The Community Foundation of Howard County was proud to welcome nearly 100 donors, nonprofit leaders, community partners, and friends on August 4 as two of its funds, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County and the Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County, partnered to host their 6th Annual Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour.
The event celebrated this year’s national Black Philanthropy Month theme, Many Voices. One Movement., recognizing the rich legacy of Black philanthropy while highlighting the power of collective giving to strengthen Howard County.
As funds of the Community Foundation, the Women’s Giving Circle and Black Philanthropy Circle demonstrate how philanthropy can bring people together to learn, connect, invest, and create meaningful change. Their partnership reflects the Foundation’s commitment to fostering generosity, collaboration, and community leadership.
The evening featured remarks from Women’s Giving Circle Chair Candace Dodson-Reed, Black Philanthropy Circle Chair Derrick Leak, Community Foundation President & CEO Melissa Curtin, and other community leaders who celebrated the impact of collective giving and encouraged continued engagement in philanthropy throughout Howard County.
Guests also recognized two outstanding community leaders, Tiffany Erbelding and Rashel Taylor, through the Women’s Giving Circle’s Our Giving, Our Stories initiative, which highlights women whose generosity, leadership, and service inspire others to give.
A special highlight of the evening was the announcement of two joint grants from the Women’s Giving Circle and Black Philanthropy Circle. Together, the giving circles awarded grants to Trinity Maternal Wellness, supporting culturally responsive maternal health education, advocacy, and services for Black women and families, and Bronze Villagers, supporting its work to strengthen communities through education, mentorship, cultural engagement, and neighborhood partnerships.
“The Women’s Giving Circle and Black Philanthropy Circle demonstrate what’s possible when people come together around a shared commitment to community,” said Melissa Curtin, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. “As proud funds of the Community Foundation, they are building connections, inspiring generosity, and investing in organizations that strengthen Howard County. We are honored to support their leadership and celebrate the impact they continue to make together.”
The Foundation is grateful to the more than 30 sponsors, volunteers, speakers, and community partners whose support helped make the evening such a success. Together, they demonstrated how philanthropy extends beyond charitable giving to include collaboration, leadership, and shared investment in a stronger community.
To learn more about the evening, view photos, and read the Women’s Giving Circle’s complete event recap, click here.