DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Carroll H. Hynson Foundation

Heart disease is a leading cause of death among African Americans, a fact which motivated Mr. Carroll H. Hynson to help save lives by making a grant through his Donor Advised Fund at CFAAC. This grant will support the cost of a new AED machine to Fresh Start Church in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Mr. Hynson's partnership with the community foundation began as a founding board member, and he went on to establish his own Donor Advised Fund, the Carrol H. Hynson Foundation, in 2005. As a long-time philanthropist, his fund contributions appreciate, tax-free until he is ready to advise a grant to an IRS approved charity of his choice. CFAAC Donor Advised Funds create simple ways to administer donors' philanthropic wishes, both large and small. Mr. Hynson is not only generous in his giving but also with his time, having volunteered as the “voice” of the Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon, having served as emcee for ten years. 

This most recent grant is the third time Mr. Hynson has funded an AED machine for an Anne Arundel County church. Mr. Hynson shared that he is particularly concerned because of the high attendance of elderly parishioners in predominately African American congregations. The pastor Fresh Start Church, Bishop Craig N. Coats, is very appreciative of the grant from the Carroll H. Hynson Foundation fund. Not only will this defibrillator have the potential to save someone’s life amid a cardiac episode, but Bishop Coats also plans to leverage this gift in his application for the Houses of Worship Safety Grant, which requires applicant churches to have an AED machine on their premises. The grant is designed to help cover the costs of protecting churches from fire, medical, active shooter, and other emergencies.