Your Giving. Your Wishes. Make Them Known. As the year winds down, many of us start thinking about plans for the coming year, our families, our finances, and the things that matter most to us. Charitable giving can be part of that conversation, too. At the Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC), we have the…
Celebrating National DAF Day: Making a Difference Through Donor-Advised Funds
October 8, 2026 Happy National DAF Day! What’s a DAF, you ask? A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a simple, flexible way to organize your charitable giving, support the causes you care about, and make a lasting difference in your community and beyond. At the Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC), we have upwards of 135…
The Fund for Howard County
Local Giving. Lasting Impact. 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. When you give to the Fund for Howard County, your gift joins with others to support nonprofits working across Howard County. Rather than…
A Celebration of Legacy at CFHC
This week, the Community Foundation of Howard County was honored to welcome members of our Howard Legacy Society to Athol Manor for a special luncheon celebrating their generosity, vision, and lasting commitment to our community. The Howard Legacy Society recognizes individuals and families who have included the Community Foundation of Howard County in their estate…
Charitable Giving: Plan While You Can
Most of us can quickly name organizations, causes or community needs that matter to us. But does your family know what they are? Put your intentions into words Share the story behind your giving Why have you supported a particular organization for 20 or 30 years? Why does education, or the environment, or health care…
From Private Foundation to Donor Advised Fund
Many families establish private foundations because they want to make a lasting difference, involve family members in philanthropy, and create a charitable legacy. But families change. Children and grandchildren may move away. Board meetings become harder to schedule. Tax filings, investment oversight, recordkeeping and compliance requirements continue, even when fewer family members want to manage…
Estate Planning: More Than Just a Will
National Estate Planning Awareness Week, October 19-25, is a good reminder to think about the plans we put in place for the future. A will is an important part of that planning, but it’s only one piece. And if charitable giving is important to you, it’s worth considering how all the pieces of your estate…
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…
Faces of Philanthropy: Howard Schwartz & Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz
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…
Ride for Memory: One Man, One Bike, One Mission Across America
This August, “Maryland Mark” is hitting the open road on his BMW R1300 GS motorcycle for the Ride for Memory, an epic adventure to touch all 48 continental states. It’s a journey that blends personal tribute, public awareness, and the thrill of the open road. A Journey of Love and Legacy Mark’s love for riding came…