In this edition of the Community Connector, learn more about our upcoming Celebration of Philanthropy luncheon, discover upcoming events and grant opportunities, and see how CFAAC is making an impact through new grant awards and our strategic plan for the future.

As autumn settles in, we are entering one of the busiest and most philanthropic times of year in the nonprofit community. My calendar seems to fill a little more each week with morning coffees, evening events, and meetings, all of which are centered on strengthening our communities and preparing for the giving season ahead.

I am grateful for the opportunity to attend these events and witness the impact of foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders across the county. Each gathering is a reminder of what is possible when people collaborate with a shared commitment to helping county residents.

Speaking of events, our biggest event of the year is just around the corner! As we prepare for our annual Celebration of Philanthropy luncheon on November 12th, there is still time to purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or make a donation. This special afternoon is more than a fundraiser. It is about shining a spotlight on superlative people making positive impacts in Anne Arundel County. We continue this tradition because it brings together a broad community of changemakers who care deeply about the future of Anne Arundel County. More details can be found later in this newsletter.

As we encourage generosity, it is equally important that we consider how we are preparing for our own financial futures and those of our families. National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 19–25. First recognized by Congress in 2008, this annual observance is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of estate planning and the role it plays in long-term financial well-being.

If you’re thinking about your financial future and wondering how to include charitable giving in your trust or will, CFAAC is here to help. We understand that estate planning can be overwhelming, but we have the advisors and tools to connect you directly to the causes you care about. Our goal is to help you understand your options, identify tax-savvy strategies that align with your goals, and connect you with the resources you need to create a thoughtful plan.

As an organization, we put this planning priority into practice. CFAAC’s strategic planning process began with listening sessions earlier this year and has continued through ongoing conversations leading up to an excellent retreat facilitated by Lili Leonard, Ph.D. Over more than six hours together at the Nonprofit Center, we reflected on what worked well in our previous plan, explored growth opportunities, and identified strategies we believe will best serve the county and the residents who will benefit most from our work. More to come, so stay tuned!

Thank you for being part of the CFAAC community and for believing in the power of philanthropy to create enduring change. I look forward to connecting with you again soon. I hope to see you at the Celebration of Philanthropy Awards.

Best wishes and warm regards,
John

Congratulations to this year's recipients of the Women and Girls Fund. CFAAC awarded $25,000 to six local organizations this year, bringing the fund's total to 23 grants awarded to 17 unique nonprofits, worth nearly $117,000, since the fund began.

The Women and Girls Fund supports projects that build individual skills, reduce isolation, create new experiences, and connect women and girls facing major socioeconomic challenges to needed resources.

This year's awardees are Sisters In Sync, Maryland Therapeutic Riding, PlayAnnapolis, Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation, Peak Scholars, and Chesapeake Science Point Charter School.

As often happens, CFAAC received more applications than funding allowed. The grant review committee carefully considered every submission, and while all of the applicants were impressive, the organizations selected have a strong track record of creating lasting impact. We look forward to seeing each organization's vision come to life with the support of these grants.

Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for a Women and Girls Fund grant next year, and anyone interested in donating to the fund, can find more information on our website.

Philanthropists
of the Year

The Earl
Family

Nominated by
Luminis Anne Arundel
Medical Center

Young Volunteer of the Year

Andre
Manning, Jr.

Nominated by
Just One Sweater

Carroll H. Hynson Jr. Award for DEI in Philanthropy

Laura Jane
Willoughby

Nominated by
AAC Office of Multicultural Affairs

Corporate Philanthropist
of the Year

Covington
Alsina, LLC

Nominated by
Historic Annapolis

Carol Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award

Anna E. Greenberg

Nominated by
Historic Annapolis

Professional Advisor Recognition Society Inductee

Sean
O’Neill

Volunteer
of the Year

Margaret
Davis

Nominated by
Anne Arundel Women Giving Together

Boots on the Ground Award

Lisa
Lutz

Nominated by
Smith Consulting & Events

Professional Advisor Recognition Society Inductee

Modera Wealth Management – Annapolis Team

The countdown is on for our annual Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon. Mark your calendar for November 12, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Hall at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland. Join us as we celebrate the people making a difference across Anne Arundel County, with great food, live music, and plenty of community spirit.

This event sold out last year, and seats are selling quickly for this year. Get your tickets today and join hundreds of community members, nonprofit leaders, and philanthropic partners in celebrating this year's honorees.

Sponsorship opportunities are also still open. Sponsors are recognized in front of the full luncheon audience while directly supporting CFAAC's mission to strengthen Anne Arundel County. Contact Thomas Perkins at tperkins@cfaac.org to learn more about sponsorship levels and secure your spot.

2026 Celebration of Philanthropy Sponsors

CO-PRESENTING SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GolSPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Anne Arundel Community College Foundation

Barb Kappel
Non-Profit Advisor and Fundraising Coach

Blue Heron 
Financial Group

Carl & Anita Gutschick

Krall Family Foundation

Bill Thompson

Martha Van Woerkom

Anonymous

Make Your DAF Day Gift Count Close to Home

Thursday, Oct. 8, is DAF Day, a national giving day for Donor Advised Fund holders. This year, consider recommending a grant to one of CFAAC's Field of Interest Funds, which pool gifts from many donors to support causes like emergency assistance, hunger relief, youth programs, and the environment. Every dollar goes toward grants for local nonprofits serving Anne Arundel County residents, and several funds award grants this fall.

Deadline: November 9, 2026
Grant Size: Up to $2,500
Awards announced:
November 2026

Deadline: October 19, 2026
Grant Size: Up to $200,000
Awards announced:
October 2026

Deadline: November 2, 2026
Grant Size: $3,000 to $5,000
Awards announced: November 2026

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, Introduction to Primary Grant Funders, is complete. Details for the upcoming training are below. Note: Those interested in attending the third session in November must have completed the first two trainings.

Part 2: Grant Writing Tips & Speed Networking
Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This half-day, in-person workshop gives Anne Arundel County nonprofit leaders practical grant writing tips and direct access to local funders.

Your $25 registration includes a four-hour, in-person workshop with materials, lunch, networking with Nonprofit Center staff and funders, and a one-hour, one-on-one support meeting with one of our experts, scheduled in November or December 2026.

Thursday, November 5, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:30pm
Carrol's Creek Cafe

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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 $6 to $9 million annually. Learn more at www.cfaac.org.