In this edition of the CFAAC Community Connector, discover the latest CFAAC updates, learn about CFAAC grants, check out upcoming events and new funds, and gain expert insights for professional advisors.

As we reflect on our nation turning 250 years old last week, we are reminded that philanthropy is a long-standing tradition dating back to the early days of our country's history. In colonial days, philanthropists like John Harvard and Benjamin Franklin gravitated toward funding educational entities. Harvard’s donation of his book collection and half of his estate became what we know today as Harvard University. Franklin was a large benefactor of public libraries. Even James Smithson, who never set foot on American soil, gave his estate to found the Smithsonian Institution to be used as “an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”

Places of worship also played a foundational role in shaping our nation’s culture of giving. From church tithes and charitable outreach to the large-scale philanthropy of John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, faith-based giving became a powerful force for communities. Rockefeller's strong religious upbringing, in particular, influenced his sense of responsibility to society. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, philanthropic giving grew; what was once limited, focused giving became more developed as philanthropic foundations formed.

American philanthropy has also been strengthened by the contributions of African American leaders who used their success to create opportunities for others. Madam C.J. Walker, widely recognized as America’s first self-made female millionaire, supported educational institutions, civil rights organizations, and community initiatives. More recently, Robert F. Smith invested heavily in education and economic mobility, including his widely celebrated gift to eliminate the student loan debt of the Morehouse College Class of 2019. Their examples reflect philanthropy’s enduring ability to create pathways for future generations.

While philanthropy today looks different in some ways, its purpose remains remarkably consistent. Research-driven giving now helps donors and organizations address the root causes of systemic challenges, allowing charitable investments to have an even greater impact. Through support for education, housing, mentoring, food security, and other critical services, philanthropy helps residents of our county build stability, opportunity, and independence. Endowments further ensure that these resources will continue to serve communities for generations to come.

This year’s Fourth of July celebration not only marked this country's semiquincentennial but also celebrated what can be accomplished when people invest in causes they care about. As we look to the future, we honor the legacy of those whose generosity helped shape the past and recognize the important role philanthropy will play in the next 250 years. With your support, we can continue that momentum together.

On a personal note, this milestone month also marks an exciting one for our CFAAC family, as Renee retired after six years of helping tell our story and strengthen our community. Her contributions have shaped who we are today, and while we'll miss her daily presence on our team, we're glad she plans to remain involved as a volunteer. We are currently searching for her replacement as we review nearly 100 applications for this newly expanded position. Thank you, Renee, for everything you've given to this work.

John Rodenhausen, CAP^®
CFAAC President & CEO

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for the 2026 Celebration of Philanthropy Awards. We're now reviewing this year's nominations and can't wait to celebrate on November 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Hall at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland. Save the date!

Sponsorship opportunities are now open for this year's celebration, and there has never been a better time to get involved. As a sponsor, your organization will be recognized in front of hundreds of community members, nonprofit leaders, and philanthropic partners, while directly supporting CFAAC's mission to strengthen Anne Arundel County. Whether you are a longtime supporter or considering sponsorship for the first time, your partnership makes this event, and the work it celebrates, possible. Contact Jen@cfaac.org today to learn more about sponsorship levels and secure your spot.

2026 Celebration of Philanthropy Sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

CFAAC was excited to be the Annapolis Blues FC Charity of the Match on June 17, with 7,268 fans in the stands. While a portion of the proceeds supported our work, the real highlight was connecting with so many people at our booth and hearing the causes they cared about. By the end of the night, our whiteboard was filled edge to edge, from animal welfare and clean water to mental health and education. Some answers were expected, like veterans, hunger and the environment. Others were pure heart, like the fan who simply wrote "Mom," or the aspiring artist who made the case for "no AI to replace real artists." It was a snapshot of Anne Arundel County in its own words, and a reminder of just how many causes our community carries close to heart. Thank you to Annapolis Blues FC for the partnership and for bringing our community together for such a meaningful night.

CFAAC proudly welcomes the following funds to our family of funds:

The HOPE for All Endowment Fund 

This CFAAC Nonprofit Agency Endowed Fund was established by HOPE for All to support its mission of meeting the needs of neighbors in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, by providing furniture, housewares, and clothing to those in need.

The Ridout Fund

This partially endowed Donor Advised Fund established to support the philanthropic interests and charitable initiatives of its advisor(s).

Jenny Davis Forrest AAWGT Lifetime Membership Fund

A CFAAC Endowed Fund established to support Anne Arundel Women Giving Together’s mission of funding programs that are devoted to improving the lives, health, education, and well-being of women, their children, and families.

Looking Ahead:
A Simple Way to Support the Causes You Love

August is Make a Will Month! While you consider your legacy, remember that CFAAC can act as your charitable hub. We make it easy to support all the causes you care about. 

Learn more: Visit our website to explore planned giving options.

Connect: Contact Thomas Perkins, Director of Gift Planning, at tperkins@cfaac.org to start a no-obligation, confidential conversation.

Deadline: August 25, 2026
Grant Size: $3,000 to $5,000
Awards announced: September 2026.

Deadline: September 22, 2026
Grant Size: Up to $500
Awards announced: October, 2026.

Learn to recognize and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in adults. This two-part virtual course includes self-paced materials plus two live group sessions.

Dates: September 8 & 15
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $25
Location: Online via Zoom
Register by: September 1, 2026
Space is limited.

Build a sustainable endowment strategy for your organization. This workshop offers an endowment basics refresh followed by small group tactical planning sessions on legacy giving, donor pipelines, and low-cost growth strategies.

Date: September 17
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Location: The Nonprofit Center
Space is limited.

When: July 22, 2026, 2:00pm-3:30pm

Where: Michael E. Busch Library, 1410 West St., Annapolis

When: July 30, 2026, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Where: Broadneck Grill and Cantina, 1364 Cape St. Claire Road, Annapolis

Join the Anne Arundel Estate Planning Council (AAEPC) for Wine Down Wednesday, a relaxed networking event open to members and guests. Free for AAEPC members; tickets required for non-members.

Date: August 12, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Where: Carroll's Creek Cafe

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The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), publicly supported philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent funds that provide support to local nonprofit organizations through grants and special projects. Our mission is to inspire and promote giving in Anne Arundel County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1998, CFAAC is one of the largest funders of nonprofit organizations in Anne Arundel County. CFAAC distributes $6 to $9 million annually. Learn more at www.cfaac.org.