Every minute of every day, three acres of farmland disappear in the US. Deeply engaged in safeguarding Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve, MCA advocates for land and transportation policies that encourage farmland preservation, forest protection, and improved water quality — for the benefit of the entire region. MCA works to support current farmers and add to their ranks; to advocate for regenerative agriculture practices (those that enrich produce and improve, rather than degrade, the land); and to increase the presence of local food in area markets, restaurants, schools, and food banks. Additionally, Land Link programs match new, diverse farmers with long-term leases on local farmland, and a reforestation program safeguards air and water. MCA ensures that politicians, students, and the public are educated about the economic and social value of local farms and the necessity of growing cities and farms in harmony.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: MD-Montgomery County; MD-Frederick County; Poolesville; Darnestown; Clarksburg; Boyds; Dickerson; Barnesville

Population(s) Served: All

Schools They Work In: Poolesville High School Global Ecology Program; Damascus High School; Sherwood High School; A partnership between MCA and the MoCo Farm Bureau is bringing Mobile Ag Lab is bringing hands-on agriculture experiences to every Montgomery County Elementary School Student over the next 5 years.


  • Acreage of new farm business through our Land Link Program :   400
  • # of High School Students per year reached by our Ag Ed Program:   200
  • MCPS Elementary Students reached by Mobile Ag Labs:   31,500 (so far)

Awards & Recognition

2019 Joe Howard Award Environmental Award
2019 Montgomery Magazine Charity of the Year
2012 Wayne Goldstien Award, Montgomery Civic Federation
2009 Montgomery County Park and Planning Cert. of Excellence
2005 Montgomery County Park and Planning Cert. of Excellence

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for Montgomery Countryside Alliance is: Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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