January 8, 2026 – The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Ahmad Hachicho, Dr. Danielle Patrice Hilliard and Rebecca Rothey. Together, they bring deep expertise in philanthropy, community leadership, engineering and technology, and nonprofit advancement that will strengthen CFHC’s mission…
Welcome to a New Year of Philanthropy, Partnership & Possibility
As we welcome a new year in Howard County, I am filled with gratitude for the generosity, compassion, and community spirit that continue to define our donors, partners, and neighbors. Last year, we witnessed countless examples of what happens when people come together to care for one another – from supporting vital nonprofit services, to…
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…
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.)
Celebrating Leadership and Legacy with the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County
The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC) was proud to join the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County (WGC) at last night’s Leadership & Legacy Happy Hour, where CFHC staff were all present to celebrate the Circle’s ongoing impact and upcoming leadership transition. “The WGC is one of our most dynamic and community-driven funds, and…
At the Heart of Generosity & Community
This summer, I had the privilege of joining the Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC) as the new President & CEO. As I’ve transitioned into the role, I’ve spent a lot of time listening, learning, and connecting with the people who make our community thrive. These first months have also been a time of focusing…
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…