The Charles County Charitable Trust recently completed administration of the Project Restore 2.0 Grant, awarding a total of $135,000 to four Charles County businesses and nonprofits. This grant from the Maryland Department of Community Development (DHCD) was designed to activate vacant storefronts across Maryland, leading to revitalized community spaces and increased economic impact. The Charitable Trust, in partnership with Charles County Economic Development Department, managed the grant funds allocated for Charles County and successfully assisted two nonprofits and two small businesses in opening new locations.
Ivy & Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities, a longstanding charitable nonprofit serving Charles County, opened their new location in Waldorf in April 2025 thanks in part to the Project Restore 2.0 Grant. Having their own headquarters provides increased stability and space for events, fundraising, and organizing efforts that positively impact our community. Ivy and Pearls of Southern Maryland seeks to enhance socio-economic conditions in the area through educational, financial, and health-related resources, events, and volunteer hours. Visit https://ipsmcc.org/
The U.S. Bomb Tech Association, a larger nonprofit now headquartered in Indian Head, celebrated their grand opening In May 2025. Project Restore 2.0 funds contributed to their initial operational costs for the large new facility that is bringing jobs, partnerships, and economic stimulation to the western side of the county. The new location deeper embeds an organization that supports military, veterans, and new technology initiatives into the southern Maryland fabric. Visit https://usbta.us/
Raw Juice & Wellness Lab, a small family-owned health food business, is celebrating their 1-year anniversary at their storefront location in White Plains this month. Project Restore 2.0 funds helped in part to uplevel the business from a food truck to their first physical store location. Stop by for fresh pressed juice, acai bowls and more. Visit https://www.rawjuicemarket.com/
Sister co-founders of the retail shop, Sublime Soul, in La Plata are opening a new location this month called Blue Rose Wellness. Blue Rose will offer red light therapy, massage, hydrotherapy, wellness retail items, and more. Project Restore 2.0 funding in part helped restore the over 100-year-old space in downtown La Plata and will be filling a storefront that has been vacant for nearly a decade. Visit them this Fall. https://www.facebook.com/bluerosewellness/
The Charles County Charitable Trust is proud to help bring a variety of funding to Charles County in support of nonprofits and small businesses. All the Trust’s grant programs are based on a competitive application process and include follow-up reporting and site visits to ensure funds are spent as intended.
