Nonprofits are essential to the health and vitality of our community, delivering critical services, strengthening social connections, and responding to needs where people live and work. Community foundations play a unique role in supporting the nonprofit sector by connecting charitable resources, local knowledge, and trusted partnerships to help organizations thrive and respond to community needs.…
2025 CFHC Year in Numbers
These numbers reflect a year of generosity, connection, and community impact across Howard County.
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…
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…
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…
Chamber Music Maryland Earns 2025 Jean Moon Legacy Builder Award
Chamber Music Maryland (CMM) has been selected as the Community Foundation of Howard County’s 2025 recipient of the Jean Moon Legacy Builder Award. The award will be presented to Chamber Music Maryland at the Foundation’s Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy on the evening of Tuesday, December 9. The event will be held in the…
At the Heart of Philanthropy: Full Message from CFHC President & CEO Melissa Curtin
Melissa Curtin, President & CEO Community Foundation of Howard County Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy Comments December 9, 2025 Good evening, everyone. Thank you for being here this evening. It’s an honor for me to serve our community in this role, and I appreciate the opportunity. I am committed to always giving you and…
2025 Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy
The Community Foundation of Howard County’s Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy will take place on Tuesday, December 9. Please join us as we gather for a joyous evening of food, fellowship and philanthropy. The event will be held in the Cameo Ballroom at Turf Valley Resort and is likely to sell out. We recommend you…
Columbia Association Renews Partnership with Foundation for Community Grants Program
The Columbia Association (CA) and the Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC) are proud to announce a new partnership to support the Howard County community through a significant grant initiative. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both organizations to promoting social welfare and addressing the needs of residents. Under the terms of the agreement, CA…