Good Neighbor Day

Each year, Good Neighbor Day partners support community-nominated projects that bring Marylanders together in a hands-on effort to create lasting impact across College Park our and surrounding communities. 

Projects, nominated and facilitated by community partners, unite hundreds of volunteers to take action to support local priorities.

• Project nomination period: July 6 to August 9
• Selection notification: August 28
• Group registration begins: September 14
• General registration period: September 21 to October 13
• Food drive collection: September 28 to October 22
• Good Neighbor Day: October 24

Requirements

Good Neighbor Day projects are required to:

1. Occur on Saturday, October 24, 2026
2. Occur in or in neighboring communities to College Park, Maryland. Previous projects have occurred numerous municipalities including College Park, Hyattsville, Langley Park, Greenbelt, Berwyn Heights, Riverdale Park, and New Carrollton, and more.
3. Enhance community space or knowledge
4. Have an educational component for volunteers
5. Last between 2.5 and 3.5 hours
6. Align with at least one of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals
7. Have a maintenance plan post-Good Neighbor Day, if applicable

Eligibility

Any person or organization can nominate a Good Neighbor Day project. Nominations tied to an active organization or dedicated volunteer group are welcome. Need to be connected to a volunteer group or team? We will help!

Over 15 years, GND has hosted many types of volunteer projects and encourage creativity, making most types of projects eligible for selection. Previous projects include (but are not limited to): 

• Litter clean ups
• Tree, shrub, or plant installations
• Invasive plant removals
• Wildflower Seed Balls DIY activities
• Food bank assistance
• Donation drives such as food, baby care items, school supplies, coats, or backpacks
• Cat adoption meet & greets
• Youth literacy or mentorship events
• Knowledge or skill exchanges such as knitting or sewing
• Tech, Media, or AI literacy programs
• Art and creative workshops
• Historical document transcription
• Community health fairs
• Community sport events
• Free hair cut events

If your project is selected, we, Good Neighbor Day organizing partners, will:

• Supply tools and materials necessary to complete the project
• Promote project on website and social media
• Provide volunteer registration, communication, and necessary waivers

Project leaders, you, agree to:

• Serve as the main point of contact throughout planning and execution of project
• Assist in volunteer recruitment
• Lead and welcome volunteers on Good Neighbor Day
• Attend one (1) hour project leader orientation
• Complete a post-event brief using a provided guided form

GND Planning Committee is a volunteer-based group of stakeholders from across College Park Park and beyond, including: University of Maryland, City of College Park, MNCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation Prince George's County, College Park City University Partnership, College Park Community Food Bank, Lakeland Civic Association, and the Langley Park Civic Association.

Interested in serving? Email us at thecenter@umd.edu.