In times of challenge, uncertainty or transition, community foundations can bring people together for a common cause: the community. Community foundations serve as a trusted resource and nonprofit funder so when communities need to unite to support those in need, they can help by stewarding funds, delivering information, bridging diverse groups, addressing crisis and critical immediate needs, providing educational programming and recognizing local philanthropy. There are currently over 900 community foundations nationwide* with more than 13 in Maryland.

Stewarding Funds

Community Foundations such as the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) ensure that grant funds are strategically allocated to address the most pressing community needs. This includes supporting nonprofits that assist people affected by change, particularly those serving marginalized groups disproportionately impacted by transition, and safeguarding the sustainability of critical nonprofit programs. For example, when the head of a household loses their job, they face tough questions about rent, bills, food and childcare. Knowing that they can go to local nonprofits for essentials like food, job training and clothing offers relief. Community Foundations play a vital role by ensuring these nonprofits fair and reliable funding.

CFAAC ensures that all of its funds are carefully managed to meet immediate needs and long-term goals. We are proud to have renewed our Community Foundations National Standards® accreditation, reflecting the highest standards of philanthropic excellence. This rigorous process requires community foundations to thoroughly document their policies on donor services, investments, grantmaking and administration. With this reaccreditation, donors and nonprofits can trust CFAAC to continue stewarding contributions responsibly and effectively for Anne Arundel County.

Delivering Information

Community foundations also collaborate with nonprofits and government agencies to actively gather and communicate information about emerging needs and opportunities to meet those needs. For example, CFAAC produces the Community Needs Assessment Report, Poverty Amidst Plenty, every three years by gathering pertinent data, analyzing community trends and identifying needs.Once compiled, we provide this imperative information to nonprofit organizations, the community and policymakers so they can adapt to changes effectively. In fact, the next needs assessment is scheduled to be published this year.

Bridging Diverse Groups

Community foundations act as a neutral party to bring together people from different socioeconomic backgrounds and different parts of the county to build understanding and foster collaboration. They can leverage local knowledge, distribute funds equitably and support initiatives that promote unity. By engaging diverse groups, community foundations can help align goals, build trust and create new paths for collective progress.

Addressing Crisis and Critical Immediate Needs

Community foundations foster collaboration among nonprofits and public agencies to address critical needs. CFAAC’s Community Crisis Response Fund, established in 2018, offers flexible funding to support urgent Anne Arundel County needs during times of immediate crisis such as violent incidents, natural disasters or other crisis in our community. 

Since its inception, the fund has been activated twice, the first being when the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis was attacked by a gunman who killed five and injured two. And in 2020 it allowed us to swiftly accept charitable contributions and distribute grants to combat the COVID-19 crisis. In response to the pandemic, CFAAC disbursed nearly 300 rapid-response grants, totaling more than $2.7 million, benefiting 149 unique nonprofits. These grants supported initiatives that addressed food security, basic human needs, housing insecurity and homelessness.

Providing educational programming

Community foundations continually provide nonprofits and community members with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their communities’ challenges. CFAAC’s programs help participants learn how to move forward confidently with the help of community resources. For example, CFAAC offers programs for community members such as estate planning and mental health training. And by collaborating with local agencies to educate nonprofits—from the business of running a nonprofit including leadership and board development to workshops on effective grant writing and addressing emerging social issues—we provide nonprofits with the education and skills they need to succeed. 

Celebrating local philanthropy and community involvement

Community foundations often highlight community achievements through storytelling, press releases, events and recognition programs. At CFAAC, we do all of this as well as recognize local philanthropists at our annual Celebration of Philanthropy. By celebrating the good, we acknowledge the dedication and compassion that exists in our community in order to create a ripple effect of goodwill. And in times when we need to most—during transition, crisis, local, national and world issues of concern—we aspire to support the community so we can move forward together.

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), publicly supported philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent funds that provide support to local nonprofit organizations through grants and special projects. Our mission is to inspire and promote giving in Anne Arundel County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1998, CFAAC is one of the largest funders of nonprofit organizations in Anne Arundel County. CFAAC distributes $5 to $7 million annually.

This article was originally published in the Capital Gazette on January 19, 2025.