About
Who We Are
The Charles County Charitable Trust manages the grant application and award process for nonprofits located in Charles County, Maryland. Funding for grants is provided to the Trust by the Charles County Board of Commissioners. The Trust monitors the grants awarded, performing site visits to grantees, and tracking the impact of grant dollars on the community. The organization provides opportunities for representatives of nonprofit organizations to participate in comprehensive learning experiences, including fundraising plans, nonprofit networking and collaboration, and marketing and communications to increase overall support and assure sustainability.
"As you know, our dedicated staff provide comprehensive support services to all our residents, and we could not do this important work without supporters such as the Charles County Charitable Trust." -FY27 Grant Recipient
“Every smile, every finish line, every "I CAN" moment, is because you care. These positive transformations happen because you choose to believe in every girl's limitless potential." -FY27 Grant Recipient
Board of Directors
Laura Forbes
President
With 18-years in the Real Estate Industry, Laura has been a part of the Southern Maryland business landscape for nearly a generation. Giving back to the community has been a primary goal from the beginning, passionately serving through many charitable activities and supporting women and children in our community.
Nevery Berry
Treasurer
Nevery J. Berry is the owner of Minuteman Press Waldorf and a seasoned cybersecurity and technical program management leader with over two decades of service in both the public and private sectors. A retired U.S. Army officer, he has led pioneering efforts in offensive cyberspace operations and continues to advise federal clients on large-scale cybersecurity integration initiatives. Nevery is deeply committed to community and economic development and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Charles County Chamber of Commerce. He brings a passion for innovation, service, and strategic growth to every endeavor he undertakes.
Nicole Daniels
President
A Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT), Nicole has provided years of service previously working in the non-profit arena as a therapist in Charles County and in other counties in the tristate area supervising and as an employee. She was President but is now a member of the board of the Center for Abused Persons in Charles County. She is now self-employed, in Charles County and knows the importance of the non-profit community’s function in mental health support of the community.
Lulu Moeller
Board Member
With over 15 years working with individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings, Lulu currently works as the Director of Melwood Recreation Center and Youth Services. They have worked for or with a variety of non-profits, including those serving people with disabilities, pregnant people and infants, homeless folks, and animals. They are excited to serve nonprofit organizations in this role. Lulu is also new to Charles County and looking forward to learning all about their community and the incredible people and causes within.
Jen Nelson
Board Member
Jen Nelson is the founder and principal consultant of an IT audit, risk, and compliance advisory practice, bringing 20 years of experience in public accounting, consulting, and professional education. She helps organizations strengthen governance, internal controls, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance programs, with a focus on technology audits, risk management, and organizational governance.
In addition to her consulting work, Jen is a professional educator who develops continuing professional education courses for accounting, audit, and risk professionals nationwide. She helps professionals navigate complex regulatory and technology challenges while promoting effective governance, accountability, and risk management.
A resident of Southern Maryland, Jen is committed to volunteer service and is passionate about supporting initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact in the community.
Virginia McGraw
Vice President
Virginia, a retired educator, has 45 years of experience in the field of education, serving as a Special Education Teacher and Principal. Her leadership skills were evident during her two terms as a School Board member for Charles County Public Schools, where she held the positions of Chair and Vice Chair. She was elected as the State President of the Maryland Association of School Boards for FY 2022-2023. Currently, Virginia continues to be involved in the community, as she serves as Secretary for the Charles County Scholarship Fund and The McConchie One Room Schoolhouse Committee, Treasurer of the Charles County Retired School Personnel Association, and membership in various organizations.
Tina Wilson
Board Membe
Retired U.S. Army Major and Veteran of Desert Shield/Storm. Served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Charles County Board of Education. Currently President of the Port Tobacco River Conservancy and a dedicated leader within several Southern Maryland civic organizations.
Sylvia Royster
Board Member
Sylvia Royster is a 26-year K-12 public school veteran as a classroom teacher, school administrator, former Director of Community Engagement and Equity in Charles County Public Schools, and now currently serves as the Director of the Educational Partnerships at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM). In her current role at CSM she collaborates with the K-12 school districts (Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s) in Southern Maryland to remove barriers that prevent student access to higher education. In addition, she oversees the Dual Enrollment and Early College programs at CSM. Sylvia has served as a public education advocate in North Carolina, Maryland, and Washington DC while collaborating with local, state, and national organizations such as the National Education Association (NEA) committed to improving education for students, staff, families, and communities. She has served in leadership positions with local and state boards and commissions such as The Human Relations Commission, The United Way, The Boys and Girls Club, and The Junior League, all of which focus on supporting an engaged community that thrives.
Stephanie Smith
Board Member
Stephanie Smith is an accounting professional and business advisor dedicated to helping small business owners achieve financial success. As the owner of Better Books & Finances, she specializes in tax strategy, providing practical solutions that empower clients to make informed decisions and build stronger businesses.
When she's not working with clients, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband and five children.
Stephanie believes that proactive planning is the key to long-term success. She enjoys working alongside business owners to simplify complex financial matters, improve profitability, and create strategies that support sustainable growth.
Staff
Christie Burnett
Executive Director
Jessica Minopoli
Director of Development