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Greetings!
As I mark my first year as President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC), I find myself filled with deep gratitude for the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our community partners, and the meaningful impact CFHC makes possible every single day.
Over the past year, I had the privilege of meeting hundreds of donors, nonprofit leaders, community partners, professional advisors, volunteers, and residents across Howard County - around kitchen tables, in conference rooms, and in countless conversations in between. I listened. I learned. And I witnessed, again and again, the extraordinary ways that philanthropy strengthens the fabric of our community.
What became even clearer to me is that CFHC exists because of your vision, your values, and your investment in Howard County’s future.
Our job is to earn and honor that trust, every single day.
The Generosity of This Community
Howard County is a generous community.
I have seen it firsthand, in countless conversations and quiet moments throughout this year. People here don’t just write checks - they give themselves. They show up. They care deeply about their neighbors, their schools, their nonprofits, and the long-term health of this place they call home.
I am humbled by the trust you place in the Community Foundation of Howard County and inspired by the people who make Howard County the community that it is. Thank you for reminding me every day why this work matters so deeply.
What We’ve Built Together
This has been a year of meaningful organizational growth.
Our primary focus has been on strengthening the Foundation so it can better serve you and our entire community for years to come:
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Clear strategic direction. We sharpened our organizational focus, aligned our team, resources, and programs around a shared vision: to be the trusted heart of philanthropy in Howard County.
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Increased visibility and awareness. We significantly and intentionally expanded our presence across the county through events, media, community partnerships, and storytelling so more people know that this Foundation is here, and here for them.
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Increased confidence and credibility. With new Board Trustees and staff leadership, strengthened governance, and deeper community relationships, the Foundation has entered a new chapter of organizational strength and professional excellence.
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Stronger donor communications. We invested in more consistent, personal, and meaningful communications with our donors because you deserve to know the impact of your generosity and to feel genuinely connected to this work.
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Intentional donor stewardship. Stewardship is at the heart of everything we do. It means following through on our promises, acknowledging your gifts with care and gratitude, and keeping you informed about the difference your philanthropy makes.
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Greater access to our team. We made it a priority to be accessible, responsive, and present. Whether you’re a longtime donor, a nonprofit leader, a professional advisor, or simply curious about philanthropy, our door is open.
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Expanded community engagement. Through events, donor education, nonprofit support, and philanthropic leadership initiatives, we continued deepening the connections that make Howard County stronger.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the year ahead, our focus is clear: growing our community impact, expanding local grantmaking, and continuing to serve as a trusted convener and philanthropic resource for Howard County. In 2025, CFHC stewarded $225,000 in grants to local nonprofits meeting essential needs and improving quality of life for Howard County residents through our Community Grants Program.
This year, we have set an ambitious but essential goal: doubling the grant pool to $500,000 through the Fund for Howard County.
Reaching this milestone will allow us to support more nonprofits, respond more quickly to emerging needs, and invest more deeply in the well-being of our community.
Your continued generosity is what makes this possible.
From my heart to yours, thank you for being part of the Community Foundation of Howard County and for helping us build a stronger, more connected, more compassionate Howard County together. I am honored to serve alongside you, and I look forward to what we will accomplish in the year ahead.
With gratitude,
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Melissa Curtin
President & CEO
mcurtin@cfhoco.org
| | LOCAL GIVING, BETTER LIVING | | CFHC's Fund for Howard County: “One of the most meaningful ways people can make an immediate impact in Howard County is by supporting the Fund for Howard County,” said Melissa Curtin, CFHC President & CEO. “The Fund allows us to respond to community needs in real time, support nonprofit organizations doing essential work across our community, and partner in philanthropy to strengthen Howard County now and in the future.” | | The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County’s Big Give 2026 Celebrates the Power of Collective Giving! Over two evenings in May, 50 women and girls came together to learn, connect, share ideas, engage in meaningful conversations, and collectively direct $26,000 in funding to nonprofits supporting women and girls in our county. In its fifth year, the WGC's Big Give has had more than 220 women participate who have directed more than $120,000 to nonprofit organizations serving women and girls in our community. | COLLECTIVE GIVING IN ACTION | | The Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County is hosting its inaugural Juneteenth Breakfast! Join the BPC for a morning of community, reflection, and celebration as they honor freedom, resilience, and progress. The BPC is a fund of the Community Foundation. | | SMART GIVING. LASTING IMPACT. | | YOUR PARTNERS IN PHILANTHROPY | | A Moment to Meet: Philanthropy’s Role in Strengthening Howard County: We've been talking with donors about impact today and in the future. This means responding thoughtfully to current needs while investing in the long-term health and vitality of our community. As you think about your philanthropic goals, here are a few ideas to consider. | | Save the Dates! Whether it's meeting with CFHC's Melissa Curtin at our beautiful Athol Manor offices, talking with Dee Athey about our grants, speaking with Dan Flynn about giving, joining us to Walk & Talk, for some community conversations, or attending CFHC's Women's Giving Circle and Black Philanthropy Circle for happy hour - we have a little something for everyone coming up in the next few months - we hope you can join us! | MOVING OUR COMMUNITY FORWARD, TOGETHER | CFHC's Walk & Talk! Every step counts, for your health, your community, and the conversations that help move Howard County forward. We invite you to our CFHC Walk & Talks - this month on Tuesday, June 16 and Tuesday, June 30 at 5:30 pm at the CFHC office at Athol Manor, 6680 Martin Road, Columbia. Join neighbors, community leaders, nonprofit partners, and CFHC staff for an informal walk focused on connection, conversation, and community. Together, we’ll share ideas, build relationships, and continue shaping a stronger Howard County - one step at a time. No need to RSVP, just show up by 5:25 - see you there! | | GOOD CONVERSATIONS. GREAT COMMUNITY. | | CFHC's Community Cheers & Chat! Join us for this casual gathering on the first Thursday of each month at Athol Manor. This is an opportunity to connect with neighbors, nonprofit leaders, donors, community partners, and friends in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Stop by to catch up with familiar faces, meet new people, share ideas, learn what's happening in our community, and enjoy meaningful conversation over light refreshments. There is no agenda and no program - just an open invitation to build relationships, strengthen connections, and celebrate the people and organizations that make Howard County such a special place. Whether you're already involved with the Foundation or simply curious about our work, we'd love to see you on Tuesday, July 2 at 5:30 pm! | | WHERE COMMUNITY BLOOMS & GENEROSITY GROWS | | Thank you to everyone who joined us for CFHC's Spring Party 2026! Together, nearly 200 donors, nonprofit leaders, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners celebrated the power of local philanthropy. We invite you to enjoy our photo recap and revisit an evening that truly reflected this year's theme, "Where Community Blooms and Generosity Grows." | | OUR SPONSORS MADE IT POSSIBLE! | | |
The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC) inspires lifelong giving and connects people, places, and purpose to build a stronger, more vibrant Howard County. Since its founding in 1969, CFHC has worked in partnership with donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to strengthen local philanthropy, steward philanthropic resources, and support initiatives that improve the quality of life for all who live and work in our community. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community leadership, CFHC helps individuals, families, and businesses make a meaningful, lasting impact now and for generations to come.
Learn more at www.cfhoco.org
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