From the Community Foundation of Harford County:
In recognition of the work of the Community Foundation of Harford County and the national celebration of Community Foundation Week, Harford County Executive David R. Craig has proclaimed November 12-18 Community Foundation Week in Harford County.
Community Foundation of Harford County will join more than 700 community foundations across the United States during this weeklong celebration to raise awareness about the increasingly important role of these philanthropic organizations in fostering local collaboration and innovation to address persistent civic and economic challenges.
“In a down economy, with limited resources and a growing need for services to help families in need, we are more determined than ever to bring our community partners together to find innovative and effective solutions to some of our most challenging social problems,” said Tamara W. Zavislan, executive director. “Community Foundation of Harford County is stepping up and getting more creative in how we provide support that people need during tough times.”
Community foundations represent one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy in the United States and hold nearly $50 billion in assets, according to the Foundation Center. Every state is home to at least one community foundation—there are 14 in Maryland—and advancing solutions to a wide range of social issues.
Although community foundations make up only one percent of all U.S. grantmaking foundations, they account for more than 10 percent of all foundation giving. These organizations are growing globally. The Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support estimates that nearly 1,500 community foundations operate in more than 50 countries.
Community Foundation of Harford County, founded in 2007, is supported by the community through donations, enabling individuals, families and businesses to leave a legacy to benefit the causes they care about. Charitable gifts are used to make Harford County stronger through grant-making to local nonprofits and through scholarships.
Recently the organization awarded $4,800 in mini-grants to 12 Harford County nonprofits. The foundation also awards the $5,000 William A. Humbert Memorial Scholarship each spring to a student studying music. More information about the Community Foundation of Harford County may be found at www.cfharfordcounty.org.
Launched is 1989 through a proclamation by former President George H.W. Bush, the first Community Foundation Week included a congressional briefing about the work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative approach to working with the public, private and nonprofit sectors to address community problems.
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