David DeMille  | Reporter assisted by AI
Washington County’s Gaming Commission has allocated more than $2.3 million to local emergency services and nonprofit groups through its annual Gaming Fund distribution.
The fiscal 2025 total of $2,347,408.90 was down slightly from last year’s total but will benefit the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and 51 charitable organizations, according to a community announcement.
The fire and rescue association received $1,173,704.45 — half of the available funds — with the other half distributed to local nonprofits.
Dozens of nonprofits receive funding
The Washington County Gaming Commission received 86 funding requests from 75 charitable organizations this year, totaling more than $3.2 million in requested aid, according to the announcement. After review, 21 organizations received full funding, 34 received partial funding and 31 applications were not funded.
The largest allocation went to the Community Free Clinic, which received $200,000. Other top recipients included Washington County Community Action Council with $100,000 and R.E.A.C.H. of Washington County with $75,000.
A public hearing was held in June, followed by an allocation workshop in July to determine funding decisions. The initial disbursement to the fire and rescue association took place in January, with a final allocation in July.
Gaming Fund revenues come from tip jar gambling activities in the county and are allocated in accordance with state law. To learn more about the fund or the Washington County Gaming Commission, visit washco-md.net.
This story was created by David DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
