When people think about philanthropy, they often picture a single act of generosity, perhaps a scholarship awarded, a meal provided, or a program launched. But behind every moment of impact is something deeper: a commitment to community that grows over time. At the Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC), that commitment takes shape through nearly…
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Join Us! Mornings With Melissa
January 28, 2026 | 8:30 am Howard County nonprofit leaders are invited to join us on Wednesday, January 28 from 8:30–9:30 a.m. in our home at historic Athol Manor for the inaugural Mornings with Melissa, a relaxed monthly coffee conversation hosted by the Community Foundation of Howard County. After hearing during our fall open houses that nonprofits want…
New Charitable Giving Laws for 2026: What Howard County Donors Need to Know
Beginning January 1, 2026, several significant federal tax law changes will reshape how individuals and families support the causes they care about. These updates create new opportunities for many donors—especially retirees and non‑itemizers—while also reinforcing the importance of thoughtful planning. As always, the Community Foundation of Howard County is here to help you navigate these…
Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County Awards First-Ever Grant to S.T.A.N.D. Mentorship Program
The Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County (BPCHoCo) has reached an exciting milestone in its mission to strengthen and uplift the African American community in Howard County. At its second annual College Connections & Conversations event, the Circle proudly announced that the S.T.A.N.D. (Stepping Towards a New Destiny) Mentorship Program is the recipient of BPCHoCo’s…
CFHC Announces 2025 Community Grants
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…
At the Heart of Philanthropy: A Message from CFHC President & CEO Melissa Curtin
At the Community Foundation of Howard County’s Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy, President & CEO Melissa Curtin offered a powerful reflection on what philanthropy truly means for our community. More than a speech, her remarks were an invitation—to pause, to reflect, and to recognize that generosity begins in the human heart and ripples outward…
2025 Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy Recap
The Community Foundation of Howard County’s (CFHC) Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy on December 9 was a joyous evening filled with fellowship, inspiring stories, and powerful reminders of the generosity that strengthens our community. The event opened with a lively cocktail reception before guests gathered in the Cameo Ballroom at Turf Valley Resort for…
Community Relief Fund “Neighbors in Need” Campaign
The Howard County Community Relief Fund functions as a permanent, flexible philanthropic fund that mobilizes donations, coordinates grants, and supports recovery and resilience during local crises. The fund traces its roots to the July 2016 flash flood in Ellicott City, when intense rainfall caused sudden, destructive flooding that overwhelmed homes and businesses and prompted a…
Winter Growth Earns 2025 Casey and Pebble Willis “Making a Difference” Award
The Community Foundation of Howard County has announced that Winter Growth is the recipient of the 2025 Casey and Pebble Willis “Making a Difference” Award. The award will be presented to Winter Growth at the Foundation’s Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy on the evening of Tuesday, December 9. The Willis Award celebrates some of…
CFHC Leadership Council: United to Inspire Lifelong Giving Across Howard County
(Pictured above from left to right – Top Row: Scot Millen, Bruce Harvey, Melissa Curtin, Barbara Lawson. Middle Row: Mary Ann Scully, Bob Sheff. Front Row: Malynda Madzel, Mike Davis, Steve Sass.)