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

By now, many of you have read the press release or my letter announcing my retirement by the end of 2025. If you haven’t, please view it online here. While I am stepping away to enjoy my family and travel, I will never leave this organization behind in my heart.

As I reflect on my time here and all that lies ahead, I’m reminded of the moments that have most deeply moved me — especially those that celebrate the spirit of giving and community. If you’ve attended our annual Celebration of Philanthropy, you know just how motivating the event can be. The individuals and organizations honored each year never fail to inspire us and often remind us of the power we each hold to make a difference in our own corner of the world.

We also know that there are many in our community who are quietly doing extraordinary work — people who aren’t seeking recognition but continue to give their time and energy simply because they care about our community. We are asking you to help us find those unsung heroes and heroines. By nominating them for a Celebration of Philanthropy Award, you’re not only helping them to receive the recognition they deserve, but also bringing attention to the wonderful nonprofits they support.

So please, think about who you can nominate. You will not only make someone’s day; you will inspire the hundreds of people who attend the event and the thousands of people who learn about our awardees through our newsletter, social media and other media outlets. The application process is not difficult and we’re here to help if you have any questions. You can get started on your nomination here.

The luncheon will be held on October 29, 2025 at LIVE! Casino & Hotel Maryland so mark your calendars!

Thanks for your support,

Mary Spencer
CFAAC President & CEO

How Fundraising Events Help Nonprofits
By Mary Spencer, CFAAC President & CEO

Charity galas are often filled with laughter, music and great food. They are joyful gatherings where community members come together to support a cause and help bring the nonprofit’s mission to life. These events create lasting impact not only through the moments they celebrate, but also through the difference they can make in the lives the nonprofit serves.

Are you a visionary leader passionate about philanthropy and community impact? Do you thrive in building relationships, driving strategic initiatives, and leading an organization to new heights? The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is seeking an exceptional President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to champion its mission and carry forward its powerful legacy of impact in the community.  

The President & CEO will develop and execute CFAAC’s strategic plan to align with community needs and enhance philanthropic impact. They will cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners to expand philanthropic support through fundraising campaigns and planned giving initiatives. As a public ambassador, the President & CEO will strengthen partnerships with nonprofits, government agencies, and civic leaders to address key community challenges. They will inspire and lead a high-performing team while working closely with the Board of Trustees to set organizational priorities and governance policies. Additionally, they will ensure financial sustainability through sound fiscal management, grantmaking oversight, and operational excellence.

Remember your favorite teacher? A gift to Grants 4 Teachers helps Anne Arundel County teachers inspire the next generation — just like they inspired you! Teachers can apply for the grant until September, so any money donated into the Fund will go out for immediate impact in the new school year. 

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 10, 2025 — but early submissions are highly encouraged.

- PLATINUM SPONSOR -

- BRONZE SPONSORS -

Boatyard Bar and Grill

Crystal & Jerry Williams

- SILVER SPONSOR -

- FRIEND OF PHILANTHROPY -

Trish and Greg Strott

Why Wait? Secure Your Celebration of Philanthropy Sponsorship Today!

Early sponsorship of the Celebration of Philanthropy Awards offers extended visibility before, during, and after the event. Sponsors are featured on event signage, the big screen, and in the program, as well as in our website, social media, and newsletter promotions. This year’s luncheon is on October 29, so mark your calendar and don’t miss this opportunity to amplify your impact.

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

The Deborah Roderick Stark Fund

A Donor Advised Fund established in to support the philanthropic interests of the fund advisor.

Historic Annapolis Endowment Fund

A CFAAC Nonprofit Agency Endowed Fund, established in 2025 by Historic Annapolis, Inc. to support its mission to preserve and protect the historic places, objects, and stories of Maryland’s capital city, and to provide engaging experiences that connect people to the area’s rich heritage.

Nearly 80 people gathered at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library on April 28 for the annual Anna Greenberg Board Leadership Symposium. The program, facilitated by philanthropic consultant Lili Leonard, Ph.D., featured a panel of board leadership experts and focused on board recruitment, retention, and engagement.

After lunch and networking, Lili discussed the ideal board composition, strategic recruitment, fundraising responsibilities, and the importance of clear job descriptions. Panelists — Nadine Chien, Ph.D., Esq., Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at Anne Arundel Community College; Christopher B. Nelson, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at the Anne Arundel County Public Library; Scott McRoy, Chairperson of the Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation Board; and Deborah Mayer, most recent Past Board President of Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts — shared practical insights, lessons learned, and personal stories about board experiences. Other topics included keeping former board members engaged, selecting effective board chairs, and managing transitions and underperformance board members. Attendees left with practical strategies and fresh perspectives.

“It was my first time attending, and I was truly impressed by the experience,” said Kimberly Richer, Board Member, Charting Careers. “I learned so much and had the opportunity to connect with many inspiring individuals. The symposium was exceptionally well organized, and Lili Leonard from Black Dog Philanthropic was both entertaining and insightful — she kept the audience fully engaged throughout the program. The panel added a wealth of valuable information and diverse perspectives that deepened the conversation and made the event even more impactful.”

Other participants agreed: “Lili was so dynamic and on point; the panel had such depth and scope,” said one attendee. “This was a fantastic, informative session. The takeaways were abundant,” said another. “Thank you for creating a relevant, meaningful afternoon.”

See more photos from the event here.

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 Women and Girls Fund supports nonprofits in Anne Arundel County that empower women and girls to lead positive, productive lives by addressing barriers to economic security, health, and well-being.

Funds must support projects focused on Education, Economic Stability, and Health & Wellness.

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County’s Fund for Anne Arundel (FFAA) recently awarded $510,000 to 13 local nonprofits. This is the largest grant the FFAA has awarded. This year’s record-breaking donations enabled the Community Foundation to increase FFAA grant funding and expand the Fund’s focus to nonprofits that prioritize the physical, mental, and behavioral health of children and families; homeless prevention programs and initiatives; mental wellness programs and initiatives; and school and after-school programs.

“We are proud to award more than a half million dollars through the Fund for Anne Arundel — the largest amount granted in its history,” said Mary Spencer, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County. “This is all possible through the power of endowment funds and a transforming legacy gift, reflecting our community’s generosity and shared commitment to supporting the nonprofits working daily to improve the lives of county residents.”

Although CFAAC awarded more funding than in previous years, the demand for support continues to grow. This year brought a record number of grant applications, highlighting the urgent and increasing needs in our community. Continued support is essential to ensure fewer worthy causes go unfunded.

The most recent Fund for Anne Arundel grant recipients include Annapolis Immigration Justice Network, Arundel Lodge, Inc., Encore Creativity for Older Adults, Chase Your Dreams Initiative Inc., HOPE For All, Joy Reigns Lutheran Church, Partners in Care, Seeds 4 Success, Inc., Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR) – Annapolis, Inc., The Complete Player Charity, The Light House Homeless Prevention Center, Together "WE" Rise, Inc., and Wellness House of Annapolis.

Stay tuned for more information about these wonderful organizations, their programs, and their initiatives.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders. Fee: $25, includes materials and refreshments. Deadline to register: Tomorrow, June 6.

June 9, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Commons on Research Dr., Annapolis, MD 21401

Instructed by Marguerite Keane Gibbons, LCSW-C

Primeros Auxilios de Salud Mental (The Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), por sus siglas en inglés) de Adultos para las Comunidades Hispanohablantes enseña a las personas a reconocer los signos de un problema de salud mental o de uso de sustancias en adultos de 18 años o más; cómo ofrecer y proporcionar la ayuda inicial y cómo guiar a una persona hacia la atención apropiada si fuera necesario. Los temas tratados son la ansiedad, la depresión, la psicosis y las adicciones.

(The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is designed for Spanish-speaking communities and teaches participants how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use issues in adults, provide initial support, and guide them to appropriate care if needed.)

¡Para recibir un certificado de finalización, debe registrarse antes del 15 de julio! 

Lunes, 28 de julio (July 28), 10:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.
Biblioteca Busch de Annapolis

Impartido en español por Hillevi Flores

Impact100 2025 RFA Workshop

The Request for Application (RFA) workshops will provide a walk-through of the grant application process and include tips on how to fill out the grant application properly and showcase your organization’s project or program.

Please note that attending a RFA Workshop is a mandatory step in applying for a grant.

RFA Workshop Date:
Wednesday, June 11, Chesapeake Conservancy, 1212 West Street, 9–11am

LEARN MORE & RSVP HERE

Join us for Wine Down Wednesday, an opportunity for AAEPC members and guests to socialize and network.

WHEN: June 11, 2025, 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

WHERE:  Annapolis, MD 21401

Generously Sponsored by: White Oak Wealth Management

Free for AAEPC members. Enjoy appetizers, a cash bar, and networking!

There’s little doubt that you’ve seen extensive news coverage of the "Big Beautiful Bill" (H.R. 1) that passed the House of Representatives by a 215-214 vote on May 22, 2025, and now moves to the Senate, where significant changes are expected before final passage. And that is the primary takeaway here: Significant changes are expected. This makes it almost impossible to predict right now how your clients might be impacted by tax law changes.

Read more.

If your client base includes business owners, you probably weren’t surprised by this observation in a recent Wall Street Journal article about the “stealthy wealthy”: “Behind a paycheck, the largest source of income for the 1% highest earners in the U.S. isn’t being a partner at an investment bank or launching a one-in-a-million tech startup. It is owning a medium-size regional business.”

Read more.

As you advise clients on charitable giving, you’re likely aware of the growing popularity of the Donor Advised Fund as a flexible, tax-efficient tool for philanthropy. Many families appreciate how Donor Advised Funds can streamline giving, foster family engagement, and serve as a launchpad for deeper community impact.

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.