In this edition of the CFAAC Community Connector, discover the latest news, philanthropic advice, upcoming events, grant opportunities, and expert insights for professional advisors.

"Where flowers bloom so does hope." —Lady Bird Johnson

I find this quote ideal to mark the beginning of spring and to describe our community’s nonprofits. In Anne Arundel County, we are surrounded by incredible “flowers”—the dedicated organizations that help others bloom by providing hope and support.

As we embrace the season, we remind these nonprofits that our Fund for Anne Arundel grant applications are open until April 22. The grants from this fund are designed to help Anne Arundel County families and children flourish. The nonprofits serving these individuals are the foundation of our community—each strengthening a different aspect of the community from mentorship programs for children to essential family support services. Last year, CFAAC distributed $439,832 to nine local nonprofits. To date, CFAAC has distributed 36 grants to 21 unique nonprofits totaling nearly $3M through the Fund for Anne Arundel. 

On April 28, we are thrilled to present this year’s Anna E. Greenberg Board Leadership Symposium. This annual event equips nonprofit leaders with the tools to build and sustain strong, successful boards, covering key topics such as recruitment, leadership alignment, fundraising, and clear role definitions. As always, our panelists bring years of experience and will share valuable insights. We hope to see you there.

Enjoy the warmer days ahead and thank you for your support.

Mary Spencer
CFAAC President & CEO

Behind the Scenes of Running a Nonprofit

By Mary Spencer, CFAAC President & CEO

While the public may recognize nonprofits’ inspiring missions and enjoy their positive community impact, they often don’t see that the daily inner workings of running a nonprofit are demanding and complex. From balancing budgets and juggling grant deadlines to managing staff and volunteers, running a nonprofit can be as challenging as it is rewarding. 

Tax season may be in full swing, but now is the perfect time to plan ahead and maximize your giving for this year. A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows individuals 70½ or older to donate tax-free from their IRAs to eligible funds at the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County.

In 2025, you can direct up to $108,000 to Designated, Field of Interest, Scholarship, or Unrestricted Funds. While Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are not eligible recipients of QCDs, other types of funds at CFAAC can receive QCDs.

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.

Please note: The information provided is for general guidance and is not intended as legal advice. This list may not be complete.

Investing in children builds a stronger future for us all. Fund for Anne Arundel provides grants to programs that promote the health and well-being of children and families. This fund is made possible by donations of all sizes, pooled together for greater impact.

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:

Applicants can request a one-year grant of up to $50,000 or a renewable grant of up to $25,000 per year for two years. If awarded, the grantee will be required to submit a report on the success of the first year’s program in order to receive the second year’s funding. Successful applicants will provide an explanation of how the extended timeline will allow for a more successful, sustainable program. 

Grant Details:

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. Panelists:

Nadine Chien, Ph.D., Esq.
Chairperson
Board of Trustees
Anne Arundel Community College

Christopher B. Nelson
 Chairperson
Board of Trustees
Anne Arundel Public Library

Scott McRoy
Chairperson
Luminus Health Anne Arundel
Medical Center Foundation Board

Deborah Mayer
most recent
Past Board President
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts

Event Details:

Fundraising & Sustainability Cohort 

CFAAC is proud to collaborate with NPC on the Spring 2025 Fundraising & Sustainability Cohort! Led by Dr. Lili Leonard of Black Dog Philanthropic, this five-week course is designed for small to mid-size nonprofits and will focus on fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and revenue generation.

Sessions will be held Wednesday evenings from April 30 to May 28, 2025. With an emphasis on supporting minority-led organizations and BIPOC leadership, the cohort provides practical guidance and personalized consulting.

Space is limited—apply here by noon on April 16 to secure your spot!

AAWGT Spring Open House 

Join Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT) for an Open House on April 9, 2025, 5:30pm to 7:30pm and learn how AAWGT is making a difference in our community. At the event you will meet inspiring like-minded women and hear about the work we support. 

This event is free and open to the public.

REGISTER HERE.

AACPL: Introduction to Proposal Writing: a Virtual Program

The Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) is offering a virtual class on April 23, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm covering the basics of proposal writing. Participants will learn key elements of a strong proposal, common mistakes to avoid, best practices for submission and follow-up, and will take part in a hands-on exercise to develop a proposal outline.

REGISTER HERE.

April 24, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 P.M
Via Zoom

AAEPC invites you to a webinar on Managing Clients in the Federal Workforce in Times of Uncertainty. Financial advisor Brian Kuhn will share key insights on benefits, investments, and risks to help federal employees plan for the future.

May 1, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 P.M.
 The Lodge 

AAEPC invites you to an educational event on Key Person Policies & Buy-Sell Agreements, sponsored by Modera Wealth Management. David Prensky of CNR Insurance will explain how these tools protect businesses and families, who they benefit, and how to structure them effectively.

With payout rates holding strong and new opportunities through the Legacy IRA provisions, charitable gift annuities (CGAs) are gaining renewed attention. Whether you're hearing more client questions or just want to stay ahead of the curve, now’s a great time to revisit how CGAs work—and why they might be the right fit for some donors.

Read more.

When it comes to charitable giving, structure matters. If your clients are weighing the pros and cons of starting a private foundation versus opening a donor advised fund (DAF), you’re not alone—and neither are they. At CFAAC, we help advisors like you navigate the myths, understand the benefits of each option, and design giving strategies that reflect your clients’ goals and values.

Read more.

With trust in nonprofits on the upswing, your clients are increasingly turning to charitable giving as part of their financial plans—but they’re expecting transparency, impact, and expert guidance. The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County is here to help you meet those expectations with local insight, flexible giving options, and trusted support.

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 nearly $5 to $7 million annually. Learn more at www.cfaac.org.