People eating food at neighborhood party
Community Connector Monthly Newsletter
November 8, 2023
CFAAC Community Connector – November 2023

In this edition of the CFAAC Community Connector, you'll come across updates about Community Foundation staffing, details about our Celebration of Philanthropy Awards recipients, new CFAAC funds, CFAAC nonprofit initiatives, news for professional advisors, and more.

FOUNDATION NEWS

A Message From our President & CEO

First, we are excited to welcome Jennifer Lagrotteria to our staff as our new Director of Philanthropic Resources. With Jennifer’s appointment to this newly formed position at CFAAC, we are further expanding our philanthropic advising team. She will work with individuals, families, and businesses to fulfill their philanthropic goals. With her well-rounded nonprofit background and her commitment to the power of philanthropy to positively impact our community and change lives for the better, we are certain that Jennifer will be an incredible asset to our team. You can read more about her in this newsletter.

Second, there is still time to purchase tickets to our Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon. I can honestly say it is one of the most inspiring events I have ever attended. To see all of the good that is being done in our county is not only moving, but also encouraging for our community. I sincerely hope you can join us at LIVE! Casino Hotel Maryland on November 17.

As we reflect and appreciate the impact the Celebration of Philanthropy honorees have on our county, it’s important to remember that community is about collaboration. Our community is where we work, play, and raise our families. It’s where we find our support, strength, and our sense of belonging. Working together, we can ensure that this support and bond is preserved for generations to come. That’s where the Community Foundation comes into play. 

CFAAC is committed to serving our community in perpetuity, ensuring that future generations have access to the same resources and opportunities that we enjoy today. By making a gift through the Community Leadership Circle, you are investing in a brighter future for us all. Your support, alongside of your neighbors and friends, will amplify our impact and continue to create a community where opportunity and hope flourish. 

So, please consider making a gift during our annual appeal and know that your contribution will be immensely appreciated as CFAAC continues to improve the quality of life for all of our county residents.

Warmly,

Mary Spencer
CFAAC President & CEO

Jennifer Lagrotteria

Welcome Jennifer Lagrotteria as CFAAC's Director of Philanthropic Resources

Please join us in welcoming Jennifer Lagrotteria as CFAAC’s Director of Philanthropic Resources, a position responsible for the planning, implementation, and execution of a strategy to attract major, planned, and legacy donors to partner with CFAAC to fulfill their philanthropic and financial goals. With Jennifer’s appointment to this newly formed position at CFAAC, we are further expanding our philanthropic advising team. She will work with individuals, families, and businesses to fulfill their philanthropic goals. 

Jennifer brings with her a unique career background with more than 30 years of experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Read more about Jennifer here.

We're Hiring

CFAAC is Hiring a Philanthropic Services Associate!

The Community Foundation is currently seeking a full-time Philanthropic Services Associate. This position works closely with the President and CEO, Director of Philanthropic Resources, and the Director of Gift Planning to expand CFAAC’s relationships with current and prospective donors and professional advisors.

This is primarily an administrative in-office position. CFAAC’s ideal Philanthropic Services Associate is an administrative professional who is energized by being a critical member of a dynamic team helping to increase philanthropy in Anne Arundel County. Learn more here.

Movers and Shakers Features Our Very Own Mary Spencer

The day after CFAAC’s Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon, Mary Spencer will trade her business heels for a pair of dancing shoes to participate in Maryland Hall’s “Movers and Shakers” fundraiser. You won’t want to miss Mary dancing the tango, along with six other community leaders who will be bopping to a variety of Latin dances including the merengue, bachata, and salsa. This fundraising dance competition features Anne Arundel County elected officials, artists, activists, business owners, philanthropists, and community leaders and takes place on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Maryland Hall. The dancers have learned and practiced their Latin dance moves with the support of local dance instructors, and will perform in front of a live audience and judges who will evaluate and choose “The Mover & Shaker of the Year!” 
So cha, cha, cha over to Maryland Hall on Saturday, the day after Friday’s luncheon, and make it a weekend to remember. For more information, visit the Maryland Hall website.

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

The Importance of Nonprofit Volunteer Boards
By Mary Spencer, CFAAC President and CEO

What makes a good nonprofit even better? A strong and passionate volunteer board. The value that a nonprofit board brings to the table is immeasurable — going beyond making sure organizations stay true to their missions and focusing on high-level strategy and accountability. It could be said that a strong board is part of the secret sauce to a well-run and effective organization. Read more.

 


CELEBRATION OF PHILANTHROPY

Celebration of Philanthropy Sponsor

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County invites you to celebrate the recipients of the 2023 Celebration of Philanthropy Awards on November 17th at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland.

  • Philanthropists of the Year Award: Mike and Trish Davis, nominated by the Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
  • Corporate Philanthropist of the Year: M & T Bank, nominated by the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and the YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
  • Volunteer of the Year: R. Scott Gregory, nominated by Books for International Goodwill
  • Young Volunteers of the Year: Indu Bodala, nominated by Anne Arundel County Public Schools and Andrew Nolan, nominated by the Marshall Hope Corporation
  • Carroll H. Hynson, Jr. Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Philanthropy: Maurice B. Tosé, nominated by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, Inc.
  • Boots on the Ground Award: Peter Summers, nominated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Inc.
  • Carol Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael J. Ragland Sr., nominated by Langton Green
  • Legacy Award for Planned Giving: The Estate of Dr. Michael J. Kurtz, nominated by the Wellness House of Annapolis
  • Celebration of Philanthropy Award: Larry Clark, awarded by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County 

CFAAC Professional Advisor Recognition Society Inductees
CFAAC will also induct four professional advisors during the Celebration of Philanthropy Award Luncheon. The CFAAC Professional Advisor Recognition Society acknowledges professional advisors for their commitment and service to the community and their work to support philanthropy and encourage charitable giving in Anne Arundel County.

The 2023 inductees are:
The awards will be presented on Friday, November 17 during the Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon at LIVE! Casino Hotel Maryland.

Learn More & Buy Tickets


MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CFAAC Welcomes New Funds

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County is thrilled to welcome the following to our family of funds:

Absolute Fire Protection Foundation

Absolute Fire Protection Foundation: A Corporate Advised Fund created to support the philanthropic interests of Absolute Fire Protection, Inc. 

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

Permanently Endowed Funds

Anne Arundel County Literacy Council Endowment Fund

Anne Arundel County Literacy Council Endowment Fund
A CFAAC 25th Anniversary Endowed Fund established by the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council to support its mission to teach adults and out-of-school youth at low-literacy and pre-GED levels the reading, math, and English language skills that will promote self-esteem, independence, and strengthen family literacy, enabling them to be active, contributing members of their community.

Learn more and help support the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council Endowment Fund with a special gift to their Endowment Fund here.

Junior League of Annapolis, Inc.

Junior League of Annapolis Endowment Fund
A CFAAC 25th Anniversary Endowed Fund established by the Junior League of Annapolis. Inc. Junior League of Annapolis, Inc. (JLA) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Learn more and help support the Junior League of Annapolis Endowment Fund with a special gift to their Endowment Fund here.

Endowment Intention Funds

Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County

Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County Endowment Fund
A CFAAC 25th Anniversary Designated Fund established by the Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County, and it's mission is to advocate for a year-round home for tennis in Anne Arundel County and to promote tennis as a sport for LIFE for people of all ages and abilities.

Learn more and help support the Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel CountEndowment Fund with a special gift to their Endowment Fund 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

Nonprofit Capcity Building

 

CFAAC Nonprofit Capacity-Building Workshop

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County is excited to present the following nonprofit capacity-building session for local nonprofits to strengthen and build their capacity to serve others. CFAAC’s workshops sellout quickly, so sign up soon to make sure your nonprofit doesn’t miss out on this opportunity! Instructors are curated from Maryland Nonprofits' network of consultants certified to provide nonprofit capacity building training. 

*Scholarships are available for nonprofits who want to attend but need financial assistance.
These programs are made possible thanks to the generous funding of Andrew and Leslie Price.

Mara Winters Picture

Board Governance/Innovative Board Recruiting
December 6, 2023, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m
Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library
Speaker: Mara Winters, Maryland Nonprofits Board Governance Advisor
This program is open to the public. While not required, this session is intended for one Staff member to attend with one Board member. The cost is $25* to include both members.

Board members are sometimes so hard to find, and nonprofits often invite people they know to fill this chief volunteer role. This session is focused on assisting participants with seeking and confirming new, highly engaged, diverse board members through a variety of creative recruiting and relationship building techniques to find fresh prospects with the expertise and a desire to serve. This session will include new places to find board members, how to encourage board members to take a more active role, and questions of board composition and diversity.

Register & Learn More Here

Community Events

AAWGT Presents: Oh, the Places They Could Go If ... The Realities Facing Early Learners
Wednesday, November 15 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Via Zoom
Join Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT) for this important program on early childhood/school readiness as they explore how best to prepare very young children in Anne Arundel County for kindergarten and beyond. This event is free and open to the public. 

Register Here


NEWS FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

AAEPC Wine Down Wednesday

AAEPC November Education Event: Collaborative Case Study

Thursday, November 9, 2023
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Annapolis Waterfront Hotel
Sponsored by PNC Private Bank

Join us at the Anne Arundel Estate Planning Council's highly anticipated Collaborative Case Study event! This educational gathering brings together dynamic estate planning professionals from various roles, including financial advisors, attorneys, CPA/tax experts, and insurance advisors. Participants will form teams and tackle an engaging client case, providing valuable insights and sound advice for our mock clients. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise and network with fellow experts in the field! Learn More and Register Here.

 

The Charitable Act and Philanthropy Tips and Trends
Keep an eye on developing news in the philanthropic sector, including the Charitable Act, which would expand charitable deductions to non-itemizers and recent IRS rulings affecting supporting organizations. Also, talk to your clients about the benefits of establishing a Field of Interest or Designated Fund at the Community Foundation to focus charitable support on a particular area of need and take advantage of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Read more.

 

Life insurance: A Key Charitable Planning Tool for Certain Clients
As an advisor, you may often get questions from your clients about life insurance—how much is enough and which policies are best suited for their particular situations? When you counsel your clients about risk management and the role of life insurance in their estate plans, don’t forget that life insurance can be an effective charitable giving tool in some circumstances. Read more.

 

Six Tips for Clients’ Year-end Giving
Year-end giving makes up a significant portion of total revenue for most charitable organizations. Research even shows that a whopping 26% of online giving occurs in December. What this means is that there’s a pretty good chance your clients are already considering end-of-year gifts to support causes they care about, are being asked by at least one nonprofit for an end-of-year gift, or both. That’s why it’s important for you to talk with clients well in advance of the year-end giving rush. Read more.


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