Community Foundation of Howard County

09/04/2026

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is a fund of CFHC, and was quoted in the Baltimore Sun regarding the life and legacy of Gloria Steinem - take a look:

“She made this work possible.”

WGC’s Paula Seabright was quoted in The Baltimore Sun yesterday reflecting on Gloria Steinem’s life and legacy and her impact here in Maryland.

Paula spoke about how Steinem helped elevate the voices of women of color in the feminist movement, welcomed people to the table, and helped normalize women’s leadership and advocacy.

As Chair of our Young Women’s Giving Circle and Co-Chair of our Grants Committee, Paula is helping carry that legacy forward by investing in women and girls and helping the next generation find their own voices as leaders and changemakers.

We’re grateful to Paula for representing WGC in this important conversation about Gloria Steinem’s lasting impact.

Read the Baltimore Sun article:

A University of Maryland scholar says Steinem’s influence endures even as “trad wife” discourse challenges feminist gains today.

09/04/2026

Our first CFHC Cheers & Chat is in the books!

We loved welcoming the community to Athol Manor last night to catch up, meet someone new, share ideas, and simply connect.

No agenda. No presentation. Just good conversation with people who care about Howard County, along with the debut of The Athol Cooler, made with basil grown right here at Athol Manor. Guests even headed home with bouquets of fresh herbs from the garden.

And on a beautiful September evening, Athol Manor was doing exactly what we wanted it to do: serving as a place where our community can come together.

As CFHC President & CEO Melissa Curtin said, “Strong communities are built through relationships, and sometimes the best thing we can do is simply create the space for people to come together.”

Thanks to everyone who joined us. We look forward to doing it again soon!

09/03/2026

Thank you to the Ala Makai Foundation for sponsoring CFHC’s 2026 Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy!

We’re grateful for their support as we recognize the generosity, leadership, and commitment that strengthen Howard County and create meaningful local impact.

Join us on November 17 for an evening of celebration and connection as we honor philanthropy across our community!

Learn more, become a sponsor, and get your tickets: https://cfhoco.org/2026-annual-dinner-celebration-of-philanthropy/

09/02/2026

The Greatest Legacy You Leave May Not Be Financial

By Dan Flynn, Director of Development & External Relations

When people talk about the “Great Wealth Transfer,” the conversation usually centers on money. Over the coming decades, trillions of dollars in assets will pass from one generation to the next through inheritances, businesses, investments, and real estate.

But I believe there’s an even more important question to ask: What values do you want to pass along?

Learn more: https://cfhoco.org/the-greatest-legacy-you-leave-may-not-be-financial/

08/31/2026

No agenda. No presentation. Just good conversation and a chance to connect.

Join us this Thursday, September 3 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Athol Manor for CFHC's Cheers & Chat. Come by, raise a glass, and spend some time with people who care about Howard County.

Learn more + RSVP: https://cfhoco.org/cfhcs-cheers-chat-2/

08/31/2026

Every gift is part of something bigger.

The Fund for Howard County brings together gifts of all sizes to fund grants to local nonprofits through the Community Foundation of Howard County’s annual Community Grants Program.

Today, we thank the donors who have supported the Fund so far in 2026. Every gift matters, and together, these donors are helping strengthen nonprofits and our community.

One Gift. Many Nonprofits. One Stronger Howard County.

See our 2026 donor list, learn more, and give:
https://cfhoco.org/the-fund-for-howard-county/

08/28/2026

Thank you to Ellen Flynn Giles for sponsoring CFHC’s 2026 Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy!

We’re grateful for her support as we recognize the generosity, leadership, and commitment that strengthen Howard County and create meaningful local impact.

Join us on November 17 for an evening of celebration and connection as we honor philanthropy across our community!

Learn more, become a sponsor, and get your tickets: https://cfhoco.org/2026-annual-dinner-celebration-of-philanthropy/

08/27/2026

Every act of generosity has a story.

Through Faces of Philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Howard County introduces the people, families, businesses, and fundholders whose generosity is helping shape a stronger Howard County. Each profile offers a personal perspective on what inspires giving and the many ways philanthropy can create lasting impact.

This month, we’re pleased to feature Howard Schwartz and Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, who share their family’s approach to thoughtful giving, strategic philanthropy, and building a legacy of generosity for future generations.

Read more here: https://cfhoco.org/faces-of-philanthropy-howard-schwartz-buffy-beaudoin-schwartz/

08/26/2026

What a great morning at Athol Manor!

We loved welcoming members of the community for today's Mornings with Melissa, an informal opportunity to sit down with CFHC President & CEO Melissa Curtin, ask questions, share ideas, and talk about philanthropy and what's happening across Howard County.

These conversations matter. They help us listen, learn, build relationships, and stay connected to the community we serve. Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning!

Our next Mornings with Melissa is Wednesday, September 30 at 8:30 a.m. at Athol Manor. We hope you'll join us for coffee and conversation! https://cfhoco.org/mornings-with-melissa-2/

08/25/2026

Dolly Parton showed us that philanthropy is about more than giving. It is about using what we have to help create the kind of community and world we want to see.

May her extraordinary generosity inspire all of us to give, care for one another, and leave our communities stronger than we found them.

What a life well lived. ❤️