Mike and Trish Davis’s dreams for the future of the Chesapeake Bay area, the environment, and Anne Arundel County are the motivation behind their hard work and financial support to 22 area nonprofits. Focusing on environmental and humanitarian nonprofit organizations, they have not only provided funding, but also volunteered countless hours and provided hands-on executive level mentorship to local organizations. 

“Many in Anne Arundel County have benefited from the generous spirits of Mike and Trish Davis,” said nominator Kim Coble, Executive Director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters. “They have opened their home, shared their experience, offered their knowledge, and contributed their funds with the sole purpose of improving 22 locally-based organizations.”

Examples of their support could fill a book. Over the years, Mike served on the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) Speakers Bureau, Development Committee, and still serves on the President’s Advisory Committee. The couple has also provided more than 25 years of financial support to CBF. As Board Treasurer of the Severn River Association, Mike led the transformation from an all-volunteer to staff-based organization, assisted in raising significant funds for the organization, and provided mentoring to its executive director. Trish served on SPAN Food Bank’s Executive Board for five years and continues her service, providing information to clients on financial aid and food services. Trish also volunteered her time to answer the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County’s YWCA’s hotline and provide assistance to those impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault. The couple recently provided a leadership gift donation to build the only safe house in Maryland designated for trafficked youth.

In addition to providing funds, the couple has continuingly encouraged others to take philanthropic roles in the community. “The Davis’s endeavors exemplify altruism: they freely give their time, talent, and treasure to better our community and our planet. It’s easy to write a check if you have the means. It is much more impactful when that gift is backed with efforts to engage others to also give,” said Kristyn Kuhn Eckel, Board President, YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County.

“While I feel incredibly grateful to have Mike and Trish Davis’s financial support and Mike’s personal mentorship, what I find remarkable is that I am just one of many leaders and Watersheds Steward Academy (WSA) is one of many organizations that Mike and Trish’s long-term investment has transformed, and that has changed the philanthropic landscape of our county,” said Suzanne Etgen, WSA Executive Director. “The combination of generous long-term support and investment in the development of the organizations and their leadership is truly remarkable. They have made an indelible mark on so many non-profit organizations in Anne Arundel County and beyond through their active, hands-on philanthropy.”

CBF Chief Development Officer Katharene Poston Snavely echoes this sentiment: “Mike and Trish Davis are the very essence of philanthropy—generous, impactful, and dedicated. Their unwavering commitment to our treasured waterways leaves an enduring impact on our organization, the Bay, and the countless lives it touches.”

Mike and Trish were nominated by the Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.

The Philanthropist of the Year award is presented to an individual or family (family foundations are eligible for this award) with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and philanthropic responsibility, exemplary leadership in advancing philanthropy, and whose generosity encourages others to become philanthropic leaders, particularly in Anne Arundel County.