History

First, what is a community foundation anyway?
Community Foundations are a non-profit, 501(c)3, public charity created by and for the people in a certain geographical area. They are used as a vehicle for giving, designed to pool donations into a coordinated investment. In addition, they are grant-makers dedicated primarily to the social improvement of a given place.

The Community Foundation of Charles County (CFCC) is overseen by a diverse volunteer board and operated by paid professional staff with expertise in understanding the community’s needs, opportunities and resources. The mission of the CFCC is to “improve the quality of life for the community of Charles County by aligning philanthropic interests with community needs through stewardship and collaboration.” To achieve the mission, the Foundation works with families, individuals, businesses, attorneys, and estate and financial planners to design gift plans that fit every economic situation, ensuring that donors receive the most benefit from their charitable contributions and that their philanthropic dollars are used to the fullest potential.

The funds established at the CFCC can be expendable funds (i.e., grants can be made in any amount at any time) or they can be endowments, which limit distributions to the interest earned on the assets. Endowments last in perpetuity.

The first community foundation was set up in Cleveland in 1914 by Frederick Goff and operating now as the Cleveland Foundation. Others soon followed including the California Community Foundation and the Chicago Community Trust.

Community foundations are now a global phenomenon. There are at least 700 in the United States and perhaps 1000 more around the world with numbers growing rapidly.

In 2004 a study conducted by the Maryland Community Foundation Initiative was completed to research the three counties, Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert counties. The study indicated the need to organize a vehicle for all types of giving. Francis H. Chaney II, Chairman and CEO of Chaney Enterprises/The Chaney Foundation was among the business leaders interviewed. The concept sparked an interest, so it was introduced to the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center and as a result the Community Foundation of Charles County in Charles County was established.

In December of 2005 the Community Foundation of Charles County became incorporated; in September of 2006, the Executive Director hired; and in August 2007 the Community Foundation of Charles County received its 501 c 3.

The Community Foundation of Charles County resides at 3055 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, MD 20601. For more information, please contact the Community Foundation of Charles County by telephone at 301-885-0108 or send an email to .