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 pleased to feature Howard Schwartz and Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, who share their family’s approach to thoughtful giving, strategic philanthropy, and building a legacy of generosity for future generations.
Giving Focus: Howard and Buffy believe philanthropy is about more than making a donation. Through volunteer leadership, strategic giving, and community engagement, they support a variety of local nonprofits and initiatives that strengthen Howard County. Their giving is guided by a desire to make every charitable gift as meaningful and impactful as possible.
Why It Matters to Them: “We believe everyone can be a philanthropist. Whether you’re giving your time, talent, or financial resources, every act of generosity helps strengthen our community. We look for opportunities to make every gift count and hope our own journey encourages others to discover the joy of giving.”
Philanthropy in Action: Howard and Buffy take an intentional approach to philanthropy, supporting the causes they care about through annual giving, employer matching gifts that amplify their charitable impact, and other thoughtful giving strategies. They also established the Beaudoin-Schwartz Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Howard County to create a lasting family tradition of generosity, engaging their four children, three grandchildren, and future generations in philanthropy, shared charitable decision-making, and giving back together.
CFHC Connection: As longtime supporters of the Community Foundation of Howard County, Howard and Buffy have served in volunteer leadership roles, supported Foundation initiatives, and are proud members of the Howard Legacy Society, having included both the Community Foundation of Howard County and the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County in their estate plans. They believe philanthropy is one of the most meaningful values a family can share and hope their legacy inspires future generations to make giving back a lifelong tradition.