More than 300 people, representing more than 100 nonprofits and governmental organizations from across Maryland participated in the inaugural Bridging Communities Conference at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County on Thursday. The conference was a collaborative effort between the Office of the Comptroller, Maryland Nonprofits, United Way of Central Maryland, the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI), Health LeadHer, and the Maryland Department of General Services.

Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman discussed the Office of the Comptroller's work and how the agency can build strong partnerships with nonprofits to better serve the people of Maryland. 

“Our new vision is that we aim to work in partnership to build a state that is more equitable, more resilient, and more prosperous so that every Marylander can reach their full potential,” Comptroller Lierman shared. “Partnership is first in that because it’s so key to doing anything meaningful in this day and age. You and I know progress is not inevitable, but with partners by our side, we can  progress.” 

Comptroller Brooke Lierman spoke to a gathering of nonprofit leaders Thursday at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Left to right: Heather Iliff, president and CEO of Maryland Nonprofits; Franklyn Baker, president and CEO, Untied Way of Central Maryland; Maryland Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation Paul Monteiro; and Gregory D. Yancey, chief of staff for the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives.

The conference was designed to facilitate meaningful connections between nonprofit organizations and give attendees the knowledge, tools, and resources to access resources and tools that would help them address challenges, support the sustainability of their organizations, and position them for long-term success. 

“Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in tackling community inequities while paving the road for a more sustainable society,” United Way of Central Maryland President and CEO Franklyn Baker said. “The goal of the Bridging Communities Conference is to better equip nonprofits with the knowledge and resources they need, so they can continue to transform the lives of the people they serve for the better.” 

Organizers are Develop an impact report to share highlights and outcomes from the conference. 

Attendees network during the Bridging Communities Conference on June, 6, 2024.