Charles County Charitable Trust Honors 2025 Nonprofit Impact Award Winners

LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Charitable Trust honored outstanding contributors to the local nonprofit community during its inaugural 2025 Nonprofit Impact Awards, presented at the organization’s Holiday Party on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. The event recognized volunteers, collaborators and nonprofit leaders whose work strengthens critical services across the county.

Ahead of the ceremony, the Trust opened public nominations for the first-year awards program and asked the community to recommend individuals who help drive local missions forward. Residents were encouraged to nominate anyone playing a meaningful role in nonprofit work — employees, volunteers, supporters, partners or friends — whose dedication helps organizations serve the community effectively.

Nominations were accepted through Nov. 7 for five categories: Volunteer of the Year, Collaborator of the Year, Nonprofit Rising Star, Philanthropy Champion and the Vivian Mills Lifetime Achievement in Service Award.

2025 Nonprofit Impact Award Winners

Ruth Proffitt — 2025 Vivian Mills Lifetime Achievement Award
Proffitt is the program director at Poiema Movement, a Charles County nonprofit providing transitional housing and support services for women.

Lisa Ambers — 2025 Volunteer of the Year
Ambers is the founder of Beyond the Classroom, Inc., an organization delivering youth programs and educational support across Charles County.

Blackie Wills — Philanthropy Champion
Wills and the Wills Group were recognized for volunteerism and community support benefiting Melwood and related service programs.

Jennifer Pulanco — 2025 Collaborator of the Year
Pulanco leads Hooks & Hangers Thrift Store, which supports Spring Dell Center’s mission of increasing independence and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Rochelle Campbell — 2025 Nonprofit Rising Star Award
Campbell is the founder of Toiletry and Company, Inc., a small nonprofit supplying hygiene essentials to local youth.

The Charitable Trust also recognized dozens of nominees whose work spans community service, philanthropy, youth empowerment, nonprofit leadership and organizational collaboration.

The full list of nominees and winners was shared by the Charitable Trust ahead of the event, allowing the community to join in congratulating the many individuals who help drive nonprofit missions throughout Charles County.

About the Charles County Charitable Trust

Founded in 2016, the Charles County Charitable Trust manages the county’s grant application and award process for local nonprofits, with funding provided by the Charles County Board of Commissioners. The Trust oversees grant compliance and impact through monitoring and site visits, while also offering workshops and training on fundraising, communications and nonprofit sustainability.

In fiscal year 2025, the Trust awarded more than $1 million in grants to 47 organizations, plus an additional $62,830 in microgrants to 13 groups. The year prior, $879,500 was distributed to 54 nonprofits. In total, the Trust supports programs ranging from health care and education to community services, ensuring charitable dollars reach residents across Charles County.

Learn more at charlesnonprofits.org.

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