Summer is a season for making plans.
Whether you’re hoping to make new connections, strengthen your community, learn something new, get inspired, or simply enjoy a fun evening out, we’ve got a little something for everyone.
At the Community Foundation of Howard County, we believe strong communities are built through relationships. They grow when neighbors come together, ideas are shared, and people find meaningful ways to engage around the causes and issues they care about.
That’s why we’re inviting you to make community part of your summer plans.
This summer, you can:
- Gather Together: With CFHC’s Community Cheers & Chat
- Learn Together: With CFHC’s Ask Dee!
- Connect Together: With CFHC’s Mornings with Melissa
- Celebrate Together: With CFHC’s WGC and BPC’s Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour
However you choose to engage, we invite you to spend part of your summer with us.
GATHER TOGETHER
CFHC’S Community Cheers & Chat
New this summer, Community Cheers & Chat is our monthly opportunity to gather, connect, and unwind in a relaxed setting at Athol Manor.
There is no agenda and no formal program – just good conversation, new connections, and an opportunity to spend time with people who care about Howard County. Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a nonprofit partner, or simply curious about what’s happening in the community, we’d love to see you there.
4:30 – 6:30 PM at Athol Manor
- Thursday, August 6
LEARN TOGETHER
CFHC’S Ask Dee!
Have questions about grants, nonprofits, community needs, or how the Foundation works? Join Dee Athey, Director of Grants and Community Engagement, for this engaging virtual conversation series.
Each session offers an opportunity to learn more about philanthropy, community impact, grantmaking, and the work happening across Howard County.
Virtual | 4:00 PM
- Tuesday, July 14
- Tuesday, August 11
Connect with Leadership – Mornings with Melissa
Start your day with coffee, conversation, and community.
Join CFHC President & CEO Melissa Curtin for an informal gathering where you can learn more about the Foundation’s work, hear what’s happening in Howard County, ask questions, and connect with fellow community members.
Athol Manor | 8:30 AM
- Wednesday, July 29
- Wednesday, August 26
CELEBRATE TOGETHER
Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour
Join us on August 4 as we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month alongside the Black Philanthropy Circle and the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County, both funds of the Community Foundation of Howard County.
This special gathering will celebrate the rich tradition, leadership, generosity, and impact of Black philanthropy while bringing together community members for networking, learning, and meaningful conversation. It’s an opportunity to connect with friends, neighbors, donors, nonprofit leaders, and community partners while recognizing the many ways philanthropy strengthens our community.
Tuesday, August 4
Athol Manor
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Looking Ahead
There is no single way to engage with your community. Sometimes it starts with a walk. Sometimes it’s a conversation over coffee. Sometimes it’s learning something new or meeting someone who shares your passion for making a difference.
This summer, we invite you to move together, gather together, learn together, connect with leadership, and celebrate together.
And be sure to mark your calendar for August 4 – a special day featuring both Walk & Talk and our Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour, offering multiple opportunities to connect and engage with the Community Foundation family.
We look forward to seeing you at Athol Manor, online, and throughout the community in the weeks ahead.
Visit cfhoco.org/events for registration links, event details, and the latest schedule updates.
The best summers are filled with meaningful experiences, lasting connections, and opportunities to grow – we hope you’ll find all three with us.