For three decades, The Community Foundation of Frederick County has helped translate simple good intentions into powerful acts of philanthropy that build a stronger, more vibrant community not only for today but for the future.
Last year the Community Foundation distributed $6.3 million in grants to hundreds of nonprofits that impact every age group in every corner of Frederick County. Multiple Community Foundation funds support beautification projects around Frederick County.
A conversation with Kym Byrnes, Director of Marketing and Communications
What does The Community Foundation do?
The Community Foundation makes Frederick County a better place to live, work and play. Our nonprofit grants impact every aspect of life including addressing the most pressing needs like food insecurity and healthcare, to supporting arts, agriculture and historic preservation. The Community Foundation is able to create tremendous impact throughout the county thanks to the generous donors who partner with us to fulfill their charitable intentions. Last year the Community Foundation distributed $6.3 million in grants to hundreds of nonprofits and $1.8 million in scholarships to more than 330 students.
Tell us The Community Foundation’s origin story.
In the early 1980s local businessman Donald C. Linton had an idea for a “community fund” that could somehow be leveraged to move the growing town of Frederick forward. Linton worked closely with other members of the community and in 1986 The Community Foundation of Frederick County was created. By 1990, the organization had successfully created a growing endowment and grants were presented to local nonprofits.
In 1995, the current president and CEO, Elizabeth “Betsy” Y. Day, came on board and over the last three decades, the organization has grown deep roots in the community and improved life for Frederick County’s residents.
The Community Foundation relies on volunteers to help guide the strategic direction of the organization as well as to help review and award scholarships and grants
What do you like most about being a nonprofit in Frederick?
The Community Foundation – its staff, trustees and volunteers – are aware of the important role the organization plays in moving Frederick County forward. The community has placed a tremendous amount of trust in the Community Foundation to be responsible and transparent in its management of donations as well as how it distributes funding. It is important work, and it’s rewarding work. It feels good to be a part of an organization that is making life better for the citizens of Frederick County.
What makes The Community Foundation unique?
There are many generous donors in Frederick County – individuals, families, civic groups and businesses – and there are many amazing nonprofits on the front lines providing important programs and services. The Community Foundation’s work spans across all these areas. We partner with donors who have varied and diverse needs and wishes when it comes to when and how they donate and what impact it will have; we partner with nonprofits to support the vital work they do; we are also a collaborator that brings parties together to solve problems; and a leader who is doing the work to assess where the most pressing human needs are and working to find resources to address those issues head on.
Last year the Community Foundation distributed $6.3 million in grants to hundreds of nonprofits that impact every age group in every corner of Frederick County. Students at Centro Hispano de Frederick work on Exito STEAM projects
What do you want The Community Foundation to be known for?
The Community Foundation’s reputation is rooted in the trust it has built with the community over the last three decades. It’s important that we continue to be seen as a steady and stable organization that is nimble enough to be flexible when needed – like we did when COVID hit and we were almost immediately able to address local emergency needs. It’s important for people to know that our success is built on relationships. Our roots are so deep because every donor we work with, every organization we partner with, and every nonprofit we support comes with important and long-lasting relationships. People are at the heart of our work, at the core of every decision we make.
What ways can people in the community support you?
Members of the community can support the Community Foundation by creating or giving to an existing charitable fund, or including the Community Foundation in their estate provisions. The Community Foundation also welcomes volunteers to serve on committees.
What does The Community Foundation do best?
We treat people with care and respect. Some people turn to the Community Foundation in their darkest time – when they have lost a loved one and are exploring ways to honor and remember that person. Or sometimes, an individual is making plans for their estate upon their passing. The funds we are distributing are often going to people experiencing a critical need or who are facing extreme hardship. We do our work and engage with each individual with a sense of dignity and grace, because while some of the work we do is celebratory and warrants joy, we are also often partnering with people who are working through a difficult journey.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.