justice.
• City of Takoma Park ($10,000) – The grant will be used for invasive species management, increasing biodiversity, and expanding educational opportunities.
• DC Greens ($10,000) – The grant will support operations and fruit and vegetable production at The Well at Oxon Run during the 2024 season.
• Edgewood Alley Green ($10,000) – The grant award will be used to acquire two additional lots, expanding the existing green space which promotes inclusive, safe and healthy recreational opportunities.
• Glenmont Forest Neighbors Civic Association ($10,000) – The grant will be used to install a community garden that will increase community resiliency and environmental stewardship within an area that is highly diverse.
• Joe’s Movement Emporium ($10,000) – The grant will be for CreativeGREENWorks which engages youth and young adults of color from Prince George’s County in environmental stewardship and skill building.
• One Montgomery Green ($12,000) – This grant will support the organization’s program focused on engaging Montgomery County high school students in climate change and community-based plans and activities.
• Housing Authority of the City of College Park ($20,000) – The grant will be used to improve quality of life and emergency preparedness for low-income seniors living in city properties.