The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George's County, Inc. Receives $2 Million Federal Award to Complete Transformative Nonprofit Incubator Complex

The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George's County, Inc. (Charities), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, strengthening families, and building generational success since 1986, today announced it has been awarded $2 million in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funds secured by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) to complete construction of the Ivy Village Incubator for Nonprofit Excellence (Ivy VINE) complex.

The Ivy VINE is a groundbreaking capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen the economic power of nonprofits in Prince George's County, Maryland, particularly those serving communities of color. This $2 million federal investment will fund completion of two purpose-built facilities: the Ivy VINE Training Center and Podcast Studio, which will accommodate up to 50 participants in a state-of-the-art learning environment, and the Ivy VINE Office Suites, a two-story facility at 6112 Walton Avenue that will provide shared office space for up to 10 nonprofit organizations with meeting rooms and collaborative work areas.

A Proven Model for Nonprofit Excellence

The Ivy VINE is more than a building. It is a proven model for transforming the nonprofit sector. Since launching its inaugural capacity-building program in February 2023, the Ivy VINE has guided its first cohort of six small, emerging nonprofits through an intensive two-year program of workshops, one-on-one coaching, and peer learning in areas including board development, financial management, strategic planning, grant writing, and program evaluation.

The results have been remarkable. All six Cohort 1 nonprofit partners completed the program in December 2024 with 100% reporting they would recommend the Ivy VINE to other organizations. Participating nonprofits, all of which entered the program with disengaged boards and no experience submitting grant applications to local officials, emerged with strengthened governance, documented strategic plans, active community partnerships, and new funding. Every organization that applied for grants through the program received at least $5,000 in awards, exceeding Charities own 80% target. Two organizations have already earned Maryland Nonprofits' Standards for Excellence recognition, and two more are on track to apply in 2025. Cohort 2, including six new nonprofit partners, started the capacity building program in September 2025 and will continue through December 2027.

The urgency for a facility like the Ivy VINE is clear. Prince George's County is home to approximately 5,000 nonprofits, yet approximately 75% report annual revenues below $25,000 and have no paid staff, according to Maryland Nonprofits. The new Ivy VINE complex will give these organizations a physical home — a professional, resource-rich environment where they can grow, collaborate, and build the infrastructure needed to deliver greater impact in their communities.

Statements from Charities Leadership

“I am extremely grateful that we have been awarded Congressionally Directed Spending funds in the amount of  $2 million to complete construction of the Ivy Village Incubator for Nonprofit Excellence (Ivy VINE) complex. Since 1986, our work has centered on empowering youth, strengthening families, and building generational success, and this investment allows us to expand that legacy in a transformative way. The Ivy VINE Training Center and Podcast Studio, along with the Ivy VINE Office Suites at 6112 Walton Avenue, will create a dynamic hub where nonprofit leaders, particularly those serving communities of color,  can learn, collaborate, and grow. This moment represents more than funding; it reflects confidence in our vision and a bold step forward for the future of Prince George’s County.” Dr. Kristi L. Matthews, President, The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George's County, Inc.

"The Ivy VINE is more than a building. It is an opportunity for nonprofits to grow and excel. This $2 million award is a game-changer — not just for Charities, but for every small nonprofit in Prince George's County that has been doing extraordinary work without the tools, space, or support they deserve. We are deeply grateful to Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks for championing this investment in our community." Cheryl Petty Garnette, Executive Director, The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George's County, Inc.

Statements from Maryland's U.S. Senators

“The women of Ivy Community Charities know that turning a vision for a nonprofit into an effective, sustainable organization that can make a difference is no easy task. Their innovative Ivy VINE initiative has been proven to help other nonprofit leaders overcome these challenges, which is why we fought to secure $2 million in direct federal funding to take this effort to the next level — and spur the growth of more organizations that will make a positive impact in Prince George’s County communities,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Nonprofits are crucial to our communities’ success, and The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County is critical in ensuring that, not only does the nonprofit community grow, but has the tools, resources, and training to thrive. This is an organization with a proven track record of helping nonprofits flourish, and I am confident that this $2 million will go a long way toward training, unlocking opportunity, and providing a home for organizations that will provide vital services for Maryland families,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

 

Building the Future: What the $2 Million Will Accomplish

The Ivy VINE complex was designed by the Redlef Group Architects, a Black-owned, woman-led firm in Prince George's County, and groundbreaking for the project was held on September 26, 2021. The $2 million federal investment will enable Charities to complete both facilities and fulfill a vision that has been years in the making:

The Ivy VINE Training Center and Podcast Studio at 6118 Walton Avenue will offer a professional learning space for up to 50 participants, a podcast studio, reception area, kitchenette, and storage space. It will serve as the central hub for ongoing capacity-building workshops, cohort training, and community convenings.

The Ivy VINE Office Suites at 6112 Walton Avenue will provide affordable office space for up to 10 nonprofit organizations, along with shared meeting rooms, a supply room, kitchenette, and reception area creating a collaborative hub for the county's nonprofit sector.

About The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George's County, Inc.

Founded in 1986, and proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary, The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George's County, Inc. (Charities) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, strengthening families, and building generational success in Prince George's County, Maryland. Charities’ programs include reading enrichment for elementary school students; team building, STEAM and leadership development for middle school girls; college and career preparation for high school students, including more than $50,000 annually in scholarships to high school seniors and continuing college students; workshops for parents to help them support their students; a Shoe Bank where children and families in need receive new shoes; and backpacks of food items provided to Title I elementary school students so that they have food over the weekend. Charities has earned the highest level of Maryland Nonprofits' Standards for Excellence Accreditation status.