From emergency assistance to youth development, MASSB Foundation programs create lasting change in the lives of Maryland’s most vulnerable populations.
Data sourced from Candid (GuideStar) and IRS Form 990 filings. MASSB Foundation holds a Platinum Transparency rating from Candid.
Source: Candid / IRS Form 990 • Report generated June 2026 • EIN 26-1192752
Each year, MASSB Foundation recognizes the most innovative and impactful programs from local boards across Maryland. These awards honor excellence in serving vulnerable populations.
The SMART initiative is a collaborative program in Anne Arundel County designed to fill service gaps for youth aging out of foster care. While ten Adult Independence Program (AIP) vouchers were available through the Housing Commission, there was no case management support for these young adults as they transitioned to independent living. In response, the Homeless Services Unit partnered with the Foster Care Unit and Independent Living Coordinator to develop a seamless model that provides housing case management, assistance with applications and housing searches, ongoing communication with the Housing Commission, and follow-up care. The case manager also supports life skills development, including job readiness, budgeting, and mentorship. Funded through county and grant resources, one Housing Case Manager currently serves four youth with capacity for ten annually, making the program cost-effective and replicable. By aligning housing and support services, SMART reduces future homelessness, enhances efficiency, and demonstrates the impact of interagency collaboration in supporting vulnerable youth toward independence.
Foster youth in Prince George’s County often face repeated losses—family separation, placement disruptions, and the death of loved ones—leaving them vulnerable to isolation, academic struggles, and emotional distress. The Bridges of Hope program was developed to meet this need through a partnership between the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Prince George’s County and DSS board members, offering grief-specific support for foster youth. The program includes youth bereavement groups, grief-informed training for CASA volunteers, and workshops for foster parents and caregivers to strengthen home-based support. It also collaborates with schools and community partners to maintain academic stability and connect families with counseling and mentoring resources. Supported by a $1,500 MASSB Foundation award, the initiative will serve 30–35 youth annually, train 15–20 CASA volunteers, and engage 20–25 caregivers. Despite its modest cost, Bridges of Hope yields significant impact by reducing placement disruptions, preventing behavioral crises, and promoting stability. Its volunteer-driven, low-cost structure makes it easily replicable across other Maryland counties using existing CASA and DSS networks.
The Caroline County Department of Social Services (CCDSS) created the Christmas Wish Program in 2018 to ensure that children who were ineligible for The Star Democrat’s Brighter Christmas Fund still received holiday assistance. What began as a response to funding and eligibility gaps has grown into a vital community initiative that has supported 980 children with clothing, books, and other gifts since its inception—including 320 children last year alone, nearly doubling the previous year’s total. The program’s success reflects the generosity of community partners and local businesses that have stepped up to meet the rising demand from families affected by hardship, including displacement, job loss, and emergencies such as house fires. Sustained entirely by community support, the Christmas Wish Program exemplifies the power of compassion and collaboration in ensuring that every child in Caroline County experiences the joy of the holiday season.
This event hosted 240 people including over 80 Resource Families and cost approximately $11,000 to produce. Resource tables featured CASE, NFPA, Paths for Families, and MRPA, bringing together families from all 24 counties in Maryland. The event was designed to show appreciation for Resource Families at a time when the number of resource homes is declining statewide. Events like this demonstrate that Resource Families are appreciated and valued, and give children in care a chance to meet each other and know they are not alone. With the new budget year beginning July 1, 2025, funds were cut from the grant, making it nearly impossible to hold another event of this scale. Despite overwhelming requests to hold another, outside funding will be needed to make it happen again.
The Howard County Board of Social Services partnered with the Department of Social Services (DSS) to transform the children’s play area into a safe, welcoming, and uplifting space for families visiting the agency. Recognizing that parents have more positive experiences when their children are safely engaged, the Board funded new furniture, bookcases, and a colorful rug to revitalize the area. Board Secretary Dr. Alaina Elam collaborated with visual artist Carien Quiroga and the Howard County Detention Center’s Mural Arts Program, where incarcerated individuals learn art techniques and contribute to community projects. Four participants painted a vibrant animal-themed mural on parachute cloth inside the detention center, which was later installed in the DSS play area by the artist, board members, and volunteers. The project not only brightened the space for children but also allowed incarcerated individuals to give back meaningfully to their community. This innovative collaboration serves as a model for other boards seeking to enhance public spaces through creative community partnerships that foster positivity, connection, and renewal.
The Out of Home Division at the Washington County Department of Social Services provides support to children and youth who cannot safely remain in their homes due to abuse or neglect. They provide temporary, nurturing living arrangements, recruit and license resource families, and offer ongoing support. Resource homes—including kinship and foster homes—offer stability and comfort, provide immediate and long-term care, and help children maintain connections with their biological families. This vital work is replicated across all 24 jurisdictions in Maryland. The department actively celebrates these extraordinary individuals and seeks opportunities to express profound appreciation for their unwavering commitment and love, which transforms lives and strengthens communities.
Hear directly from the individuals and families whose lives have been changed by MASSB Foundation grants and programs.
With the generous support of the MASSB Foundation, a group of young students were able to attend camp this summer. We are truly grateful to the Foundation for enriching the lives of these children and our community.
“This clothing grant has been AMAZING! Being able to shop for clothing has been such a tremendous gift to these families and it helps the young students be prepared to learn.”
“The MASSB Foundation helped my son be able to get the dental work he desperately needed to remove teeth that were causing him an immense amount of pain. They were there when every other person and agency turned us away and could not help. I will be forever grateful for their help in my son’s time of need.”
MASSB Foundation funds programs across core areas, ensuring a comprehensive response to the needs of vulnerable Marylanders.
Rapid-response support for families facing homelessness, food insecurity, and utility shutoffs — providing immediate relief during moments of crisis.
Programs protecting children and strengthening families through specialized case management, foster care support, and youth development services.
Supporting young adults aging out of foster care with housing navigation, life skills training, job readiness, and ongoing mentorship.
Protecting the health and dignity of seniors through assistance with medical costs, sanitation, and home safety aids.
Addressing barriers to self-sufficiency such as transportation, job training, and job-appropriate clothing.
Supporting efforts to educate the public on the systemic issues faced by families facing economic hardship.
Read our comprehensive annual impact report to see how donations from individuals, businesses, and community partners made a measurable difference in Maryland in 2025.
The report includes program highlights, financial transparency data, Lifting Lives Award recipients, and a county-by-county breakdown of grants distributed.
Download 2025 Impact Report (PDF)$25 provides emergency food assistance to a family in crisis
$50 funds warm winter clothing for a child living in poverty
$100 helps cover utility assistance for a senior facing shutoff
$250 supports housing costs for a family facing eviction
