Federated Charities provides bricks and mortar and infrastructure support for local nonprofits. They operate a center where 14+ nonprofits maintain offices and program space and offer technical support and sponsorship to new and emerging nonprofits in the community.
A conversation with Executive Director, Elin Ross
Tell us Federated Charities’ origin story.
112 years ago this month a group of individuals decided that it would be much more effective and impactful if community services were provided under the umbrella of a single organization. Today we call that a nonprofit center and Federated Charities is not only the only one in Frederick but we are also one of the longest continually operating charitable societies in the US.
The “umbrella” is our building located in the heart of Frederick where we keep the roof up and the lights on for our nonprofit tenants so they can provide necessary services every day for individuals and families. We know how important the safety net is to the individuals who walk through our doors every day and our center exists to provide services to anyone who needs them…now or in the future
What do you like most about being an organization based in Frederick?
Our beautiful old building is one of the best things and on some days one of the most challenging things about being a business in Frederick. The large black dog on our front steps is one of the most recognizable icons downtown and not only highlights our location for our clients but also allows us to talk about the needs that too many families continue to face in our community
What makes Federated Charities unique?
As part of a network of nonprofit centers across the country, we are certainly not the only one operating in an historic building but we are one of the few whose building was gifted to our organization in the early 1900’s specifically to be used as a nonprofit hub. We think that’s part of what makes Frederick special, now and in the past, that a person or group of people had the vision for what their community could be…and then made it happen.
What do you want Federated Charities to be known for?
We want to be known for supporting the efforts of a transparent sector, engaged with the greater business community and committing the time and energy toward making Frederick a special place for all its residents. We also want people to know that nonprofit work isn’t simply about working with people who are hungry, homeless or poor…nonprofits exist in our community to provide a wide range of services that make life better for everyone. Any one of us might someday need the emergency services that our tenants provide but other tenants in our center maintain historic sites, build museums, offer art and cultural programming, teach children to sing, find jobs, support seniors and an entire spectrum of activities that most of us never think of. Together we form a community we all want to live in.
What ways can people in the community support Federated Charities?
If you need space to hold a meeting or a small event, the Federated Charities building may have space for you to rent. During the winter months we put mittens and gloves on our Market Street fence for people who need them, we accept mitten donations throughout the year. And, like every nonprofit, we are always searching for board and committee members who want to pay it forward. Anyone can walk past the dog statue, snap a picture and share it on our social media (please don’t climb on the dog!-)
What does Federated Charities do best?
We maintain beautiful space for nonprofits. Our hope is that the staff of the organizations who walk into this building know that this is where they will do their best work. For the larger Frederick community, this building was gifted to all of us and exists as a place where people can access the kinds of services that make life better for all of us.
Have any exciting things coming up that you’d like to share?
Our 112th birthday is on March 25th!
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