LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Leonardtown Rotary Club has announced the recipients of its 2025 Community Grants, awarding $5,000 each to three local organizations that are making a measurable impact on the lives of St. Mary’s County residents. This year’s awards support accessibility in the arts, food assistance for families in crisis, and historical education on race and equity.
Each year, the club awards between $1,000 and $5,000 to nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations whose missions align with one of Rotary International’s Seven Areas of Focus:
- Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
- Water, sanitation and hygiene
- Basic education and literacy
- Disease prevention and treatment
- Community economic development
- Supporting the environment
- Maternal and child health
The Newtowne Players received funding to renovate its theater facilities, including updating restrooms and amenities to ensure accessibility for patrons with mobility challenges. The improvements will help fulfill the group’s mission to promote the arts and foster public appreciation for live theater throughout Southern Maryland.
HOPE (Helpers Overcoming Problems Effectively) was awarded a grant to enhance its food pantry, located at Ascension Episcopal Church in Lexington Park. The funds supported the July 12 completion of a small kitchen and new shelving to create a more welcoming and functional space for clients. HOPE, a collaborative effort of 12 churches, has been assisting residents in financial crisis since the late 1980s.
St. George’s Episcopal Church – Resurrection Parish will use its grant to help produce a 30-minute educational video titled Shall We Gather, which explores the history of enslavement and segregation in St. Mary’s County. The film will be available through the Southern Maryland Folklife Center at St. Mary’s College and distributed to local schools and community groups to spark discussion and understanding of the county’s past.
The Leonardtown Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, a global service organization that supports humanitarian efforts and community development. The club meets Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Leonardtown Town Hall, second floor, 22670 Washington St., Leonardtown, MD 20650. Guests are welcome.
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