Growing up in a family where philanthropy was expected left an indelible impact on Marj Sparer. When she married, she and her husband continued the tradition of giving to the causes they cared about. But, when Jerry passed, Marj faced a new reality. Relying on one income made her hesitant about maintaining the same level of giving. Dealing with what she called “widow brain” and an uncertain future, Marj continued to donate but let some causes slip through the cracks. 

“I needed to come up with a new process so I didn’t miss contributing to organizations that were near and dear to our hearts,” she said. 

That new process was to donate on a monthly basis and using a giving spreadsheet to keep track of contributions. She was surprised to learn that when she switched to monthly giving, she ended up returning to the same level of philanthropy as when her husband was with her. Marj suggests starting small—sage advice that she learned from her financial advisor when she was young.

“Take a small step—$10 or $25 a month can add up,” she said. “Start with one organization or start giving through the Community Foundation. They’ll make sure your funds go to well-respected, well-run organizations in the community.”

Giving monthly can also be convenient, added Marj. “It just made it simpler on my budgeting process and I felt like I was making a greater impact because the organizations didn’t have to waste their time and resources on coordinating and sending paper mail,” she explained. “I just think it’s easier for everybody in terms of budgeting for yourself, in terms of the organization’s budgeting. It also makes it much easier during tax time.”

Marj also suggests for others to contribute through giving circles to make an even bigger difference with their donations. “I admire Anne Arundel Women Giving Together— that group of women banded together to find a way to make more of an impact than any one of them could make on their own,” she said. 

In addition to giving financially, Marj spent many years volunteering at different organizations in Anne Arundel County and continues to do so today. 

Marj volunteered for many years at the Key School when her daughter attended there. After her daughter graduated, Marj decided to focus her volunteer efforts elsewhere. She trained as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for kids in foster care. She volunteered as a CASA for 15 years, staying with each child throughout the entire length of their case. Through CASA and serendipity, she met Taylor Pyles of The Blue Ribbon Project, a local nonprofit that directly serves neglected and abused children, when she picked up a laptop from him for one of her CASA children. 

When Marj turned 70, she wasn’t sure she would be able to make the same type of commitment she had made with CASA so she inquired about volunteering at The Blue Ribbon Project. She has been a loyal volunteer there since 2021.

Marj’s heart is as boundless as her generosity. And her giving won’t end when she eventually passes on. Through the Sparer Family Trust, Marj has ensured that her favorite causes will continue to receive assistance on a monthly basis, reflecting her unwavering dedication and steady support.

If you’re interested in becoming a monthly donor, just fill in the Recurring Donation Amount to set-up a monthly donation to your favorite fund at https://cfaac.fcsuite.com/erp/donate.