In this edition of the CFAAC Community Connector, learn why August is Make a Will Month and how CFAAC can help you plan the charitable portion of your legacy, discover the latest CFAAC updates and job openings, learn about CFAAC grants, check out upcoming events and new funds, and gain expert insights for professional advisors.

August in Anne Arundel County brings long warm days and a slower pace before the school year picks back up, and it's also National Make-A-Will Month, a fitting time to use some of that quieter pace for something many of us keep putting off.

Reporting shows a surprising majority of adults have none of the core estate planning documents in place, including a will. Wealth transferred through 2048 is projected to total $124 trillion, with nearly $100 trillion of that coming from baby boomers and older generations. A will isn't just for those who are older or those with significant wealth, since every one of us, no matter our age or the size of our assets, benefits from having a plan in place for the people and causes we love. If you already have a will, this is a good month to review it and make sure it still reflects your wishes. You can learn more about Make-A-Will Month, and how CFAAC's philanthropic advisers can help you align your charitable giving with your estate plans, in this newsletter.

I'm pleased to share that nominations for our Celebration of Philanthropy Awards have closed, and our review committee is hard at work selecting this year's honorees. Awardees will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on your inbox and our website. In the meantime, I encourage you to consider a sponsorship or purchase tickets to this year's luncheon on November 12 at LIVE! Casino & Hotel Maryland. It's one of our favorite days of the year, a chance to celebrate the people and organizations quietly doing so much to make our county stronger. Details on sponsorships and tickets are available in this newsletter.

This month also brings a bit of bittersweet news, as Jennifer Lagrotteria, our Director of Philanthropic Resources, will be retiring at the end of August. While we're excited for her next chapter, we will miss having her amazing energy on our team. Jennifer has spent years building relationships with our donors and shaping the success of our Celebration of Philanthropy and fundraising efforts, always with genuine care for the people behind every gift. As she looks forward to more time and flexibility for herself and her family, we couldn't be happier for her. We want our donors and partners to know that this year's Celebration of Philanthropy and our fundraising work are in capable hands, and our search for Jennifer's successor is already underway. You can find more details in this newsletter. Jennifer, thank you for your dedication to our work of connecting people who care with causes that matter.

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

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSOR

Carl & Anita Gutschick

We're Hiring: Director of Philanthropic Resources

CFAAC is a small, mighty, and fast-growing organization known for high-quality donor service, trusted community partnerships, and thoughtful philanthropic advising. The Director of Philanthropic Resources (DPR) plays a central role in that growth, building strong donor and advisor relationships and helping direct charitable resources to the community's most pressing needs. Alongside a dedicated team, the DPR deepens donor engagement and drives outcomes that improve quality of life for Anne Arundel County residents.

To learn more about the qualifications and benefits, or to apply, please submit a resume and cover letter on Indeed.com by August 19.

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

Allison Poltorak 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.

Carol Cronin 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.

Leaving a Legacy, Leading with Values

August is national Make-a-Will Month, a good time to secure the future of the people and causes you love through a will or trust. Because you have a generous spirit, CFAAC is here to help you turn those intentions into a lasting plan.

"Community foundations are a professional way of having your charitable wishes administered, and it is so much easier than trying to do it on your own," said Marsha Jackson, a Legacy Circle member. "They have the resources and the contacts, and they know what questions to ask to help you fine-tune how you want to give. Working with CFAAC helps me focus and find resources I might not know otherwise."

Getting started is easy. Contact our Director of Gift Planning, Thomas Perkins, for a no-obligation, confidential conversation at thomas@cfaac.org or 410.280.1102 x103. 

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.

This event is presented by CFAAC, the Nonprofit Center, and ACDS.

Learn to identify, pursue, and win competitive grant funding for your nonprofit. This three-part hybrid training series opens with a virtual overview of Anne Arundel County's primary grant funders, followed by an in-person writing workshop and a virtual one-on-one review session to help polish applications before submission.

Part 1: Intro to Primary Grant Funders
Get an overview of local funding opportunities and RFP requirements directly from the funders themselves, including CFAAC, ACDS, AAWGT, Impact100, and more.

Date: September 15 | 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Cost: Free

SAVE THE DATES:
Part 2: Grant Writing Tips & Speed Networking
October 27 | 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Part 3: 1-on-1 Application Feedback
November 17 | By Appointment

*To participate in Part 3, attendees must have attended Part 1 or Part 2.

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.

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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Read more about pending legislation that could affect charitable giving and tax planning, and what it may mean for your clients.

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.