Long-time Board Member and Donor Greg Strott Reflects CFAAC Growth

Greg Strott finds the most rewarding aspect of philanthropy is knowing that he and his wife, Trish, were able to help someone. It’s a big reason why he has been involved with the CFAAC for most of its 23 years.

“I’ve been successful in life and it’s nice to be able to help people,” he said. “Just knowing that someone benefitted from our gift – whether it be a person or an organization – is rewarding.”

When Greg joined the Board in 1999, CFAAC was an idea that needed nurturing and funding. “The late Carol Thompson was the driver back then and she had a vision that the Community Foundation was something that Anne Arundel County needed,” he said. “She came from a thriving community foundation in New England and knew what one could do. So, we followed her vision.”

That was 22 years ago, and while times were tough and finances were tight back then, Greg and Trish had confidence in CFAAC – so much so that they established the organization’s first Donor Advised Fund. “I served on the board, and felt it was important to have a named fund. If you want donors to support your mission – then you have to believe in what you are doing and put up your money,” he said, and added that Trish encouraged him to join the board and support CFAAC’s efforts. “She’s the one who always says, ‘You should do that. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t do that.’”

In its early years, the Community Foundation faced many challenges, including increasing visibility and cultivating trustworthy relationships with donors, nonprofit leaders, and other stakeholders. But as the organization started to grow roots, CFAAC began to see new possibilities and the community began to see the benefits. “Back then, a lot of people were confused about our role – not realizing that in addition to opening Donor Advised Funds, part of our mission is to support and strengthen the local nonprofit sector.”

Greg remained on the board until 2010 when his bustling business pulled him away. In 2016, re-joined the board and was pleased to see what CFAAC had accomplished over the years, including becoming more self-sufficient and sustainable.

“The money is well-managed at the Community Foundation. It’s taken care of, and it’s not put at great risk,” he said. “Creating a Donor Advised Fund at a community foundation versus a wealth management institution provides me with a sense of local pride. The camaraderie of the organization has allowed me to get to know the staff and become friends with them. That’s an advantage.”