Connection. It’s a word that has great meaning to the Burrows.

“We have strong bonds with our families and we remain connected to them,” said Dawne.  “We also enjoy being connected to our respective colleges by funding scholarships, and now are pleased to be more connected with our local community through the Community Foundation.”

 Larry added, “We’ve been involved in philanthropy for a while, but when the pandemic hit, we wanted to be more intentional in our local giving efforts.”

 Fortuitously, they ran into an acquaintance who told them about the Community Foundation; they both wanted to become involved.  Larry became a CFAAC Board member. Dawne joined CFAAC’s giving circle, Anne Arundel Women Giving Together.

“We wanted to be more engaged locally and we had confidence that CFAAC could help us make better connections,” said Larry, who with Dawne opened a Donor Advised Fund at CFAAC in 2022. After opening the fund, the Burrows sat down with CFAAC staff and talked about their interests. They had researched local charities, but were pleased when they discovered even more nonprofits that could use their help through their conversations with CFAAC staff, who have a deep understanding of local nonprofits.

“We have great confidence and trust in these nonprofits because we know that CFAAC has vetted them, and because of that have confidence that the organizations are making an important impact in our community,” said Larry.

 “Giving generates both light and hope.” —Larry

Larry and Dawne take full advantage of giving through time and funds. Having been retired for over 10 years—Larry from an executive position with Weyerhaeuser, and Dawne, who founded and ran her own marketing research firm—they are not only involved with CFAAC, but also with other organizations. Larry serves as a board member with TRI Pointe Homes, Inc., and served on the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center board for more than 10 years. Dawne has served as a board member of the Spina Bifida Association for the past two years, and previously on the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra board. Both also currently serve on their respective college advisory boards; Larry with Rutgers and Dawne with the University of Florida.

In terms of contributing, Larry often remembers what his mentor told him long ago: “He said, ‘do well and do good.’ That still resonates with me.”

“With the Community Foundation it’s about relationship philanthropy rather than transactional philanthropy; with CFAAC you also get engagement.” —Larry.

Dawne agreed, “Everyone at CFAAC has been super supportive, very responsive, and extremely helpful. The Community Foundation is a great resource and once you open your fund, you should take advantage of all of the services offered to you; that’s been really helpful to us. And the programs they sponsor —helping to support leadership and nonprofits—are outstanding.”

Larry added, “The Community Foundation makes your decision-making easier. They have a great understanding of the community’s needs if you are looking to make an impact locally.”