Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Encourages Residents to “Give Local” This Holiday Season

For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 4, 2025

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is encouraging residents to participate in the Montgomery Gives Local campaign as the holiday season begins. The campaign highlights local nonprofit organizations that continue to face increased demand for services.

"This year, we launched the 'Montgomery Gives Local' campaign to help promote giving locally," said County Executive Elrich. "Federal decisions have severely impacted our nonprofits. According to DOGE data from January to July 2025, at least 473 contracts and grants to our local nonprofits and businesses have been terminated. And we are bracing for deeper funding cuts and greater barriers to accessing housing, health care, and food. Federal actions are creating a situation where demand for help will continue to rise, just as the resources to meet that need are being reduced. Our nonprofits reach people in need quickly, often more nimbly than government can. They are our safety net, but they can't do it alone. I encourage everyone to give locally this holiday season and throughout the new year."

Local nonprofits report higher requests for food, housing help, and emergency financial assistance, while charitable giving has slowed. The Montgomery Gives Local campaign aims to increase awareness of organizations providing essential services throughout the County and to connect residents with opportunities to help.

Residents can find donation and volunteer opportunities through the Montgomery County Volunteer Center, which offers a searchable directory of nonprofits by cause and location.

Key details about the Montgomery Gives Local campaign:

• Encourages financial donations or volunteer service to Montgomery County nonprofits.
• Highlights organizations experiencing increased demand during the winter months.
• Provides a central resource for ways to give through the Volunteer Center.
• Invites residents to share their support using the hashtag #MontgomeryGivesLocal.

To find organizations to support financially or volunteer with, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter.

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