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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Vincent Moulden
Co-Chair, CGAACo
info@cgaaco.org | (443) 480-5031

Contact: John Rodenhausen,
President & CEO, CFAAC
John@cfaac.org | (410) 280-1102

Anne Arundel County Launches a New Giving Circle to Fund People-First Nonprofit Programs

Community members will pool resources and award grants to local nonprofits for practical, immediate support that strengthens stability for individuals and families.

Anne Arundel County, MD (April 15, 2025) - Collective Giving of Anne Arundel County (CGAACo) today announced its official launch as a community-led giving circle and a component fund of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC). CGAACo will mobilize residents from across the county to pool contributions and award grants to local nonprofits delivering people-oriented programs that meet urgent, everyday needs.

CGAACo was created to respond when a small challenge threatens to become a crisis. Rather than providing direct payments to individuals, the giving circle will award grants to nonprofit partners that operate people-first programs and services, including rapid-response assistance, short-term stabilization, and other time-sensitive support that helps households stay on track.

What CGAACo Grants Will Support
CGAACo will prioritize nonprofit programs that remove immediate barriers and protect stability.

Examples include: 

  • Emergency assistance delivered through nonprofit case management or client support programs
  • Short-term transportation solutions, including help with essential car repairs or transit access
  • Housing and utility stabilization support that prevents disruption and displacement
  • Childcare and family stability support that helps caregivers maintain work and school routines
  • Other practical needs addressed through nonprofit services that protect safety, dignity, and opportunity

A Giving Circle Built for the County
CGAACo brings together neighbors across cultures, generations, and communities to make decisions about local giving. Members will learn about community needs, review nonprofit requests, and vote on grants that align with the giving circle’s focus on practical impact.

“I have spent years working alongside residents, community leaders, and nonprofit partners across Anne Arundel County,” said Vincent Moulden, Co-Chair of CGAACo. “In every part of the county, I have seen the same pattern. A small, urgent need can knock a family off course, and the help is not always available when it is needed. CGAACo creates a way for everyday people to pool resources and help nonprofits respond quickly, so those gaps do not turn into long-term setbacks.”

“CGAACo is grounded in a simple idea. Everyone can be part of giving,” said Michelle W. Hellstern, Co-Chair of CGAACo. “When neighbors contribute together and invest in nonprofit programs that support real people in real time, the impact is practical, respectful, and lasting.”

"Giving Circles are an outstanding way to make a big impact with gifts of any size. Collective Giving of Anne Arundel County is a great addition to the philanthropic landscape because they are offering a new outlet for donors of all levels to connect and create positive changes through philanthropy. People helping people is what it's all about and CFAAC applauds their leadership," said John Rodenhausen, President & CEO of CFAAC.

Membership and Funding Model
CGAACo offers accessible membership options so more residents can participate in local philanthropy. Membership contributions range from $100 to $2,000 and above. At the $100–$300 levels, 100% of each contribution supports community grants. At $500 and above, a small portion supports operations, keeping the giving circle sustainable and responsive.

Launch Event
CGAACo invites community members, nonprofit leaders, and partners to attend its launch event and learn how to get involved.

Event: New Giving Circle in Anne Arundel County: CGAACo Launch Event

Date: April 22, 2026

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual Lunch & Learn

RSVP: RSVP here or email info@cgaaco.org

Media: Press are welcome. Please contact info@cgaaco.org to coordinate.

Additional event details will be shared as they are confirmed.

About CGAACo: Collective Giving of Anne Arundel County (CGAACo) is a community-led giving circle and a component fund of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County. CGAACo brings neighbors together to pool resources and award grants to local nonprofits that deliver people-first programs addressing urgent, everyday needs. Learn more at www.cgaaco.org.

About CFAAC: The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) publicly supported philanthropic organization dedicated to inspiring and promoting 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 the county, distributing $6 to $9 million annually to support a wide range of local needs. Learn more at www.cfaac.org.

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