Supporting Those Who Make a Difference
The Annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival is more than a celebration, it’s a movement dedicated to honoring history while investing in the future. Each year, proceeds from the Festival support organizations that are actively making an impact across our great county, especially those serving underrepresented and underserved communities. Stay tuned—applications for our 2026 Juneteenth Opportunity Grant will open in Spring 2026.
Congratulations to Our 2025 Juneteenth Opportunity Grant Recipients!
We are proud to celebrate our 2025 recipients of the Juneteenth Opportunity Grant—organizations whose work uplifts, empowers, and preserves Black history, culture, and community. Each recipient is a testament to the power of local leadership and community-driven impact.
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DOVES Academy
DOVES Academy is a private, nonprofit organization committed to uplifting communities and inspiring positive change. Their work spans a variety of initiatives that promote empowerment, education, and social good.
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Sandy Spring Slave Museum & African Art Gallery
The Sandy Spring Slave Museum & African Art Gallery is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and cultural heritage of Africans and African Americans—from African origins and the Middle Passage to the civil rights movement and beyond. Located in Montgomery County, the museum also fosters cross-cultural understanding and highlights the significant contributions of African Americans both locally and nationally.
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480 CARES
480 Cares is a nonprofit providing culturally enriching and supervised learning experiences for youth and teens through sports and enrichment programs. Their mission is to make learning fun and purposeful—helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, academic success, and lifelong values centered around health and wellness.
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Friends of Moses Hall
Founded in 2020, Friends of Moses Hall works to preserve the historic Morningstar Tabernacle No. 88 Moses Cemetery and Hall—an African American burial site threatened by Maryland’s I-495 expansion project. The nonprofit organization leads restoration efforts, research, education, and community engagement to protect this sacred ground and raise awareness of racial injustice tied to infrastructure projects.
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Agape Gibson Grove
Agape Gibson Grove, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was formed with a vision to build a network of supporters committed to uplifting communities that have long been denied social justice. Their mission is rooted in helping people rise above adversity, social inequality, and economic disparities. Through purposeful education, expanded access, and bold opportunities, Agape Gibson Grove seeks to awaken a conscious commitment to collective growth. Their work aims to create lasting value, promote forbearance, and foster community elevation.
Our Impact So Far
2023 – We raised $60,000 for the historic AME Zion Scotland Church.
2024 – We expanded our efforts, raising $68,347.19 for the church and awarding $5,000 each to five incredible organizations across the county, including:
Emory Grove United Methodist Church: Emory Grove was originally founded by freed African Americans in 1864. The church is one of the few remaining historical structures of the historic community. Learn More
1Up Handles: 1Uphandles is a nonprofit organization that run after school programs, summer camps, and clinics for school age kids. Learn More
Soul in Motion: Soul In Motion Players is a nonprofit performing arts organization specializing in African Dance, African Drumming, Theatre, and Spoken Word. Learn More
Future Stars: Future Stars Sports is a nonprofit sports organization that offers basketball and cheerleading to empower youth by fostering personal growth, teamwork, and community engagement. Learn More
Reach Beyond Basketball: Reach Beyond Basketball is a nonprofit dedicated to teaching young people the concept of "reaching beyond" their comfort zone to reach their full potential on the court, in the classroom, and life in general. Learn More