Rural Maryland Council Newsletter

Fall 2026 | Updates, Insights & Impact
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Photo: Dr. James Bell (Director of Instruction, Academic Support & Community Well-Being, BAAM), Stacy Kubofcik (Assistant Director, MARBIDCO), Megan D'Arcy (Program Administrator, RMC), Leeza DeCheubel (Program Coordinator, RMC), Dina Gomes Daly (Executive Director, BAAM) and Jaelon Moaney (Vice Chair, Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture) at the 49th Annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake, on September 23, 2026, in Crisfield, Maryland.
 

Message from the Board Chair Susan O'Neill and Executive Director Charlotte Davis

As we reflect on the past quarter, we are grateful for the continued engagement and support of our partners, members, and communities across rural Maryland. We’ve been busy all summer with events like the MML Summer Conference, Maryland Commodity Classic, MACo Summer Conference, Maryland State Fair, J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake, and Crabs for a Cause. On September 25, the Rural Maryland Council hosted its Executive Board Meeting at the Maryland Department of Agriculture in Annapolis, bringing together more than 70 attendees, including candidates running for election in Maryland. The meeting provided an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and discuss issues important to rural Maryland.


The Rural Maryland Council is helping local organizations turn good ideas into grant-ready projects. Following a strong response with 33 applicants, 20 organizations were selected for the 2026 Rural Readiness Program Cohort. Through a series of virtual sessions, participants will receive grant-writing training, technical assistance, and guidance on project development, partnerships, and funding opportunities. The program is designed to strengthen participants' grant readiness and prepare them to apply for the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) program for Fiscal Year 2028.


We will soon announce the first round of awardees for the Fiscal Year 2027 Rural Health Transformation Grant recipients. The Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program invests in rural communities to improve health outcomes, strengthen local systems, and address the root causes of poor health. The new program is funded through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.


We are also excited to announce that Shaniyah Houston has joined the Rural Maryland Council as a Communications Assistant! Shaniyah brings an extensive background in journalism, media production, and digital storytelling. She is excited to use her communication expertise to help highlight the people, programs, and communities that make rural Maryland thrive. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team!


Looking ahead, we remain focused on strengthening partnerships and supporting the people, businesses, and communities that make rural Maryland strong. We are also excited to celebrate the individuals and organizations making a difference through our upcoming Impact Awards. As always, we strive to collaborate across federal, state, and local governments, as well as with for-profit, nonprofit, and grassroots organizations, to improve the quality of life for all of rural Maryland.


Thank you for your continued partnership as we build on the progress of this past quarter and look toward the months ahead. We want to hear your thoughts and ideas, so please feel free to contact us at (410) 841-5772 or rmc.mda@maryland.gov.

Sincerely,

Susan O'Neill

RMC Board Chair

Charlotte Davis

RMC Executive Director
 

Nominations Now Open for the 26th Rural Impact Awards
 

The Rural Maryland Council will host its 26th Rural Impact Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, during the Executive Board Meeting. The awards recognize individuals and organizations whose dedication and service have made a meaningful difference in rural communities across Maryland.



Award categories include:

  • Rural Community Volunteer
  • Rural Economic Development
  • Rural Community Development
  • Rural Champion



Do you know someone who has made a positive impact in rural Maryland? Submit a nomination and help us recognize their contributions!
View award criteria and submit a nomination here >>>

Please note that the nomination deadline is Friday, November 6, 2026

RMC Sponsorship Opportunities


Did you know RMC sponsors events? Have an event or initiative where you would like to see RMC involved? We would love to hear from you! You can now submit your request through our new Sponsorship Process by completing the Sponsorship Request Form. Let’s collaborate to support and elevate Maryland’s rural communities.
Start Sponsorship Application 

Photo: Megan D’Arcy, Program Administrator with the Rural Maryland Council, at the 28th Annual Maryland Commodity Classic in Centreville, Maryland, held July 23, 2026, at Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park.
 

Rural Maryland Foundation

Rural Maryland suffers from the highest unemployment in the state as well as high poverty rates. Citizens lack access to transportation and health care providers. Help us change that.

We have a simple mission: to support the efforts of citizens and government to meet the economic and social needs of rural Maryland; to serve as the Maryland Rural Development Council if the Rural Maryland Council ceases to function in that role and to support the efforts of the Rural Maryland Council.​​
Learn More

Want to Get More Involved?

Our committees are always looking for new members!


Upcoming Meeting Dates:

  • Tuesday, October 20 - Transfer of Wealth Advisory Committee Meeting
  • Thursday, November 5 - RMC Rural Housing Working Committee Meeting
  • Wednesday, November 9- RMC Youth Engagement Committee Meeting
  • Wednesday, November 18 - RMC Health Committee Meeting
  • Thursday, November 19 - RMC Joint Planning and Development Committee Meeting
  • Friday, November 20- RMC Executive Committee Meeting
  • Thursday, December 3-Rural Readiness Program: Partnerships & Resources


If you’re interested in joining a committee, let us know, we’d be happy to get you connected!

Spotlight on Rural Maryland

Upcoming Events

Community Links

Check out what's happening in rural Maryland...


Other Grants and Programs

Fairs, Festivals, and Fun


Email: rmc.mda@maryland.gov to share links to your events and programs.

Trek or Treat Sponsorship Opportunities

Event Overview

Halloween is fast approaching! The Tree Group in Frederick is preparing for its annual Trek or Treat event, and sponsorship opportunities are now available for local businesses interested in supporting the event and gaining valuable visibility in the community.

Last year, the Tree Group sold 800 Trek or Treat tickets and welcomed nearly 2,000 customers throughout October, offering excellent brand recognition for participating businesses. This year, there will be six separate Trek or Treat event days.

We are sharing these sponsorship opportunities on behalf of the Tree Group to help connect local businesses with this popular community event.


Sponsorship Details

Decorations in your designated landing zone will be visible to all customers, not just those participating in Trek or Treat. Candy buckets will be placed for you on event days, so there’s no need to be onsite. You are welcome to display promotional signs or marketing materials alongside your decorations, and you may include a coupon or promotional item in the Trek or Treat Bags.

Each sponsorship includes a logo and link to your business on our website. Social Media posts, mentions, and shout outs. Advertising on our Pre –roll video before climbers climb. The opportunity to be onsite with a marketing table on event days if you would like, not required, just an optional perk. Free Trek or Treating for your immediate family (yourself and your children) on our partner days: 10/30 and 10/31.


Sponsorship Levels

Sponsorship fees will go directly toward event advertising, with the goal of making this our biggest year yet!

  • Premium Landing Zone Sponsor: 4 prime spots at the front ($200 plus 4 Sam’s Club–size bags of candy, decorations, promotional materials)
  • Zipline Landing Zone Sponsor: 6 larger landing zones with ample space ($100 plus 4 Sam’s Club–size bags of candy, decorations, promotional materials)
  • Tru-Blue Landing Zone Sponsor: 8 smaller landing zones (4 Sam’s Club–size bags of candy, decorations, promotional materials)
  • Non-profit Sponsor: Unlimited spots along the fence line and ground stations for young participants (2 Sam’s Club–size bags of candy, decorations, promotional materials)
  • New this year-$500 sponsorship and we do everything for you! We will decorate your landing zone, print your sign, and get your candy.


Additional Information

Your partnership and support are essential to the success of Trek or Treat. All spots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so please let us know your preferred sponsorship level as soon as possible. Event set-up will take place from October 12 to October 15, and further details will be provided soon.

Trek or Treat Event Schedule

  • Friday, October 16: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 17: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday, October 23: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 24: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday, October 30: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 31: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Home School Trek or Treat Dates

  • Friday, October 23: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

If you’re interested in being listed as a sponsor, you don’t need to be present onsite for Trek or Treat event days unless you’d like to. If you’d like to participate, please send your logo as a PNG file and include a link to either your social media page or website. We’ll add you to our sponsors section on our website, and your logo will link to your preferred site or social profile.


Decoration Guidelines and Signage Recommendations

  • Sturdy Decorations: Decorations will remain outdoors for three weeks, so ensure they are durable and weather-resistant. Secure items using tape, zip ties, or string. Please refrain from using nails or staples.
  • Signage: Banners or signs featuring your business logo and website are recommended for maximum visibility. You may choose to use your regular marketing signs or opt for a Halloween-themed design. Incorporating QR codes is highly encouraged to facilitate customer engagement.
  • Printing Resources: Hood Print offers reasonably priced outdoor banners and yard signs suitable for this event.



Set up for Trek or Treat is the week off Monday, October 12th through Thursday, October 15th. The preferred set-up hours are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; however, if these times do not work for you, arrangements can be made to accommodate set-up outside of these hours.
Click here for more: Halloween Trek Or Treat October 2026

Rural Maryland Council is an independent state agency and Maryland's federally designated State Rural Development Council under the United States Department of Agriculture's National Rural Development Partnership. Our mission is to bring together federal, state, county, and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to identify challenges unique to rural communities and to develop and implement policy solutions. As a collaborative partnership, the RMC operates under the guidance of a 40-member Executive Board, in a nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory manner.


Rural Maryland Council | 410-841-5772 | rmc.mda@maryland.gov | http://www.rural.maryland.gov/

50 Harry S. Truman Parkway

Annapolis, MD 21401

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