CFAAC COMMUNITY CONNECTOR - MARCH 2025 |
In this edition of the CFAAC Community Connector, find the latest news, inspiring stories, newly established funds, resources for those affected by federal policy changes, upcoming events, scholarship and grant opportunities, and expert insights for professional advisors.
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A Message From our President & CEO |
Spring is a season for renewal, growth, and fresh starts—and at CFAAC that means strengthening our partnerships, embracing opportunities, and cultivating new relationships.
As we strengthen our nonprofit partners by granting funds and offering educational programs, we also continue to seek new ways to be involved in our community.
CFAAC staff members are working diligently to find and embrace opportunities through networking, connecting with donors, and generating awareness through participation in community events and committees. For example, Kristen Krall, our Community Education Coordinator, actively serves on several Nonprofit Center committees to ensure local nonprofits receive the support they need, and I continue to collaborate with fellow community leaders in multiple ways including serving on the core partners and stakeholders team for our counties’ ENOUGH Act Initiative established by the Governor, gaining valuable insight into emerging needs. I also recently attended Foundations on the Hill, a public policy and advocacy conference designed to unite the philanthropic sector and strengthen our collective voice on Capitol Hill. It was inspiring to meet with so many legislators and other community foundation leaders all working for the good of their communities.
Our staff members actively participate in local events and volunteer with organizations that connect them to this wonderful county we proudly call home. Through this involvement, we are developing new relationships while fortifying our existing partnerships through the county.
In February, we hosted our first two Community and Nonprofit Education Series programs—The Loneliness Epidemic and Blueprint for Successful Grant Applications. Tomorrow, in partnership with The Nonprofit Center, we look forward to hosting the Mission & Method: Strategies for Greater Nonprofit Impact and Collaboration Conference. Through all of these programs and partnerships, we remain connected to our community, allowing us to better understand and respond to its evolving needs.
Looking forward to seeing you out in the community.
Warmly,
Mary Spencer
CFAAC President & CEO
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Your responses will remain anonymous. However, if you would like to be contacted, you will have an opportunity to provide your email address within the survey.
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| 2025 CFAAC Stakeholder Survey |
CFAAC periodically surveys our grantees, event attendees, donors, and fundholders to gather valuable insights into our programs and the needs of our stakeholders. Community foundations like CFAAC play a vital role in connecting donors who care with causes that matter. Given the current decline in federal funding, our service to the community is more critical than ever.
Your Input Matters! As spring approaches, we invite you to share your thoughts to help us continue supporting our community effectively. This brief survey will assist CFAAC in strengthening the financial support available to Anne Arundel County residents and nonprofits by providing the most up-to-date information on your interests and priorities.
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In Case You Missed It: Our February CFAAC Commentary in The Capital Gazette |
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| How Family Giving Strengthens Relationships and Communities
By Mary Spencer, CFAAC President & CEO
Giving as a family can bring everyone closer—not just to each other, but to the communities they support. A recent study revealed that 81% of parents who donate, report their children under 18 engaged in a charitable activity within the past year. There are many ways to begin a family tradition of giving.
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How Can We Help?
Supporting the Community When It's Needed Most |
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At the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County we often hear the question, “How can we help?” As a trusted resource for the community and nonprofits, CFAAC provides connections, educational programs, and Discretionary and Field of Interest grants that directly support community nonprofits in times of need.
If you want to help but aren’t sure where to start, consider these action steps:
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Give flexible, nonrestrictive funds so nonprofits can address their most urgent needs.
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| Ask CFAAC about your favorite nonprofit's immediate needs and consider increasing your support.
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The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County is thrilled to welcome the following funds to our family of funds:
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The Fred Flight Gift Fund: This CFAAC Donor Advised Fund was established to support the philanthropic interests and charitable initiatives of its advisor(s).
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Michael and Anne Petrenko Charitable Foundation: This CFAAC Donor Advised Fund was established to serve the charitable intentions of the founders, which, during their lifetimes, includes the care of rescue horses and exotic birds.
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The Higgs-Smith Bright Futures Endowment Fund: This CFAAC Donor Advised Fund was established to provide annual support for CFAAC’s Fund for Anne Arundel to support organizations or programs that provide school and after-school programs for youth in need.
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The Higgs-Smith Guardians of Nature Endowment Fund: This CFAAC Donor Advised Fund was established to provide annual support for CFAAC's Environment Anne Arundel Fund, which makes discretionary grants to support environmental organizations and programs.
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The Higgs-Smith Hope and Home Endowment Fund: This CFAAC Donor Advised Fund was established to provide annual support to organizations and programs focused on homelessness prevention in Winchester, VA, and Anne Arundel County. Support for Anne Arundel County will be directed through CFAAC's Fund for Anne Arundel.
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The Higgs-Smith Mental Wellness Endowment Fund: This CFAAC Donor Advised Fund was established to provide annual support for CFAAC’s Fund for Anne Arundel, to support organizations and programs that address mental health and wellness in the community.
- The Higgs-Smith Endowment Fund for Highland Memorial Presbyterian Church: This CFAAC Donor Advised Fund was established to support the mission of Highland Memorial Presbyterian Church in Winchester, VA, which is to serve and nurture the community through worship, music, fellowship, and education.
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The Higgs-Smith Endowment Fund for Shriners Hospitals: This CFAAC Donor Advised Fund was established to support the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children, which is to provide life-changing medical care, research, and support to children and families around the world.
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The Higgs-Smith Endowment Fund for Smile Train: This CFAAC Donor Advised Fund was established to support the mission of Smile Train, which is to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive care to children in need around the world.
- The Higgs-Smith Endowment Fund for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: This CFAAC Donor Advised Fund was established in to support St. Jude’s mission of advancing cures and prevention strategies for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.
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Elaine Shanley AAWGT Lifetime Membership Fund: This CFAAC Endowed Fund supports 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.
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| Closing Soon: Applications for the Herzberg-Wild Scholarship |
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Lance Corporal
Eric William Herzberg
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Lance Corporal
William Taylor Wild, IV
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The Lance Corporal Eric William Herzberg and Lance Corporal William Taylor Wild IV Scholarship is now accepting applications. Established in 2014 at CFAAC by anonymous donors, this scholarship honors two fallen Marines—Eric W. Herzberg and Taylor Wild, IV—both residents of Anne Arundel County.
This $10,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior who demonstrates character, quiet leadership, resiliency, and financial need.
Key Details:
- Application deadline: March 19, 2025
- Finalists may be invited to interview with the Selection Committee in early to mid-April.
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Closing Soon: Applications for the Officer Grant Turner Scholarship |
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The Officer Grant Turner Memorial Scholarship Fund, established to honor Officer Grant Turner’s life and passion for baseball, is now accepting applications. This $1,700 scholarship is awarded annually to graduating student-athletes from South River or Crofton High School, as well as members or dependents of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department or the Maryland Diamond/Anne Arundel County Umpires Association. Additional eligibility criteria can be found in the application form. Application deadline: March 19, 2025
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Fund Holder Spotlight—Planting Seeds Early: Giving Back is a Way of Life for the Chaney Family |
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Proposed Boys & Girls Club at Lothian.
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For the Chaney family, giving back isn’t just a tradition—it’s a way of life, passed down through generations like a treasured heirloom. What began with Eugene “Babe” Chaney, founder of Chaney Enterprises, a ready-mix concrete, sand, and gravel supplier, has grown into a legacy of philanthropy with each generation building upon the one before it.
From the long-running Chaney Bull Roast to hands-on volunteering at local nonprofits, the family’s deep-rooted commitment to giving back has positively impacted the local community for decades.The seeds for giving were planted early. Rebekah (R.G.) Chaney Lare, vice president of Chaney Cares, Chaney Enterprise’s philanthropic arm, said that as long as she can remember, she and her family volunteered. Chaney Cares is currently raising funds for a new Boys & Girls Club in Lothian, MD. The club, slated for opening in 2027, is currently in its planning phase as it raises funds through the Chaney Impact Fund at CFAAC.
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Support and Resources for Those Affected by Federal Policy Changes |
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The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County is committed to helping residents and organizations navigate the impact of recent federal policy changes. We have gathered resources to provide legal, financial, and community support during this time of uncertainty. As the situation evolves, we remain engaged and adaptable, working to connect those affected with critical assistance.
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Please note: The information provided is for general guidance and is not intended as legal advice. This list may not be exhaustive.
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Environment Anne Arundel Grant Applications Close March 11 |
The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County’s Environment Anne Arundel Fund, established in 2014, supports local nonprofit organizations working to protect and improve the environment in Anne Arundel County and the Chesapeake Bay. This fund helps projects that enhance communities, address environmental challenges like stormwater, and promote the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay, local streams, rivers, and other natural areas. To help organizations needing funding for summer projects, the grant application opens earlier this year.
Nonprofits: In addition to applying for program funding, did you know that you can also apply for operational support?
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Application Deadline: March 11, 2025
- Award Size: Up to $10,000
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Grants will be awarded based on available funding. Local nonprofits, including schools in Anne Arundel County, are eligible to apply.
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Fund For Anne Arundel Grant Applications Open March 17 |
The Fund for Anne Arundel will award grants to programs that promote the health and well-being of children and families, focusing on equitable access to physical, mental, and behavioral health services.
Fund for Anne Arundel was established to address the greatest needs in Anne Arundel County. Thanks to increased funding, in 2025, the Fund for Anne Arundel will provide grants dedicated to each of the following categories:
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- Physical, Mental and Behavioral Health of Children
- Mental Wellness Programs and Initiatives
- Homeless Prevention Programs and Initiatives
- School and After-School Programs
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Successful applicants will demonstrate innovative, data-driven solutions aligned with community needs, sustainability, and measurable impact.
Nonprofits: In addition to applying for program funding, did you know that you can also apply for operational support?
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- Application Opens: March 17, 2025
- Deadline: April 22, 2025
- Award Size: $25,000-$50,000
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TOMORROW: Mission & Method: Strategies for Greater Nonprofit Impact and Collaboration |
Join the Nonprofit Center and the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County for a full-day conference designed to inspire and equip nonprofit leaders. Open to all Anne Arundel County 501(c)(3) nonprofits, this event will feature expert-led workshops, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities to help enhance your organization’s impact. Don't miss out: There are still a few openings!
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We want to make it easier for local nonprofits to attend. If cost is a concern, we offer two ways to help:
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SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE – Your nonprofit may qualify for financial assistance. Email kristen@cfaac.org to check your eligibility.
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Bring a Board Member or Key Volunteer for Free – Take advantage of the 2-for-1 deal to engage your team and strengthen board involvement.
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- Friday, March 7th
- Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn Park, MD
- COST: $35 per attendee, includes lunch
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| Whether you have a new or well-established endowment, save the date for attending Tuning Up Your Endowment, an event tailored for nonprofit leadership and fundraising staff.
Susie Chase, Vice President for Advancement at Washington College, Barb Kappel, Nonprofit Advisor and Fundraising Coach, and John Rodenhausen, CFAAC Director of Gift Planning, will lead this intimate and interactive session focused on effective strategies for fundraising and strengthening your endowment. They’ll cover key topics such as donor engagement, long-term sustainability, and best practices for growing your endowment fund.
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- Thursday, March 27th
- The Commons (a small annex conference building behind CFAAC's office building)
- Free for Registered Attendees
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| Seating is limited to 30 participants - register early to reserve your spot.
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Anna E. Greenberg Board Leadership Symposium
Strengthening Board Leadership – Recruitment, Retention & Engagement |
Join us for an insightful education session focused on building and maintaining a strong board. Learn how to recruit the right board members, ensure alignment with your organization's goals, and understand the board's critical role in fundraising. We’ll explore strategies for engaging members throughout their term and beyond, including the involvement of emeritus members. Current nonprofit board members will also share practical insights.
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- Monday, April 28th
- Annapolis Busch Library
- $25, includes lunch
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AAWGT PRESENTS
Trailblazers: Inspiring Leadership, Innovation, and Impact
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Join Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT) on March 10th from 6:30–8:30 PM at St. John’s College to hear from two trailblazing women as they share their journeys and discuss how leadership, courage, and innovation inspire the next generation of change makers.
REGISTER HERE.
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| Join Impact100 Greater Chesapeake’s Nonprofit Brainstorming Workshop
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Impact100 Greater Chesapeake invites nonprofit leaders to meet and exchange ideas at the Nonprofit Connections Workshop on March 10th from 2-4 PM at the Chesapeake Conservancy in Annapolis.
RSVP HERE.
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| Nonprofit
Learning Lab Seeks Participants
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The Nonprofit Center is seeking 18 local 501(c)(3) organizations in Anne Arundel County to pilot the Nonprofit Learning Lab's online training service.
Participants will receive free All-Access membership for up to two staff members or volunteers through December 30, 2025, in exchange for completing two surveys to help evaluate the program.
Learn more and register here.
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NEWS FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS |
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AAEPC Membership
Registration is Open |
Renew or activate your membership to continue being part of this vibrant community. Don’t miss out!
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| Cyber Security Risk Landscape - Hot Spots and Trends |
Join AAEPC on March 20, 2025, for an insightful session with Joseph Brunsman of Brunsgroup about the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Learn about emerging threats like malware and discover strategies to protect digital systems.
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Tax Time Blues: Why is This so Hard? |
It's time for your clients to pull together tax information and start working with you on the filings for last year and start checking in on current-year strategies.This can be stressful for your clients for a number of reasons, and this year is no exception:
Read more.
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| Generational Shifts: Fulfilling Clients' Charitable Wishes |
Chances are, you’ve already begun to notice that a major transfer of wealth is happening as your Baby Boomer clients establish financial and estate plans to pass their wealth to their Gen X and Millennial children.
Read more.
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| Caught by Surprise? In case you missed it, here’s what’s going on... |
Keeping up with an ever-evolving landscape of tax legislation can be a full-time job.
Here’s a quick rundown of three things you need to know:
Read more.
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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 nearly $5 to $7 million annually. Learn more at www.cfaac.org.
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