Maryland Senators Request New Funding for Civic Works
The nonprofit faces scrutiny over audit findings as senators seek $1 million for facility upgrades.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy
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U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen have requested $1 million in federal funding for the Baltimore-based nonprofit Civic Works. The request comes despite recurring audit findings concerning the organization's grant compliance and financial reporting that date back to 2017.
Why it matters
The funding request highlights ongoing questions regarding the oversight of nonprofits that receive significant taxpayer support. Lawmakers select projects for federal recommendations based on community feedback, but these choices face increased scrutiny when recipients have documented financial reporting issues.
Civic Works has received $145 million in taxpayer funding over the past decade, including more than $18 million in federal grants since 2009. Executive director Dana Stein saw his salary grow by 140% to reach $231,000 in 2024.
The players
Angela Alsobrooks
She is a U.S. Senator representing the state of Maryland.
Chris Van Hollen
He is a U.S. Senator representing the state of Maryland who has requested millions for the organization.
Dana Stein
He serves as the executive director of Civic Works and is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates.
Civic Works
It is a Baltimore-based nonprofit that receives recurring federal, state, and local taxpayer funding.
The details
The proposed $1 million in federal support is earmarked specifically for facility upgrades at the organization. Civic Works, where executive director Dana Stein also serves as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, continues to manage federal grants while under the shadow of persistent audit flags regarding fiscal reporting.
Timeline
Civic Works began receiving federal funding in 2009.
Executive director Dana Stein earned $96,000 in 2014.
Audit findings regarding grant compliance were first flagged in 2017.
Executive director Dana Stein earned $231,000 in 2024.
Market Landscape
The funding request operates within the formal constraints of the Senate Appropriations Committee funding process. This project highlights how political entities allocate capital to local nonprofits despite recurring questions about institutional financial health.
Residents in Baltimore may see federal tax dollars directed toward facility upgrades for a local nonprofit despite ongoing compliance concerns. This situation impacts how the public views the distribution of community-focused funding to organizations with flagged audit histories.
The takeaway
Transparency in financial reporting is essential for nonprofits that rely heavily on taxpayer support to function. Organizations should prioritize rectifying recurring audit flags to maintain public trust and ensure the continued responsible use of federal funding.
Further reading
Read more about non-profit oversight and local impact on the Baltimore Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBFF.
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