We're building something new - for all of us.
Estamos construyendo algo nuevo para todos.
A Community Development Organization (CDO) is a nonprofit that helps improve neighborhoods, supports residents, and brings in funding for local projects.
Dundalk no longer has a CDO. Let's change that, with your input. We’re a group of local community leaders, business owners, and residents coming together to get this effort off the ground.
Take a 3 minute survey to share your thoughts.
-Dundalk Community Organization Steering Committee (Contact@GreaterDundalkCDO.org)
Una Organización de Desarrollo Comunitario (ODC) es una organización sin fines de lucro que ayuda a mejorar los vecindarios, apoya a los residentes y recauda fondos para proyectos locales.
Dundalk ya no tiene un ODC. Con su aporte, podemos cambiar eso. Somos un grupo de líderes comunitarios locales, empresarios y residentes que nos unimos para impulsar esta iniciativa.
Responda una encuesta de 3 minutos para compartir sus opiniones:
- Comité Directivo de la Organización Comunitaria de Dundalk (Contact@GreaterDundalkCDO.org)
Mission of
Greater Dundalk Community Development Organization:
We bring people together to make Greater Dundalk a better place. Through innovative, community-driven initiatives and proven programs, we are committed to fostering a healthy, vibrant, and diverse community that thrives on collaboration, investment, and long-term impact. Together, we will create a legacy of opportunity, prosperity, and resilience for all who call Dundalk home.
Board Member Responsibilities
Governance and Oversight
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Keep the GDCDO focused on its mission, vision, and values.
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Ensure that the GDCDO complies with laws, regulations & ethical standards.
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Establish & review & enforce policies that guide the GDCDO.
Financial Stewardship
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Review and approve annual budgets and financial plans.
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Review financial reports (quarterly), audit and IRS form 990 (both annually)
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Assist in securing financial resources
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Protect the assets of the GDCDO and provide appropriate financial oversight.
Strategic Planning
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Help set long-term goals and incremental steps toward achieving them.
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Evaluate the organization’s performance in achieving goals annually.
Executive Leadership
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Hire the Executive Director, define their core responsibilities, and conduct annual performance reviews.
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Ensure leadership continuity through succession planning.
Advocacy & Ambassadorship
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Promote the organization and advocate for its mission.
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Help build relationships that support the work of GDCDO.
Board Development
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Identify, recruit, and orient new board members.
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Regularly assess the board’s effectiveness.
Personal Engagement
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Attend board meetings and participate/support organizational activities.
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Make a financial commitment that is personally meaningful to you to ensure that there is 100% board giving.
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Act in the best interests of the GDCDO and in accordance with the GDCDO conflict of interest policy.
Download the
Board Member Responsibilities (PDF) and Selection Criteria (PDF)
Board Member Selection Criteria
GDCDO’s Board will reflect the following values:
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A commitment to the GDCDO’s purpose, mission, vision, and value statements (these will be finalized by the new Board). Board members must be interested in the business of the GDCDO as a nonprofit and its continued well-being.
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The time and energy to devote to board duties. Board members are expected to spend time preparing for and attending board meetings and organization events, and to participate on at least one committee.
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A willingness to maintain the responsibility of financial oversight for the GDCDO. Board members serve as financial guardians because they are legally responsible for managing the assets and making financial decisions for the organization they represent. As part of the fiduciary duties and responsibilities, the board must understand the organization’s budget, financial statements, and accounting practices.
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A willingness to promote the work of GDCDO and serve as a public ambassador for its mission, programs, and accomplishments.
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A willingness to contribute financially at a level that is personally meaningful so that GDCDO may maintain 100% Board giving, and a willingness to actively participate in GDCDO fundraising efforts.
GDCDO’s Board will reflect the following expectations:
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Knowledge and proficiency in a variety of disciplines support the board mission. These areas include business, management, legal, financial, human resources, marketing, real estate, the arts, education, community leadership, as well as lived experience.
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The Board will reflect the breadth of backgrounds present in the community. At least three-fourths (75%) of Board members must live or work in the GRCDO target area, while 100% of Board members must live or work in the Baltimore region.
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Board members are expected to maintain a high standard of ethics, integrity, and good faith in collaborating with a variety of perspectives in business, culture, and community. The Board will maintain Directors and Officers Insurance (D&O) to protect individual Board members from personal liability, but D&O does not cover any fraudulent or illegal activities.
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Leadership or team-building experience or potential are key in working with partners such as businesses, clubs, organizations, or teams.
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The commitment to complete an annual Conflicts of Interest Disclosure Statement and to disclose at any time any conflict that may arise, while abstaining from discussions or voting where a conflict exists. Board members will not promote or perform their individual business through the GDCDO.
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Baltimore County Rep: A representative from the Baltimore County government may have a seat on the Board as an Ex Officio but will not hold an officer position or have voting privileges.
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Exclusions: No elected official, staffer, or representative of elected official, and no more than one (1) representative will be permitted for each organization, business, or entity. No more than one (1) member may be included from any one household.
What is a Community Development Organization?
Who is doing this? How Else Can You Be Involved?
What’s a Community Development Organization?
A Community Development Organization (CDO) is a nonprofit that helps improve neighborhoods, supports residents, and brings in funding for local projects. Dundalk no longer has a CDO. We're working to change that—and we want you to be a part of it.
What’s the name of the Community Development Organization?
The Greater Dundalk Community Development Organization (GDCDO). The name reflects the broadest local area to benefit the most people.
Why Does Dundalk Need a Community Development Organization?
Greater Dundalk Community Development Organization (GDCDO) can play a vital role in strengthening the social, economic, and physical fabric of neighborhoods. Here's why that matters:
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CDOs empower local voices and ensure that residents have a say in decisions affecting their lives, fostering grassroots leadership and civic engagement.
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By organizing events, programs, and shared spaces, Greater Dundalk CDO can help build trust and unity among diverse groups.
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A CDO can act as a conduit with county and state government, and advocate for Dundalk through funding, technical assistance, and partnerships from public and private sources – specifically for local benefit.
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Greater Dundalk CDO will address local needs and drive change by focusing on long-term improvements, like economic development, affordable housing, job training, and other issues. A CDO can tailor solutions to the unique challenges of the Dundalk community.
Who’s putting the CDO together?
We’re a group of local community leaders, business owners, and residents coming together to get this effort off the ground, and before turning governance over to a permanent Board.
Wasn’t there already a Dundalk CDO?
Yes, the Dundalk Renaissance Corporation served this area for 23 years but they have now closed.
This effort is not affiliated with that organization.
What’s the building process and timeline?
We hope to establish the Greater Dundalk CDO by November 2025, and to keep that schedule, we need to recruit a founding Board of Directors of 7 to 13 individuals with a deep sense of commitment and various skill sets. That’s why we recently provided a short survey to determine community priorities and to recruit volunteers including Board candidates. Once there is initial governance, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and other documentation the CDO can be established.
How can I help?
We would love your participation in establishing the organization, it’s mission, and it’s governance. That support can come from your engagement – both physical and financial.