In this edition of the CFAAC Community Connector, provide updates on our grant applications, our impact, insights into 'The Great Wealth Transfer', scholarship opportunities, new Funds, community events, and news for professional advisors.

FOUNDATION NEWS

A Message From our President & CEO

This month wraps up our 25th anniversary celebration and what an anniversary year it has been! Through our Nonprofit Endowment Special Offer, we opened 30 new funds, with many still interested. Hurry, this offer ends on April 30—see more information and the new funds listed in this newsletter.

At the core of this celebration lies our caring community and its unwavering support. The impact we’ve made together—granting nearly $6 million to deserving nonprofits last year—is a reflection of the strength of our partnerships, the steady support of our donors, and the work of our dedicated board and staff.

In addition, our staff remains actively engaged outside of the office, participating in educational and nonprofit events, networking gatherings, and more. Last month, I had the privilege and excitement of meeting Governor Wes Moore during an event hosted by Maryland Philanthropy Network at the Governor Calvert House in Annapolis. Read on for more details on this and some exciting news.

As April brings with it the magic of spring—trees in full bloom, bicycles lining the sidewalks, and the emergence of sidewalk cafes across our beautiful county—April at CFAAC means new grants for deserving nonprofits and interesting programs for the community.

Enjoy the warmer weather,

Mary Spencer
CFAAC President & CEO

In Case You Missed It: March's CFAAC Commentary in The Capital Gazette: 'The Great Wealth Transfer and Women's Giving

By Mary Spencer, CFAAC President & CEO

Nearly 26 years ago, Anne Arundel County resident Carol Thompson gathered other community-minded residents and formed what we now call the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC). Thompson’s efforts embodied the giving spirit reflected in other women philanthropists throughout history.

From Madame C.J. Walker, a self-made African American millionaire who created employment and scholarship opportunities for women, to modern-day philanthropists like MacKenzie Scott, women have had a front seat in driving change for good through their actions or finances. March is Women’s History Month, so it’s fitting to explore women’s roles in philanthropy past, present and future. Read more.

CFAAC Staff Explores the Role of Philanthropy at State House Event 

CFAAC President Mary Spencer, CFAAC Director of Philanthropic Resources Jennifer Lagrotteria, and CFAAC Director of Gift Planning John Rodenhausen attended a half-day event hosted by Maryland Philanthropy Network at the Governor Calvert House in Annapolis. It was an opportunity to explore the role of philanthropy across many issues at the state level, to build relationships with state government leaders and with peers, and to hear updates on the 2024 legislative session. During the event, Governor Wes Moore addressed his initiative to end childhood poverty (ENOUGH Act), which is well aligned with the issues facing Anne Arundel County (AAC) residents as documented in CFAAC's Community Needs Assessment Report: Poverty Amidst Plenty VII: Moving Forward Together.

As CFAAC convenes stakeholders to address the next Community Needs Assessment Report and the greatest issues in the county, there will be four to five Morehead-Cain Scholars working with us this summer to focus on a critical local dilemma. These Scholars will be joining the team at CFAAC in late May for an eight-week work experience. Part of their study will entail reviewing CFAAC's Needs Assessment Report as well as the data generated by grants made to address these needs. Stay tuned for more information about the Scholars in next month’s newsletter!

Responding Together: Reviewing Needs After Key Bridge Collapse

Last week's Key Bridge collapse deeply saddened our community. At the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, we've maintained constant communication with state and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, in both Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties to assess the urgent needs of our residents. Together, we're dedicated to efficiently directing resources to support our community during this challenging time.

We are celebrating! The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) was founded by Carol Thompson 25 years ago with a $600 gift. Since its humble beginnings, CFAAC, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has been honoring Carol’s legacy in the best possible ways: granting $5-7 million annually to vital nonprofits. Last year alone, more than 300 nonprofits received funding from CFAAC.  Inspire Impact - Donate

Why Wait? Take Advantage of Celebration of Philanthropy Sponsorship Now! 

 By becoming an early Celebration of Philanthropy sponsor, you’ll gain access to visibility that extends far beyond the event itself. Your sponsorship will not only be prominently featured during the Celebration of Philanthropy Luncheon via signs, big screen, and program inclusion, but also in pre-event and post-event coverage on our website, social media, and newsletter. This continuous exposure ensures that you will remain top of mind before and after the event so why wait? This year the Celebration of Philanthropy Luncheon will take place on October 30 so mark your calendars and contact us today! Learn more about sponsorship levels and how to sponsor here.

The Great Wealth Transfer: Millennials Be Prepared
This is the second article in a four-part series about the Great Wealth Transfer

Millennials, those born between 1981-1996, could experience a substantial increase in wealth—almost a five-fold growth compared to their current financial status, according to a study by WealthEngine and Coldwell Banker Global Luxury. 

 Read More

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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

• Margaret Davis 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

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. Hurry, the offer ends April 30, 2024! 

ANNAPOLIS AREA IMAGINATION LIBRARY ENDOWMENT FUND
A CFAAC 25th Anniversary Designated Fund established by the Annapolis Area Imagination Library to support its mission to foster early literacy in young children in Anne Arundel County through book distribution by the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Support the Annapolis Area Imagination Library Endowment Fund with a special gift this year by donating to their Designated Fund, helping them reach their goal of becoming a permanently endowed fund.

ANNAPOLIS FILM FESTIVAL FUND
A CFAAC 25th Anniversary Designated Fund established by the Annapolis Film Festival. The Annapolis Film Society and Film Festival provide curated cinematic arts experiences to ignite, inspire, and entertain. Through independent film, they showcase film makers, global viewpoints and diverse perspectives that spark conversation and understanding to bond and unify our community.

Support the Annapolis Film Festival Fund with a special gift this year by donating to their Designated Fund, helping them reach their goal of becoming a permanently endowed fund.

BROADNECK HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC ENDOWMENT FUND
A CFAAC 25th Anniversary Designated Fund established by the Broadneck Music Boosters, Inc. to raise funds to supplement the Music Program at Broadneck High School and to enhance the character of the music activities of the school. 

Support the Broadneck High School Music Endowment Fund with a special gift this year by donating to their Designated Fund, helping them reach their goal of becoming a permanently endowed fund.

CHESAPEAKE ARTS CENTER ENDOWMENT FUND
A CFAAC 25th Anniversary Endowed Fund established by the Chesapeake Arts Center (CAC), to support its mission to foster creativity, create connections, and inspire joy by delivering innovative and accessible arts and education programs.

Support the Chesapeake Arts Center Endowment Fund with a special gift this year by donating to their Endowment Fund here.

FORT MEADE ALLIANCE FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT FUND
A CFAAC 25th Anniversary Designated Fund established by the Fort Meade Alliance Foundation to support its mission to catalyze philanthropy in support of the Fort Meade installation, military personnel and their families, and the broader Fort Meade community.

Support the Fort Meade Alliance Foundation Endowment Fund with a special gift this year by donating to their Designated Fund, helping them reach their goal of becoming a permanently endowed fund.

INTERFAITH PARTNERS FOR THE CHESAPEAKE FUND
A CFAAC 25th Anniversary Designated Fund established by the Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake to support their mission to inspire and equip people of faith to honor, protect, and restore our shared watershed.

Support the Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake Fund with a special gift this year by donating to their Designated Fund, helping them reach their goal of becoming a permanently endowed fund.

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:

• AAWGT Endowment Fund
• Alliance Health Education Initiative Endowment Fund
• Annapolis Maritime Museum Endowment Fund 
• Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center Endowment Fund
• Anne Arundel County Literacy Council Endowment Fund
• Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation Endowment
• Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Fund
• Boy Scouts of Anne Arundel County
• Center of Help Endowment Fund
• Charting Careers Endowment Fund
• Chesapeake Arts Center Endowment Fund
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation Fund
• Chrysalis House Endowment Fund
• Colonial Players Roland E. Riley Endowment for the Arts
• Community Leadership Fund for CFAAC
• David Junkins Endowment Fund for EMF
• Junior League of Annapolis Endowment Fund
• Karen Feldman Endowment Fund for Seeds 4 Success
• London Town and Gardens Endowment Fund
• Londontowne Symphony Orchestra Endowment Fund
• Marcus Endowment Fund for Arundel Lodge
• Maryland Hall Endowment Fund
• Sylvia Meisenberg Adult Literacy Program at Arundel House of Hope
• Sylvia Meisenberg Shakespeare Education Fund
• Oncology Foundation of Maryland and the District of Columbia Endowment Fund
• Opportunity Builders Inc.
• Partners In Care Maryland Endowment Fund
• Scenic Rivers Land Trust Stewardship Reserve
• St. Anne's School of Annapolis Equity in Education Scholarship Fund
• Teach 4 Anne Arundel Fund 
• The Arc Central Chesapeake Region Family Fund
• Wellness House of Annapolis Endowment Fund
• Women's Clinic Endowment Fund

Support these CFAAC Designated Nonprofit Funds to help them reach their goal of becoming a permanently Endowed Fund:

• Annapolis Area Imagination Library Endowment Fund
• Annapolis Film Festival Fund
• The Blue Ribbon Project Fund
• BoCF's Admiral Earl White Legacy Endowment Fund
• Broadneck High School Music Endowment Fund
• Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland Fund
• CRAB Endowment Fund
• Food 4 Thought Community Outreach Services Fund
• Fort Meade Alliance Foundation Endowment Fund 
• Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake Empowerment Designated Fund
• Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake Fund
• Kingdom Kare Early Childhood and Family Support Fund
• Maryland Reentry Resource Center Fund
• NAMI Anne Arundel County Designated Fund
• Ocean Research Project Fund
• Saving Chesapeake's Special Places Agency Fund
• South Shore Recovery Club Endowment Designated Fund
• John Starr Memorial Musician's Fund
• Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County

---

STRENGTHENING NONPROFITS

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Fund For Anne Arundel Closes April 26March 18th

The Fund for Anne Arundel (FFAA) Grant Application will open on March 18th. FFAA focuses on grants for nonprofits supporting the health of children and families, addressing identified community needs. The goal of FFAA is to help meet critical needs and enhance residents' quality of life, with a special emphasis on organizations and programs that focus on physical, mental, and behavioral health of children and their families. Apply by April 26, 2024, for awards up to $50,000. Learn More

CFAAC EVENTS

SAY WHAT MATTERS: A Communications and Marketing Conference

Join us for Say What Matters: A Communications and Marketing Conference, hosted by The Nonprofit Center in partnership with the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County!

May 17th | 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Chesapeake Arts Center

Discover cutting-edge strategies in 75-minute interactive workshops led by industry experts from Maryland Nonprofits! From visual messaging to fundraising storytelling, there's something for every nonprofit leader. Network over lunch provided by Light House Bistro, and stay for our Funder Panel to discover what really matters to funders!

Explore sessions on: Visual Messaging, Fundraising Storytelling, Annual Reports, Communications Tools & Software, Branding & Communication Plans, AI, Leveraging Traditional Media, and more!

Register now and select your preferred sessions before they fill up! Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your nonprofit's impact.

Who can attend: Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Anne Arundel County, Maryland with at least 50% of the population served residing in Anne Arundel County. Only two attendees per organization.

Cost: Just $35 per attendee (scholarships available).

Learn More

Anna E. Greenberg Board Leadership Symposium: Board and Staff Relations in an Evolving Sector: the good, the bad, the insightful

The annual Anna E. Greenberg Leadership Symposium will delve into the relationship between nonprofit organization boards and staff within an ever-evolving sector. Facilitators and panelists will discuss the dynamic roles of boards and staff in nonprofits as organizations professionalize, and demographics and cultures evolve and change. 

May 23rd | 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library

Cost: $25/person and includes a boxed lunch that will be served at noon. The program wil begin at 12:30 p.m.

FACILITATORS:

• Bess Langbien and Lauren Maddox, Founding Partner at Due East Partners

PANELISTS: 

• Danista Hunte, President and CEO, Maryland Philanthropy Network

• Nora Demleitner, President, St. John's College - Annapolis Campus 

• Larry Clark, Board Chair, CFAAC

• Mary Spencer, President and CEO, CFAAC

Learn More

COMMUNITY EVENTS

AAWGT Presents: Spring Open House

April 10, 2024 | 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Blue Heron Center, Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis
Free and open to the public
Learn More & Register Here

Interested in finding out more about Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT)? Then, please join us for a fun evening socializing with friends, meeting new people, and hearing the story AAWGT has to tell. 

Anne Arundel County Library Presents "Introduction to Proposal Writing Virtual Workshop" 

April 24, 2024 | 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Virtual Event 

Learn More & Register Here
Are you new to proposal writing or want a quick refresher? Join this course for an overview of how to write a standard project proposal to a foundation. This is a FREE event.

---

NEWS FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

Professional Advisor Recognition Society Spotlight 

Nicole T. Livingston, Partner, Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A. 

Colleagues say that Nicole’s knowledge and ability to explain complex matters in terms everyone understands are her strengths. As a partner at Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, PA, Nicole concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, and elder law, focusing on special needs and advanced tax planning. She said the ease and flexibility to establish a Donor Advised Fund at CFAAC and incorporate the fund into a client’s estate plan are the main reasons she refers clients to CFAAC.

“Working with CFAAC provides peace of mind for my clients who want to incorporate charitable giving into their estate plan,” said Nicole. “Having this partnership makes it easier to meet my client’s needs.”

Read More about Nicole T. Livingston

Gifts of Appreciated Stocks: Let the Numbers Do the Talking
No matter how frequently you remind clients to pause before they automatically reach for the checkbook to make their charitable gifts, many clients still give cash. As an attorney, accountant, or financial advisor, you are well aware that giving long-term appreciated assets is often one of the most tax-savvy ways your clients can support their favorite charities. Read more.

Legacy Funds and Other Tools for Charitable Clients Who Are Planning Ahead      
Getting a jump on a future “to do” list is always a great feeling. The team at the Community Foundation can help you with your clients’ long-term charitable giving plans by putting in place the structures to receive bequests decades from now. Read more.

In the Spotlight: Charitable Planning for Wealthy Clients
As you structure philanthropy plans for your high-net worth clients, we recommend reviewing the potential impact of the estate tax exemption sunset, as well as making sure you’re one of just half of advisors who are truly helping their clients with charitable giving. Read more.