In this edition of the CFAAC Community Connector, discover the latest news, inspiring stories, Celebration of Philanthropy news, upcoming events, grant opportunities, and expert insights for professional advisors.

At the Community Foundation, we are making a major difference in the communities we serve through grant giving, educational programs, and collaboration. One of the ways we can continue this momentum is with your help. An annual fund gift is often one of the most impactful ways to support a nonprofit. I hope you'll consider supporting us through CFAAC's Community Leadership Fund.

In a world marked by constant change and growing needs, community foundations like CFAAC will play an increasingly critical role. They provide the stability and enduring support communities rely on to meet challenges and embrace new opportunities. Thanks to our generous donors, CFAAC stands as a powerful reflection of our community’s shared commitment to care.

When you give to CFAAC’s annual operating fund — the Community Leadership Fund — you help support our efforts and initiatives, allowing us to strengthen and assist nonprofits working every day to improve all lives in Anne Arundel County.

One of our most important initiatives is our Community Needs Assessment Report, which we are preparing to publish later this year. This report compiles, analyzes, and reports data to communicate the county’s most pressing needs and will serve as a valuable resource for all nonprofits, county leadership, and others in our community. Stay tuned.

Another event to add to your calendar is our annual Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon, where we recognize the hard work of our wonderful local nonprofits and the people involved with them. Nominations for the Celebration of Philanthropy Awards are now open. Sponsorships are also available for this annual event that will be held on October 29, 2025 at LIVE! Casino & Hotel Maryland. Sponsoring now will give your organization year-round recognition and visibility. 

Thanks for your support,

Mary Spencer
CFAAC President & CEO

How to Be a Dream Donor
By Mary Spencer, CFAAC President & CEO

Becoming a dream donor for a nonprofit goes beyond giving money—it means being sincerely engaged, mission-driven and a long-term partner in creating impact. And if you ever wondered what nonprofits want from a dream donor, here are some key ways to achieve that status...

We encourage all Fund Advisors to check their emails (subject line: CFAAC 1st Quarter 2025 Fund Statements - Now Posted on the Portal - Attachments) or log into your personal portal to see contributions, previous grants made, and quarterly fund statements. You can also initiate grants directly from the portal. If you have any questions or if you need your login credentials, please do not hesitate to contact Kathy Luthcke at kathy@cfaac.org 410-280-1102 x105.

For 27 years, CFAAC has been rooted in the heart of Anne Arundel County — helping nonprofits grow stronger, communities thrive, and lives change for the better. As we celebrate this special milestone, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Your support of our Community Leadership Fund ensures that the work we started 27 years ago continues to inspire hope and create impact for generations to come. Celebrate with us by making a gift today!

Recognizing an extraordinary community contributor has never been easier! CFAAC is now accepting nominations for its 25th annual Celebration of Philanthropy Awards. This is a chance for community members, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and members of the faith communities to nominate an individual, family, group, or organization who has made an inspiring difference in the community. Nominees should demonstrate exceptional generosity through direct financial support, volunteer service, or a life-long commitment to civic and charitable leadership in Anne Arundel County. Think about an individual or group who has made an impact in Anne Arundel County and nominate them today. Nominations will be open through 4 pm. EST on July 11, 2025—but early submissions are highly encouraged.

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.

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County is thrilled to welcome the following funds to our family of funds:

The Brendan Sailing Endowment Fund is a CFAAC Nonprofit Agency Endowed Fund, established in 2025 by Brendan Sailing. The purpose of the fund is to support Brendan Sailing’s mission: to build pathways for self-confidence and personal growth in children with learning differences through individually tailored, experiential sailing instruction.

Dr. Beth McGee

John Rodenhausen, Ann Wearmouth, and Fellowship awardee Chris Sala at Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

 

Establishing a memorial fund in someone's honor can be a powerful and healing way for a family to channel grief into lasting good. Through a Donor Advised Fund held at CFAAC, families can create a meaningful legacy that reflects their loved one’s values and passions. CFAAC handles the administrative details and stewardship of the fund, making it easy for friends, family, and the community to contribute and honor a loved one.

The Dr. Beth L. McGee Fellowship at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is a great example. In March 2025, Chris Sala, a Ph.D. graduate from Pennsylvania State University, was awarded the inaugural fellowship created through the fund. This six-month position at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation supports emerging academics working to advance water quality and climate resiliency in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Offered annually, the fellowship ensures that Dr. McGee’s decades-long legacy of conservation, innovation, and education continues to thrive. By investing in future environmental leaders, the fund honors Dr. McGee’s vision and empowers scholars to drive meaningful change for a more sustainable future.

Ensure your loved one’s legacy continues to inspire and make an impact by establishing a memorial fund in their honor. Contact CFAAC at 410-480-1102 or info@cfaac.org.

Test your knowledge with this quiz! (Tip: some answers can be found in this newsletter).

1. True or False: This year, 2025, CFAAC awarded the largest amount it’s ever granted from its Environment Anne Arundel Fund to 16 local nonprofits.

2. True or false: CFAAC was 21 years old on April 28, 2025.

3. How much does CFAAC grant to nonprofits annually?

4. How long has CFAAC been hosting the Celebration of Philanthropy?

5. True or False: CFAAC manages more than 300 named funds established by individuals, families, companies, and organizations, supporting nonprofits that address the needs of our county.

Answers: 1. True 2. False, CFAAC is 27 years old. 3. $5 to $7 million. 4. 25 years this October. 5. True.

Grants for Teachers funds Anne Arundel County Public School (AACPS) educators up to $500 to implement innovative projects for public school classrooms that are otherwise impossible due to funding constraints. The fund helps support teachers’ creative ideas to stimulate and inspire students’ learning.

All AACPS teachers and guidance counselors are eligible to apply. Projects must be creative and enhance classroom learning. Technology purchases, such as tablets and touchpads, and assistive technology individual students will not be considered. Alternative classroom furnishings, pre-packaged curriculum, or software will only be considered if a creative use to enhance the classroom experience is described. Projects must not have already begun or been fully funded from other sources. Partial funding requests must include documentation of the remaining balance committed from another source, such as PTSA or a local business.

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) recently awarded  $106,396 — the largest amount it’s ever granted from its Environment Anne Arundel Fund — to 16 local nonprofits. These local organizations are dedicated to protecting and improving the environment in Anne Arundel County and the Chesapeake Bay, through a variety of impactful programs, projects, and initiatives.

CFAAC awarded the following local nonprofits:
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay; Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park; Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy, Inc.; Arundel Rivers Federation; CSH20 Charitable Foundation Corporation; Chesapeake Bay Journal; Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating; Children’s Theater of Annapolis; Coastal Conservation Association Maryland; Farm Unity Limited; Langton Green, Inc.; Maryland Reentry Resource Center; Providence of Maryland, Inc.; Scenic Rivers Land Trust, Inc.; Severn River Association, Inc.; and Skipjack Heritage, Inc.

AACPL: Introduction to Project Budgets: A Virtual Program

Are you ready to start fundraising for your project or idea, but don't know what and how much to ask for? If preparing a budget for your foundation grant is holding you back, come learn the basic elements of how to draft a project budget with confidence. This class will cover the essentials of budget preparation as part of a basic grant proposal.

Registration is required for this virtual program to receive a Zoom link.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE BY MAY 15.

Impact100 2025 Request for Application is Open

Impact100 invites nonprofits with projects that create transformational community change in Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, or Health & Wellness are invited to apply. Grant amount will be announced May 8.

RFA Workshop Dates:
Wednesday, May 14, Busch Annapolis Library, 5:45–7:30pm

Wednesday, June 11, Chesapeake Conservancy, 1212 West Street, 9–11am

LEARN MORE & RSVP HERE

Join us for an engaging and insightful educational event hosted by the Anne Arundel Estate Planning Council. Key Person policies and Buy-Sell agreements are two essential tools for business owners to safeguard their businesses and families. David Prensky from CNR Insurance will explain these coverages, who they benefit, and how to structure them effectively. This is a great opportunity for professionals working with business owners to gain valuable insights.

WHEN: TONIGHT! May 1, 2025,
6:00 - 8:00 P.M.
WHERE: The Lodge 
177 Jennifer Rd.; Annapolis, MD 21401

Ticket includes an open bar and hors d'oeuvre. Free for AAEPC members.

The growth of Donor Advised Funds to nearly two million in number — with grants from these vehicles reaching $50 billion in some years — signals that many people are starting to use both a Donor Advised Fund and a private foundation. Some of your clients may even be considering transferring a private foundation’s assets to a Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation to carry out the family’s mission.

Read more.

As 2025 continues to deliver twists and turns, it’s important to keep talking about philanthropy. Charitable giving is a vital strategy for your clients, even in times of economic uncertainty. Here are three trends to watch as you guide your clients through an unpredictable era and encourage them to look beyond the horizon.

Read more.

If you’ve represented charitable families over the years, you’ve certainly heard the term “charitable remainder trust (CRT).” You might have even helped clients set them up.

For most advisors, CRTs don’t come along every day. Because a CRT can be such an effective planning tool in certain situations, it’s useful to have at least a basic level of knowledge about how they work.

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.