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 Columbia Association contributed $125,000, CFHC contributed $75,000, and the Miller Family Foundation contributed $25,000 for the community grant pool of $225,000 in 2025.
“The Community Foundation of Howard County is honored to support these nonprofit organizations whose work strengthens our community,” said Melissa Curtin, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. “Our donors entrust us to serve as stewards of their philanthropy, ensuring their investments reach nonprofit organizations equipped to deliver meaningful, measurable impact. Through strategic local grantmaking, we advance our shared commitment to a thriving Howard County. We aim to increase our grantmaking pool in 2026 and invite anyone to contribute to the Local Giving, Better Living Fund to expand the impact of the nonprofits in Howard County.”
The annual CFHC Community Grants application is open to any eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Howard County to improve the quality of life for those living and working in Howard County. Grant awards may be used for operating or programmatic needs.
“Each year as we review applications, the committee is intentional about ensuring that funding decisions reflect community needs and diverse populations,” said Dee Athey, CFHC Director of Grants and Community Engagement. “This year’s three pillars of support centered around strengthening mental health services, increasing financial stability, and advancing food security, especially for special populations. We are grateful for the Columbia Association’s partnership and support, which enabled us to make substantial and impactful grants.”
A 13-member grants committee, comprised of CFHC board members and community volunteers who follow a grantmaking rubric and process, and thoughtfully and thoroughly score, review and discuss each of the 87 grant applications received.
“The Community Foundation of Howard County delivered on its tradition of awarding unrestricted operational grants supporting the work of a range of essential community supports,” stated Barbara Rishel, chair of the CFHC Board of Trustees. “While the annual Community Grants Program represents about 10 percent of our annual grantmaking, the Local Giving, Better Living Fund is a collective pool of resources intended to build the capacity and impact of our local nonprofits.”
Below is a summary of each of the 32 grants recipients (listed alphabetically):
2025 Community Grant Awards
A Home of Our Own Howard, $4,000, supports services providing furniture and household items to individuals, veterans, and families in Howard County who are transitioning out of homelessness.
Bridges to Housing Stability Inc., $5,000, supports housing-related services for Howard County individuals and families with low to moderate incomes, including those experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of eviction.
Bright Minds Foundation, $5,000, supports the educational foundation of Howard County Public Schools and program efforts to remove barriers to fully accessing educational opportunities.
Camp Attaway, $1,000, supports a one-of-a-kind Howard County therapeutic recreation program for 7-13-year-old youth with complex emotional and behavioral disorders.
Ethiopian Community Empowerment Center, $4,000, supports services strengthening well-being and self-sufficiency for Howard County community members of Ethiopian descent.
Friends & Foundation of the Howard County Library System, $5,000, supports youth educational programming at the Howard County Library System.
Gilchrist, $1,000, supports residents with serious illness and end-of-life care at the Howard County Gilchrist Care Center, as well as geriatric, palliative, hospice, and grief care in their own home or senior living community.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, $30,000, supports 24-hour crisis intervention services, including shelter, housing, and mental health services.
Howard County Conservancy, $15,000, supports the nature and environmental educational programs and services offered to Howard County students and the community.
Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo), $3,500, supports the community and school-based programming that increases appreciation for and exposure to contemporary poetry and literature, culturally diverse literary heritages, and the literary arts in Howard County.
Humanim, Inc., $5,000, supports the Howard County programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Junior Achievement of Central Maryland, $5,000, supports experiential learning in financial literacy, workforce development, and entrepreneurial skill-building for Howard County students.
Korean American Senior Association of Howard County, $3,500, supports educational, social, and cultural programming to enhance the lives of Korean American Seniors living in Howard County.
Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services, Inc. (LARS), $5,000, supports programs addressing food insecurity, eviction risk, financial crisis, and homelessness for Howard County residents.
Luminus, $7,500, supports programming providing resources, information, and legal assistance for immigrants in Howard County.
MakingChange, Inc., $7,500, supports client-focused financial education and services for low- to moderate-income Howard County community members.
Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, $10,000, supports nutritious home-delivered meals for home-bound Howard County seniors, including the Korean Meal Program (KMP) for Korean American seniors aging in place.
Merriweather Arts and Culture Center, $5,000, supports youth programming that provides students with enriching, inspiring, and exciting arts and culture experiences. Programs include artist residencies, collaborations with artists, and the celebration of reading at Merriweather, Battle of the Books.
Misako Ballet Company, $2,000, supports classical ballet and Japanese-themed cultural performances for the Howard County community.
Moveable Feast, $5,000, supports medically tailored, nutritious home-delivered meals for Howard County residents facing food insecurity and serious health needs.
NAMI Howard County, $25,000, supports programs providing supportive services, education, and advocacy for those living with mental illness and their families in Howard County.
National Family Resiliency Center, $30,000, supports mental health services, including counseling, education, and support programs for Howard County youth, adults, and families in crisis.
Neighbor Ride, $5,000, supports transportation and supportive services for Howard County seniors.
Rebuilding Together Howard County, $5,000, supports the volunteer-based home repair program for Howard County’s vulnerable populations.
Respite Retreats, $1,000, providing retreats of respite and supportive services to cancer patients, their caregivers, and families in Howard County.
S.A.F.E. – Food Pantry, Inc., $1,000, supports Howard County food security efforts by providing gluten-free and allergy-friendly food through local pantry programs.
SECU Foundation, $5,000, supports the FinStart program, which serves elementary-aged students in Howard County with school- and community-based financial education.
The Arc of Howard County, $2,000, supports full community life programming and housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Howard County.
The Community Ecology Institute, $15,000, supports Freetown Farm and programs that focus on and benefit the environment, education, equity, and health in Howard County.
Touch Stones Financial Wellness Services Company, $1,500, supports low to moderate-income families and individuals through financial counseling and literacy education programs.
TurnAround, Inc., $5,000, supports hotline, crisis response, emergency shelter, trauma-informed counseling, and legal advocacy services for Howard County survivors of human trafficking.
Winter Growth, Inc., $1,000, supports assisted living, adult day care, and community transportation for seniors and adults with disabilities in Howard County.
About the Community Foundation of Howard County
For more than 55 years, the Community Foundation of Howard County has served as a knowledgeable, trusted partner, forging connections between donors and nonprofit organizations to make impactful investments in Howard County. A year ago, the Foundation awarded nearly $2.2 million across 477 grants and scholarships to organizations delivering human services, arts and cultural, educational and civic programs. Funds to support grant programs come primarily from income generated by the Foundation’s endowment, supported by nearly 400 funds established by Howard County businesses, families and individuals. For more information, visit CFHoCo.org or call 410-730-7840.