The Crosby Foundation: Making a Difference

“Inspiring Actions that Matter” is Crosby Marketing Communications’ philosophy, and the company’s owners are especially in tune with that philosophy when it comes to helping the community.

“Giving back to the community that’s been so good to us is part of Crosby Marketing’s DNA,” said President and CEO Ray Crosby.  “Our staff is passionate about making a difference in both our professional and personal lives.”

To ensure that their funds are directed to the causes that they are passionate about, Ray and his father, Ralph, Founder and Chairman of Crosby, set up The Crosby Foundation, a Corporate Advised Fund, with the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County.

“CFAAC has a pulse on the wide variety of local nonprofits, causes and community groups that are making a positive difference throughout Anne Arundel County, so being aligned with them helps ensure our donations go to worthy organizations and do the most good,” said Ray. “They help business owners make smart philanthropy decisions, and they represent a broad array of organizations that have workplace giving programs, so they can also share helpful best practices.”

The Crosby family could share a few best practices themselves. Community service was introduced to the Crosby children at an early age and giving back is fundamental, said Ray. “My parents, Ralph and Carlotta Crosby, always instilled in my sisters and me the importance of appreciating what you have and looking out for those who may be less fortunate or inherently don’t have as much opportunity,” he said. “They have always been and are still a great inspiration. Despite all their successes in life, they remain humble, grateful and don’t get caught up in material things.”

Ray and his wife, Barbara, continue that tradition of giving in their own family. Barbara helped establish and run the Career Closet program at the Lighthouse Shelter in Annapolis, which provided clothes for shelter residents that were job interview appropriate. It has now blossomed into a service that offers both work and everyday clothing. The Crosby Foundation also fund scholarships to the University of Maryland, Anne Arundel Community College, and Scholarships for Scholars program. “We get some very special thanks from the recipients of those scholarships and take special satisfaction knowing we helped people pursue their dreams,” said Ray.  

  They hope to assist even more nonprofits in the community through the CFAAC Crosby Foundation, reinforcing the basic tenant that was instilled in the Crosbys years ago.

“Caring for our fellow community members and providing financial or volunteer support is more important than ever during these challenging times,” said Ray. “We are all stronger when everyone in the community benefits, and no one should be left behind.”