A MESSAGE FROM CFAAC REGARDING COVID-19 RESPONSE
Governor Larry Hogan has announced major actions to try to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, including closing public schools, bars, restaurants, movie theaters, casinos and gyms, and prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people. (Read more here). Like everyone else, the board and staff of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) have been closely monitoring the outbreak and we have been discussing what actions our organization should take to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Effective Monday, March 16, CFAAC will be implementing policies and practices that promote responsible "Social Distancing", such as canceling events, programs, reducing or eliminating in-person meetings, and our staff will be working remotely. This is a very concerning time for all of us and we want to protect the health and safety of our staff, fundholders, and their families as well as do our part to “Flatten the Curve” of the virus.
All of us in the office feel a commitment to helping the community as we are able, through our work with CFAAC. Our priority as a funder is to be responsive to the needs of our local nonprofits. We will stay in close contact with local organizations that are working directly with Anne Arundel County's most vulnerable individuals, including seniors, homeless shelters, residential programs for people with disabilities and mental health needs, and food banks, as these groups may feel the pressure first due to an immediate need.
We are encouraging our donors to consider making a gift to CFAAC's Community Crisis Response Fund so that we are prepared with funding for emergencies in the community as they arise. The Community Crisis Response Fund was established to provide flexible financial assistance for needs immediately following a violent incident, natural disaster or other crisis in our community. Funding will go to Anne Arundel County nonprofits, and/or county agencies and departments to support community safety, well-being and resiliency.
We appreciate your understanding and patience during this challenging time. As this crisis continues to evolve, and as we learn more from the nonprofits that we serve, we will share that information with the community. We also encourage our community to reach out to local nonprofits to inquire about supporting their missions directly.
CFAAC is committed to ensuring that our donors and local nonprofits continue to receive excellent service. Although CFAAC's office is temporarily closed, our work will go on uninterrupted. If you need immediate assistance, please contact us directly.
Mary Spencer, President & CEO, mary@cfaac.org
Amy Francis, Development Director, amy@cfaac.org
Taylor Milbradt, Finance & Operations Director, taylor@cfaac.org
Kristen Krall, Grants & Scholarship Manager, kristen@cfaac.org
Ashley Robison St. Clair, Marketing & Communications Manager, ashley@cfaac.org
Learn more about how Anne Arundel County is handling COVID-19: Read about Anne Arundel County Virtual Town Halls.