Leonardtown, MD, December 10, 2025
A St. Mary’s County bus driver won $50,000 in the Maryland Lottery, highlighting individual success amid community resilience. The local nonprofit sector also received recognition and funding, showcasing the power of community engagement for growth. Initiatives by the Charles County Charitable Trust emphasize the importance of supporting local services, further illustrating the vibrant community spirit in the area.
Leonardtown, MD
Lottery Winner and Community Contributions Highlight Local Resilience
In a remarkable turn of fortune, a St. Mary’s County school bus driver recently claimed a $50,000 top prize in the Maryland Lottery Pick 5. This unexpected financial windfall not only shines a light on individual achievement but also reflects the broader themes of resilience and growth in local communities. Meanwhile, Charles County’s nonprofit sector is making significant strides, with ample funding and recognition highlighting the power of community engagement in driving progress.
Baltimore and its surrounding areas have long been known for their entrepreneurial spirit, as local residents actively pursue opportunities to innovate and thrive. With reduced regulatory barriers and a growing emphasis on private investment, the landscape for small businesses is becoming increasingly favorable. As community members rally to support one another, the potential for economic expansion remains bright.
St. Mary’s County School Bus Driver’s Lottery Win
A St. Mary’s County school bus driver recently celebrated a remarkable win of $50,000 after his favorite numbers—1-0-2-3-8—were drawn in the Maryland Lottery Pick 5 midday drawing. He purchased the winning ticket at the Leonardtown Food Lion and placed a $1 straight bet, making this his largest lottery prize to date. After taxes, he took home $35,000.25, which he plans to use to enhance his financial stability. The Food Lion store, in turn, will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket, showcasing the benefits of local business involvement in community events.
Charles County Charitable Trust Honors Local Nonprofits
The importance of community service was underscored when the Charles County Charitable Trust held its inaugural 2025 Nonprofit Impact Awards on December 3, 2025. This event recognized individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to local services, with awards honoring excellence in various categories. Notable winners included Ruth Proffitt for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Lisa Ambers as Volunteer of the Year, and Rochelle Campbell as the Nonprofit Rising Star. These accolades serve to highlight the critical role that dedicated individuals play in uplifting the community.
Funding Boost for Local Nonprofits
In a significant development for the nonprofit sector, two Charles County-based organizations received a combined total of $75,000 in unrestricted grants through the 2025 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants program. This support aims to bolster essential community services and enhance youth development initiatives, reflecting a nationwide trend of increased funding for local impact organizations. Such investments underscore the value of charitable contributions in fostering community growth.
Charles County Charitable Trust’s Grant Initiatives
Throughout fiscal year 2025, the Charles County Charitable Trust awarded over $1 million in grants to 47 nonprofit organizations, in addition to $62,830 in microgrants to 13 groups. These funds are targeted to improve quality of life in Charles County, focusing on underserved populations and important areas such as health services, education, and the arts. The Trust is now gearing up for the Fiscal Year 2026 grant cycle, inviting applications with the potential for substantial support for local programs.
Encouraging Community Involvement
As the need for community support grows, the Charles County Charitable Trust is urging nonprofits to apply for grants that will provide critical resources for various initiatives. This proactive approach to community empowerment highlights the spirit of collaboration that drives progress. The upcoming grant cycle, with applications due by April 14, 2025, emphasizes the Trust’s role in fostering a culture of giving and resources that invigorate the local economy.
Conclusion
The recent lottery win and the recognition of outstanding contributors in Charles County send a strong message about the importance of local engagement and funding in driving economic growth and community advancement. As Baltimore and its neighboring regions continue to support small businesses and nonprofits, the collective momentum of these efforts can lead to a brighter future. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged, support local businesses and nonprofits, and take part in fostering economic growth throughout the region.
What is the Charles County Charitable Trust?
The Charles County Charitable Trust is an organization that manages the county’s grant application and award process for local nonprofits, with funding provided by the Charles County Board of Commissioners. It supports programs that contribute to the quality of life in Charles County, focusing on underserved populations, health and human services, civic and community development, culture and the arts, education, and the environment.
How can I apply for a grant from the Charles County Charitable Trust?
Applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 grant cycle are due no later than April 14, 2025. Grants of up to $65,000 will be awarded for programs benefiting Charles County residents. The Trust supports programs that contribute to the quality of life in Charles County, focusing on underserved populations, health and human services, civic and community development, culture and the arts, education, and the environment.
What types of programs does the Charles County Charitable Trust fund?
The Trust funds programs that contribute to the quality of life in Charles County, focusing on underserved populations, health and human services, civic and community development, culture and the arts, education, and the environment.
How much funding did the Charles County Charitable Trust award in fiscal year 2025?
In fiscal year 2025, the Charles County Charitable Trust awarded more than $1 million in grants to 47 organizations, plus an additional $62,830 in microgrants to 13 groups.
What is the purpose of the NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants program?
The NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants program provides unrestricted funding to eligible nonprofits making a difference in the D.C. area. In 2025, the program distributed $2.5 million to nonprofits across 11 U.S. markets, including Charles County-based organizations.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| St. Mary’s County School Bus Driver’s Lottery Win | A local resident won $50,000 on the Maryland Lottery Pick 5 by playing his favorite numbers. |
| Charles County Charitable Trust’s 2025 Nonprofit Impact Awards | The Trust honored outstanding contributors to the local nonprofit community during its inaugural awards ceremony. |
| Charles County Nonprofits Receive NBCUniversal Grants | Two local organizations were awarded substantial unrestricted grants from the 2025 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants program. |
| Charles County Charitable Trust’s Fiscal Year 2025 Grants | The Trust awarded over $1 million in grants to local nonprofits in fiscal year 2025. |
| Charles County Charitable Trust’s Fiscal Year 2026 Grant Cycle | The Trust announced the Fiscal Year 2026 grant cycle, with applications due by April 14, 2025. |
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