Please join us on Thursday, May 14, for the annual Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC) Spring Party! This year, the Spring Party will move from Athol Manor to another historic Howard County venue, the Elkridge Furnace Inn. This always-fun evening of savory food, tasty drinks, sweet sounds and socializing with community and business leaders…
Qualified Charitable Distribution from IRA: A Tax Strategy for Philanthropy
Are you looking for a tax-efficient way to make a difference in your community? If you have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you may want to consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). This powerful tax strategy allows you to support causes close to your heart while reducing your taxable income. In this blog post, we…
Maryland Women’s History Initiative Fund
The Maryland Women’s History Initiative (MWHI) provides funding for projects, research and stipends to nonprofit organizations and/or individuals who celebrate and preserve stories of Maryland women, past and present, and their contributions in education, politics, science, community activism, the arts, the military, business and more. The former Maryland Women’s Heritage Center (MWHC) dreamed and worked for a future where…
Fundraiser for Nicholas S. Dahl Charitable Fund
Doug Myers needs your help to support Nic’s Fund! “I am raising money by asking supporters to pledge an amount forevery pound I lift in the upcoming Maryland State Powerlifting Championship.All proceeds will benefit the Nicholas S. Dahl Charitable Fund.” Nic’s Fund helps advance causes that were meaningful to him, including the arts, mental health,…
Community Foundation of Howard County Welcomes Three New Trustees
January 8, 2026 – The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Ahmad Hachicho, Dr. Danielle Patrice Hilliard and Rebecca Rothey. Together, they bring deep expertise in philanthropy, community leadership, engineering and technology, and nonprofit advancement that will strengthen CFHC’s mission…
New Charitable Giving Laws for 2026: What Howard County Donors Need to Know
Beginning January 1, 2026, several significant federal tax law changes will reshape how individuals and families support the causes they care about. These updates create new opportunities for many donors—especially retirees and non‑itemizers—while also reinforcing the importance of thoughtful planning. As always, the Community Foundation of Howard County is here to help you navigate these…
Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County Awards First-Ever Grant to S.T.A.N.D. Mentorship Program
The Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County (BPCHoCo) has reached an exciting milestone in its mission to strengthen and uplift the African American community in Howard County. At its second annual College Connections & Conversations event, the Circle proudly announced that the S.T.A.N.D. (Stepping Towards a New Destiny) Mentorship Program is the recipient of BPCHoCo’s…
CFHC Announces 2025 Community Grants
The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC), in collaboration with the Columbia Association, is awarding $225,000 to 32 nonprofit organizations in Howard County through our Community Grants Program. Every year, the CFHC has a specific dollar amount available for community grantmaking outside grants made through donor-advised funds. This amount varies by year. This year, the…
At the Heart of Philanthropy: A Message from CFHC President & CEO Melissa Curtin
At the Community Foundation of Howard County’s Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy, President & CEO Melissa Curtin offered a powerful reflection on what philanthropy truly means for our community. More than a speech, her remarks were an invitation—to pause, to reflect, and to recognize that generosity begins in the human heart and ripples outward…
2025 Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy Recap
The Community Foundation of Howard County’s (CFHC) Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy on December 9 was a joyous evening filled with fellowship, inspiring stories, and powerful reminders of the generosity that strengthens our community. The event opened with a lively cocktail reception before guests gathered in the Cameo Ballroom at Turf Valley Resort for…