In this edition of the CFAAC Community Connector, you can read about new CFAAC Board members,community grants and events, news for professional advisors, and more.

FOUNDATION NEWS

A Message From our President & CEO

Happy New Year! We had an amazing year last year—opening 44 new funds, including 22 funds through our nonprofit special offer, granting $6.4 million to deserving nonprofits, and hiring two wonderful staff members. We are eternally grateful for your support. This year, we are even more hopeful as we continue to celebrate our 25th year as a community foundation.

As we reflect on the past year, we express our deepest gratitude for Damika Baker-Wilson, who is taking some time off to be with her family. Damika guided us through two very successful Celebration of Philanthropy Award Luncheons and helped us on our journey to increase our assets intended for grantmaking as part of our Roadmap to $35 Million Campaign. We will miss your steady calmness, humor, and expertise, Damika.

We are also saying goodbye to three retiring board members whose tireless efforts have significantly contributed to our success. Their commitment and passion for our community will continue to inspire us and we are truly thankful for the time and energy they’ve invested in making a positive difference. Thank you Anne Hamel, David Irving, and John Rosso for your service.

Anne joined the CFAAC board in 2018. Her relentless dedication to find meaningful ways to increase board engagement and diversity has left an indelible mark on CFAAC. Anne was also on several committees during her tenure – the Fund Development & Communications, the Audit committee, and served as an amazing chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee. Throughout her term, Anne infused the committees as well as our board with a contagious energy and unwavering enthusiasm that will certainly be missed. We are so grateful for all you’ve done for us, Anne.

Like Anne, John joined the CFAAC board in 2018. His leadership and push for positive change has been a driving force, inspiring us all to strive for excellence. John served on the Budget and Finance committee, using his detailed lens to review our budget. He was also instrumental in finding CFAAC’s current office space, guiding and encouraging us to find a space that reflects our professionalism. John has supported us in many ways, always advocating for improvement in every decision we made, and we thank you for that, John.

David joined our board in 2022 and contributed a great deal in his short two-year term with us. He continues to be committed to strengthening the math skills of students. David has been a helpful board member, bringing his business perspective and knowledge to support CFAAC’s work in the community. He used his educational background to serve on our scholarship review committee and was also a member of the Fund Development & Communications Committee. We thank you for your engagement, service, and expertise, David.

As we say goodbye, we extend a warm welcome to two new board members whose enthusiasm, commitment to the community, and passion for creating meaningful impact will undoubtedly enhance our team. We look forward to the valuable perspectives and diverse experience they will bring to the table. Please join me in welcoming Marguerite (Marcie) Keane Gibbons and Crystal Watkins Williams. You can read more about them in this newsletter.

The strength of CFAAC lies in the unity and diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences of our board, and I am confident that, together, we will continue to make a positive difference in our community.

Best wishes in the New Year,

Mary Spencer
CFAAC President & CEO

CFAAC Welcomes New Board Members

Marguerite (Marcie) Keane Gibbons, LCSW-C, is a clinical social worker at Archbishop Spalding High School and an adjunct faculty member at Anne Arundel Community College facilitating continuing education classes on mental health and wellness in the academic environment. She has a psychotherapy practice where she provides psycho-social support for life transitions and resource coordination for individuals with life limiting illnesses and their loved ones.

Marcie is also a National Trainer for Adult, Youth, and Teen Mental Health First Aid.

Read her full bio here .

Crystal Watkins Williams is a higher education leader who currently serves as the Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs at the School of Continuing Studies, Georgetown University. With a background in educational administration spanning K-12 and postsecondary institutions, she is a voice for the transformational power of education at all stages of life.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Crystal is a peer evaluator for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has served as a volunteer grant reviewer for CFAAC’s Women and Girls Fund, Lance Corporal Eric Herzberg, USMC and Lance Corporal William Taylor Wild, IV, USMC Scholarship Fund, and the Fund for Anne Arundel.

Read her full bio here .

In Case You Missed It: Decemeber's CFAAC Commentary in The Capital Gazette

It’s a Wonderful Life: It feels good to give back to your community
By Mary Spencer, CFAAC President & CEO

“All you can take with you is that which you have given away.” This quote from the iconic Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” sums up the film’s lessons learned about recognizing blessings and community contribution. The film’s message that the spirit of giving is the heartbeat of every thriving community, helps illustrate that simple as well as grand acts of generosity serve as gentle reminders of the boundless potential of human kindness. Read more.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

During our 25th anniversary year, CFAAC continues to grow and strengthen the endowments of nonprofits to benefit them in perpetuity. Learn more about all of CFAAC's Nonprofit Agency Endowment Funds and this special offer, here.

As our donors and our nonprofit community continue to take advantage of our special 25th anniversary offer to establish a new Designated or Agency Nonprofit Fund to benefit their beloved nonprofit, we encourage our community to support one or more of these funds listed below with a special gift. Each gift will help the nonprofit grow their fund to ensure that their organization is supported in perpetuity. If you don't see your favorite nonprofit listed here, please contact John Rodenhausen, Director of Gift Planning at john@cfaac.org, to find out how you can establish a fund to be added to the list.

Endowment Funds at CFAAC for the benefit of a nonprofit:

Designated Funds at CFAAC for the benefit of a nonprofit with the goal of becoming a permanently Endowed Fund:

STRENGTHENING NONPROFITS

AAWGT 2024 Grants Application is Open

Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT) is pleased to issue a Call for 2024 Grant Proposals. Applications will be accepted January 2 through February 1, 2024 (11:59pm).

AAWGT grants are awarded to support work that improves the quality of life of women and families in Anne Arundel County.Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $25,000.

AAWGT encourages potential applicants to attend one of two Informational Workshops on Zoom, Thursday, January 9 at 9:30 am or 1:30 pm. These workshops provide an overview of this year’s focus, address basic organizational requirements, and answer questions of applying organizations. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. For the morning session, register here. For the afternoon session, register here.

The 2024 AAWGT Call for applications can be found here.

Parole Rotary Foundation Grant Applications are Open

The Parole Rotary Foundation, Inc. is accepting grant applications through January 26, 2024, for nonprofit organizations serving Anne Arundel County. The Parole Rotary Foundation Grants Program seeks to address issues of food security and academic achievement by funding projects that serve the needs of children and families in the areas of education, health, and the arts. Grants of up to $3,000 will be awarded for service work, capacity building and distribution of goods that directly benefit children.

To apply for a grant visit the Grants Page to download the Parole Rotary Foundation 2024 Grant Application Guidelines. Questions regarding the Parole Rotary Foundation grants can be addressed to the Grants Committee at ParoleRotaryGrants@gmail.com.

JLA Presents: How to Keep Employees, Volunteers & Board Members: Examining Retention Through the Lens of Belonging

The Junior League of Annapolis, Inc. (JLA) is hosting a free workshop to build a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture in nonprofit organizations and the business community.

January 25, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park.
Register Here

The workshop will be led by Karen Bond, a recognized leader in organizational development, training, and change management, with over 20 years of experience in management consulting and leadership across the nonprofit sector. Participants will learn how to design environments that foster a sense of belonging and how to move from cautious to courageous when leading a conversation through the lens of building a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture.

Lunch from Light House Bistro will be provided to all attendees registered. Space is limited, and registration is required.

NEWS FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

Benefits of Joining the Anne Arundel Estate Planning Council

In the dynamic world of finance and estate planning, staying ahead requires more than skills – it requires keeping a pulse on the local landscape, continuous learning, and strategic networking. Joining the Anne Arundel Estate Planning Council (AAEPC) offers this with an annual membership.

Benefits include:

Listing in the Anne Arundel Estate Planning Council Member Directory to be made available online at www.aaestateplanning.org/members/directory
Complimentary admission to all regular AAEPC programs
Discounts to special AAEPC programs
Invitations to members-only networking event
NAEPC-brokered discounts and special pricing for marketing, media, software, and subscription
Peer learning network for willing members to share information and informal technical advice with their AAEPC member colleague

In addition to memberships, AAEPC offers sponsorship opportunities for the Council and its programs AAEPC Membership & Sponsorship Details.

Tax Law Twists and Turns: Five Developments Impacting Charitable Giving
The team at the Community Foundation is committed to keeping you up-to-date on what you need to know. Here’s a recap of five key developments last year that could impact the way you work with your philanthropic clients in 2024. Read more.

Unrestricted Giving, the Trust Factor, and Why it Matters to Your Clients
With trust in charitable organizations driving so many giving decisions, it’s important for you and your clients to be aware of the Community Foundation’s role and commitment to stewardship. Read more.

Big Gifts, Bullish Portfolios, and Kids Who Move Away
Clients who gave large year-end gifts, families whose grown children are spread out geographically, and clients whose portfolios jumped in value are examples of types of clients who may benefit from proactive charitable planning. Take a few minutes this month to scan your client list for three common scenarios and related opportunities for charitable giving solutions. Read more.