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

There is always a lot going on at the Community Foundation and March is coming in like a lion. We just wrapped up the last of eight virtual Coffee & Conversation listening sessions today as this newsletter hits your inboxes. I continue to be inspired by how well these hour-long sessions were received, expanding our reach throughout the county, region, and even beyond Maryland! Our team offers our gratitude for the nearly 300 registrants who tuned in to share their perspectives on strategic planning, strengthening nonprofits, and fundraising. If you weren’t able to attend, please feel free to reach out to our staff to schedule a meeting with our philanthropic advisors.

Grant cycles are offered throughout the year, so please keep an eye on our website for funding opportunities. Applications are closing on two scholarships as well as our Environment Anne Arundel and Food Insecurity Fund this month. We are opening our Fund for Anne Arundel (FFAA) grant applications on March 16 so our grantmaking will be in full swing. FFAA is our largest annual funding opportunity dedicated entirely to supporting nonprofits that prioritize the physical, mental, and behavioral health of children and families. Last year, even though we awarded a record-breaking $510,000 to 13 nonprofits, there were still more applications than we could fund. I would encourage you to read more in this newsletter about how you can help expand this important work.

Behind the scenes, we are also growing our team. Last month, we were delighted to welcome back Ashley Krogel as a part-time Accountant. As some of you may remember, Ashley was with CFAAC until 2021 when she took some time off to be with her growing family. Since CFAAC is processing more grants to nonprofits than ever, we are fortunate to have her back to assist our Director of Finance Kathy Luthcke.

I have also been reading through resumes and interviewing candidates to fill two vacant positions on our staff: Director of Gift Planning and Education Program Manager. We have received many qualified applicants and I am hopeful to narrow down and hire for these positions soon. It’s an exciting time at CFAAC and I’m grateful to be doing this work alongside such a committed and generous community.

Stay tuned and stay warm! Spring — with all its new possibilities — is just around the corner.

John Rodenhausen

CFAAC President & CEO

How Does Your Community Foundation Learn About the County?

By John Rodenhausen, CFAAC President & CEO

A philanthropic nonprofit like the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County doesn’t learn about its community from behind a desk. Truly understanding local needs begins with showing up, listening closely, attending events and working alongside nonprofit leaders and partner organizations to learn where challenges and opportunities overlap.

CFAAC was named to Executive Alliance's 2026 Honor Roll, which recognizes Maryland companies and nonprofits for women's representation in leadership and on corporate boards. The Alliance promotes women leaders through recruitment, development, and advancement in the workplace. CFAAC will be honored on March 16 at the Laurel Pro Racetrack in Laurel, Maryland. Find out more.

You won't want to miss CFAAC's most inspiring event of the year, so mark your calendar for November 12, 2026 for the Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon.

Now is also the perfect time to start thinking about nominations. Do you know an unsung hero who is making a meaningful difference in our community? Nominations for the 2026 Celebration of Philanthropy Awards will be accepted from May 12 through July 9, 2026, with honorees celebrated at the annual awards luncheon that evening.

We are opening our Fund for Anne Arundel grant cycle on March 16. Last year, we granted a record-breaking $510,000 to 13 nonprofits. However, each year, we receive far more applications than we can fund. With your help, we can say “yes” to more of the organizations meeting urgent needs across our county. 

Please join us in making an even greater impact this year. 

Lance Corporal Eric Herzberg, USMC and Lance Corporal William Taylor Wild, IV, USMC Scholarship

The Herzberg-Wild Scholarship was established at CFAAC in 2014 to honor two fallen Marines from Anne Arundel County. One $10,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving high school senior from Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

The Officer Grant Turner Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established to honor Officer Grant Turner's love of the game, this fund's advisors host one of the largest preseason baseball tournaments in the state. Four scholarships of $1,700 each are awarded for tuition, fees, and books at institutions of higher education, paid directly to the institution.

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

The Fount Fund

A CFAAC Corporate Advised Fund, established to serve as a permanent philanthropic vehicle for Fount & Flourish, dedicated to investing in women, girls, and local causes for generations to come. 

Sherry Perkins 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.

The Fund for Anne Arundel (FFAA) channels CFAAC's grantmaking to where it's needed most. Building on expanded funding from last year, FFAA will award grants of $25,000 to $50,000 in the following categories:

Applicants may request a one-year grant or a renewable grant of up to $25,000 per year for two years. Renewable grant applicants must demonstrate how the extended timeline supports a more sustainable program.

Grant Details:

Application Opens: March 16, 2026
Deadline: April 21, 2026
Award Size: $25,000 to $50,000
Awards Announced: June 2026

Environment Anne Arundel Fund supports local nonprofits working to protect Anne Arundel County's natural environment, from stormwater challenges to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, local streams, and rivers. 

Grant Details:

Food Insecurity Fund supports local nonprofits working to reduce hunger in Anne Arundel County by strengthening access to nutritious meals, promoting sustainable food resources, and addressing the root causes of food insecurity.

Grant Details:

 

Thursday, March 19
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Anne Arundel County Nonprofit Center, Crownsville
Cost: $35 per attendee

Join CFAAC and the Nonprofit Center for a full-day conference designed for Anne Arundel County nonprofits, with a special focus on small organizations. Sessions will cover governance, fundraising, technology, partnerships, communications, and practical uses of AI to build capacity.

Join the Anne Arundel Estate Planning Council for an in-person program exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping estate planning practice. Featuring Jack Beckett of the Law Office of Frederick R. Franke, Jr. LLC, this session covers practical use cases, ethical considerations, and real-world implications. Generously sponsored by RBC Wealth Management - Compass Private Wealth Advisors.

Date: March 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Lodge Annapolis
Cost: Free for 2026 AAEPC members | $80 for guests

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we're sharing four insights on the evolving role of women in philanthropy.

Read more.

Two recent rulings carry a consistent message for your clients:
1. Good intentions are not enough.

Read more.

How does strategic philanthropy actually play out in family business succession planning? Here's a real-world case study to show you.

Read more. 

Ashley Krogel has returned to CFAAC, where she supports general accounting functions, assisting with day-to-day financial operations and helping ensure accurate and efficient financial processes across the organization.

When Ashley first joined CFAAC, she had one son. She later took a hiatus as her family grew, and has since welcomed two more sons.
Read more.

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.