People eating food at neighborhood party
Blog, Community Connector
July 11, 2023
Community Connector – June 2023

FOUNDATION NEWS

A Message From our President & CEO

Nomination applications for our annual Celebration of Philanthropy Awards recently opened and I can’t wait to read through them! It is both heart-warming and inspiring to see how individuals and organizations are positively impacting our community in so many ways. Every year during this time, we reach out to you and others in the community to help us recognize Anne Arundel County’s most dedicated citizens and organizations. If you know someone, a group, or an organization that makes a difference, now is the time to recognize them. This year the Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon will be even more special as CFAAC also celebrates its 25th anniversary at LIVE! Casino Hotel® Maryland. Read more about this event and nomination process in this newsletter.

We are also very excited about our new Designated Fund to Nonprofit Agency Endowment Fund special offer to nonprofits during CFAAC’s anniversary year. This year, all nonprofits or donors who wish to support a particular nonprofit through establishing a Designated Fund, can open a fund with no minimum contribution requirement or set up fee (underwritten by a generous donor). 

We welcomed Irit Skulnik as a marketing intern this week and we are so happy to have her on board! We have plenty to keep Irit busy throughout the summer, especially with our 25th anniversary. This summer internship was underwritten by one of CFAAC’s generous donors and we are very grateful. 

Finally, our many community education programs have seen record attendance, and even sold out in many cases. The Anna E. Greenberg Board Leadership Symposium in May was sold out and was a great learning event for all who attended. Our nonprofit workshops offered in collaboration with ACDS and facilitated by Maryland Nonprofits have also been a huge success with many of the programs filled to capacity and waiting lists of individuals. The increase in interest of our local nonprofits, donors, and volunteers speaks to the considerable number of nonprofit stakeholders who want to ensure the capacity, strength, and impact of their programs in Anne Arundel County. And recently, our Environmental Justice Workshop was also a big hit. I encourage you to check out the many upcoming programs offered in the second half of the year including three Mental Health First Aid Trainings.

There's so much to get excited about as our staff works to plan incredible programs for the coming months and continues to work with our donors to support our nonprofits, day in and day out!

Mary Spencer
CFAAC President & CEO

Introducing CFAAC’s Marketing Intern: Irit Skulnik

We are excited to welcome Irit Skulnik, our summer marketing intern! Irit is a rising sophomore at the University of Maryland who is majoring in Journalism.

Irit has an interesting breadth of experience for her age, including working four months on The Israel Daily News Podcast in Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv District. She will be working part-time in our offices throughout the summer so be sure to say hello to her if you stop by. 

Read more about Irit here.

In Case You Missed It: May’s CFAAC Capital Article

The Business of Nonprofits
By Mary Spencer, CFAAC President and CEO

Whether they realize it or not, every single person benefits from the work of nonprofits in our county, almost every day. Chances are you, your family and friends have appreciated the county’s many historic treasures, attended a library event, strolled through county parks or enjoyed a local arts performance. Nonprofits play a vital role in making sure our community is thriving...Read more.


CELEBRATION OF PHILANTHROPY

CFAAC’s Celebration of Philanthropy Nominations Are Now Open!

CFAAC is now accepting nominations for its 23rd annual Celebration of Philanthropy Awards through July 31, 2023. Community members, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and members of the faith communities are encouraged to nominate an individual, family, group, or organization who have demonstrated exceptional generosity through direct financial support or service, and outstanding civic and charitable work in Anne Arundel County. There will be awards presented in eight categories: Philanthropist of the Year; Corporate Philanthropist of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; Young Volunteer of the Year; Boots on the Ground Award; Carroll H. Hynson, Jr. Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Philanthropy; Carol Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award; and Legacy Award for Planned Giving.

Community members: Do you know an unsung hero who is always there to lend a hand to nonprofits? What about a person who has made lasting, significant, and impactful contributions to Anne Arundel County by advancing philanthropy? Nominate them!

Nonprofits: Do you have a volunteer who supports your organization day-in and day-out? What about a person who has transformed programs with their generosity? Nominating your supporters is a great opportunity to thank them. 

For more information on award categories and nomination process, visit cfaac.org/Celebration-Philanthropy.


MAKING A DIFFERENCE

A Special Invite to Nonprofits and Donors

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is offering a special invitation to all nonprofits: 

This year only, we are offering nonprofits the opportunity to establish a Nonprofit Agency Endowment Fund with CFAAC by making an initial investment with no minimum contribution required to open a Designated Fund to support their organization. This year, the set-up fees are also being waived because they have been underwritten by a generous donor in honor of CFAAC’s 25th anniversary. If the Designated Fund reaches a balance of $25,000 in three years, then CFAAC converts it to a Nonprofit Agency Endowment Fund. Are you a nonprofit looking to ensure long-term success of your organization? Are you someone who is looking to help a nonprofit establish an endowment? Then, this is your chance. 

Learn More

CFAAC Welcomes New Funds

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

  • Lesley Geisel AAWGT Lifetime Membership Fund: An Endowed Fund established to support Anne Arundel Women Giving Together and its mission to support grantmaking activities that are devoted to improving the lives, health, education, and well-being of women, their children, and families.

  • Krall Family Fund: A Donor Advised Fund established to support the philanthropic interests of the fund of the Krall Family. 

  • Anne Potter AAWGT Lifetime Membership Fund: An Endowed Fund established to support Anne Arundel Women Giving Together and its mission to support grantmaking activities that are devoted to improving the lives, health, education, and well-being of women, their children, and families.

Nonprofit Agency Endowment Funds

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, hereCFAAC is excited to welcome the following new Designated Fund:

NAMI Anne Arundel County Designated Fund: A CFAAC 25th Anniversary Designated Fund established by a donor to support National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Anne Arundel County and its mission that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy. Help NAMI AAC reach its goals with a special gift this year by donating here

Unveiling: CFAAC at Severn Intergenerational Center

CFAAC’s Arts and Culture Fund Supports Art Installation at the New Severn Intergenerational Center.

Last month, county residents, Gov. Wes Moore, County Executive Steuart Pittman, and other Anne Arundel County constituents gathered at the Severn Intergenerational Center for its ribbon cutting and the unveiling of a mural and mosaic funded by CFAAC’s Arts and Culture Fund.

Also attending were CFAAC Board members Vincent Moulden and Ed Evans and CFAAC’s Director of Gift Planning John Rodenhausen. “It was an honor and a privilege to attend the opening,” said John. “I was inspired to see the people of Severn realize a decades-long vision for this center and the positive impact made by Community Foundation donors who provided a portion of the funding for this community to have a safe and beautiful place to gather, learn, and play.” 

Read More


STRENGTHENING NONPROFITS

Environment Anne Arundel Application Opens on June 12

CFAAC's Environment Anne Arundel Fund, established in 2014, supports Anne Arundel County nonprofit organizations working to protect and improve the environment in Anne Arundel County and the Chesapeake Bay. The award size is $3,000-$5,000 and awards will be presented in September 2023. The application opens on June 12, 2023. The application deadline is July 28, 2023. 

Help CFAAC fund more Environment Anne Arundel Grants donate here.

Learn More & Apply

Grants 4 Teachers Application is Open

Grants 4 Teachers helps fund the highly creative ideas of Anne Arundel County Public School (AACPS) teachers across the County, that otherwise would be impossible to implement in the classroom due to school system funding constraints. Award size is up to $500. The application deadline is September 29, 2023. Awards presented in October 2023. 

Help CFAAC fund more AACPS teachers, donate to Grants 4 Teacher here

Learn More & Apply
 

 

 

ACDS and CFAAC Nonprofits Workshop Series

Anne Arundel Community Development Services (ACDS) and the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County invite nonprofit staff, board, and volunteers to attend a series of five nonprofit skills workshops designed to help nonprofits gain the knowledge they need to sustain and grow their organizations. Each workshop is offered twice — once in-person and once virtual. Generous support provided by the Office of the Anne Arundel County Executive. *Scholarships are available for nonprofits who want to attend in person but need financial assistance.

#3: Succession Planning

  • In-person: Thurs. June 8 | 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm – Learn More Here

  • Virtual: Wed. June 14 | 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. – Learn More Here – ONLY A FEW SEATS LEFT

#4: Nonprofit Organizational Financial Management

#5: Leading Teams with Intentionality Around Justice, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Mental Health First Aid Training Courses

Did you know that nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness? Mental Health First Aid training will teach you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Courses taught in this series:

ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID 

IN-PERSON
Date: Monday, July 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Register by July 1
Location: CFAAC Office at 900 Bestgate Road, Suite 400, Annapolis, MD 21401
Learn More & Register: cfaac.org/InPerson_Adult_MHFA

VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM– Taught in TWO 3-hour courses (one hour of on-line prep work is required)
Dates: Tuesday, September 12, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Register by August 2
           Tuesday, September 19, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Learn More & Register: cfaac.org/Virtual_Adult_MHFA

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Date: Saturday, October 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Register by September 2
Location: CFAAC Office at 900 Bestgate Road, Suite 400, Annapolis, MD 21401
Learn More & Register: cfaac.org/Youth_MHFA

CFAAC’s Anna E. Greenberg Board Leadership Symposium Recap

 

 

 

 

 

This sold out event presented ways to build a diverse and effective nonprofit board. Attendees learned through expert panelists how to seek and engage the best people to serve on boards, recruit, and retain them. Look for registration news about this annual event next year so you don’t miss out! Click here to see photos from the event.

CFAAC's Environmental Justice Workshop Recap

Attendees learned that Maryland is leading the nation in solutions that reduce climate change impact as well as Maryland’s Strategic Priorities for 10-Year Statewide Outcomes at CFAAC’s Environmental Justice Workshop held last month.

Watch the presentation here.

 

AAWGT June Program: The Many Faces of Homelessness

Join Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT) for an important exploration of the root causes of homelessness and gain a deeper understanding of the many layers of stressors that impact the journey.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 6:00 - 7:00 PM, Via Zoom
Find out more and register here.


NEWS FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

CFAAC Professional Advisor Recognition Society

Focus on: Richard T. Wright, The Wright Firm

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) launched its Professional Advisor Recognition Society at the 2022 Celebration of Philanthropy, naming six inductees to its inaugural class—Richard T. Wright is one of the first members to receive this honor. 

With more than 40 years in estate and business planning, Rich is highly regarded in his field and in the community for his commitment to charitable causes. He is an extraordinary partner in charitable endeavors, offering expertise and advice and working countless hours to ensure that our county will thrive. Rich is a member of the State Bar Association’s Section on Elder Law and Disability Rights, and co-founder and an emeritus executive committee member of AAEPC.

Read More about Richard T. Wright

Gifts of cash or stock: Is it a toss-up?

Turbulent economic conditions, concerns about inflation, and challenges in the banking sector are just a few of the factors that are causing donors to be more financially conservative and perhaps begin to evaluate whether to keep their charitable giving at the levels of years past. This can make it tough for the nonprofits they support. They may need your advice on the best types of assets to give during these times. 

Read More

Bridging the gaps in multi-generational family philanthropy

Differing views within families is nothing new; differing views about nearly anything and everything is centuries old—common topics of disagreement have included popular culture, politics, religion and parenting, just to name a few. Frequently outranking all is money—how it’s made, spent or saved—or not. The Community Foundation can help.

Read More

Summer topics worth watching

Three important topics should be on your radar this summer:

1. The Charitable Act Legislation

2. Qualified Charitable Distribution

3. Nonprofit Private Inurement 

Learn more about them in our blog.

Read More


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