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Over 150 professionals and students attended the 2024 Nonprofit Summit: Together, for Good, the region’s largest professional development opportunity for nonprofit staff and volunteers. Held April 26th, the event kicked off with an inspiring keynote address from Michele Waxman Johnson, Director of the Maryland 250 Commission of the Maryland Department of Planning. The sold-out conference is hosted by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES), the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), and Salisbury University’s Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE). A full day of breakout sessions covered nonprofit sustainability, strategic planning, cultural competence, inclusiveness, fundraising, emergency preparedness, and more. The event was sponsored by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield  and Avery Hall Insurance Group. Nonprofit professionals interested in attending should stay tuned for details from CFES and UWLES about next year’s event.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore celebrated 40 years of impact with the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce at a Business After Hours event on April 11. CFES is a public foundation serving Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties and works with local donors and nonprofits to create charitable funds, provides grants and scholarships to meet local needs and provide capacity building support for nonprofit organizations and volunteers. Since 1984, CFES has awarded $107.5M in grants and scholarships. In recognition of its anniversary, CFES unveiled two challenge grants for the Foundation’s giving circles, the Black Excellence Community Fund and the Women’s Fund, encouraging the public to participate to boost the impact for these funds this year. The Foundation also announced their 40 Under 40 in Philanthropy Awards which will honor 40 individuals under 40 years old who are making a difference in the Lower Shore community. Nominations can be made online at CFES.org/40u40 until May 15th. “For the past 40 years, we have been working to strengthen partnerships with individuals, families, businesses, and community-based organizations to invest in the causes that matter to create a vibrant community and address critical needs,” said Community Foundation President Erica Joseph. “Encouraging participation in our giving circles and recognizing the contributions of those sharing their time, talent and treasure is the perfect way to celebrate this milestone.” Over 200 guests enjoyed entertainment from Ryan Jackson, local food and beverages, and door prizes featuring local experiences and partner nonprofits. Scholarship recipients from the Salisbury Area Chamber’s scholarship fund held at the Community Foundation were recognized at the event. To learn more about CFES, or to support the giving circle challenge grants visit CFES.org.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore is seeking a Database Administrator to join our team as a part of the Foundation’s growing philanthropic and grantmaking operations. This position manages the Foundation’s Blackbaud RE/FE NXT and NPact Foundation Cloud software platforms and is responsible for maintaining the quality and integrity of the strategic data contained to steward our friends and donors. An associate degree is required, or an equivalent combination of experience and certification in database management. Experience and proficiency with Blackbaud Raisers Edge, as a Database Administrator, is required. Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT Professional Certification is required. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. In-depth knowledge and understanding of general business software and ability to learn industry specific software. A background check may be conducted.  Familiarity with the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, especially Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties is a plus. Position open until filled. The Foundation offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Send a letter of interest & resume with at least three professional references and salary requirements to careers@cfes.org. No phone calls or walk-ins please. Read Full Job Description

More than $500,000 in scholarships are available for area students through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES). The Foundation, which awarded over 400 scholarships last year, has opportunities for application on its website. Many of the scholarships have an April 1, 2024 deadline, and details are available within each application. “Scholarships are an investment in our future leaders and create an incredible impact in our local community,” says Community Foundation President Erica Joseph. “The Foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships, each with their own unique criteria, and the Foundation’s expertise in scholarship management allows us to help our donors grow these opportunities.” The Foundation, which holds more than 200 scholarship funds, has steadily increased the number of scholarships available each year. The Foundation has also seen an expansion in areas of scholarship focus, as well as scholarships for non-traditional students. “While many scholarships are for high school seniors, we are seeing an increasing interest in scholarships for non-traditional students and trade schools,” says Cathy Diekmann, CFES Program Officer. “For instance, the Charles McClenahan Technical Scholarship focuses on students from Somerset County who are pursuing a technical trades degree, whereas the Beattie Healthcare Careers Scholarship is for students who have begun their undergraduate study in a healthcare field.” Some scholarships are based on the student’s prospective area of study, like The Richard and Patricia Hazel Minority Scholarship which is for students who are interested in pursuing a career in education, STEM, or nursing. Other scholarships available at the Foundation may have criteria based on what school a student went to, athletic activities, church affiliations, or civic involvement. “Scholarship funds at CFES are a valuable resource for people who want to help local students. They are created by individuals, families, or businesses that are passionate about encouraging an area of study, memorializing a loved one, or simply extending a helping hand, so there is a little something for everyone.” For a full list of scholarships, criteria, and applications, visit CFES.org/scholarships.

The Black Excellence Community Fund, which is a Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore Giving Circle, awarded three grants during Black History Month. The grants benefit local nonprofits which impact the quality of life for the local Black community. Each organization received a $500 grant for their work. Grantees were: The Chipman Cultural Center Foundation which supports the cultural center and small museum honoring the history of African Americans of the Eastern Shore regional area. Fruitland Community Center which provides free after school programs and summer learning activities, including science, math, robotics, reading, writing, social studies and more. Inspire One which is devoted to unifying communities through arts and media through inclusive programs that foster collaboration, advocacy, empowerment, and community engagement. “We are excited to see the continued impact each of these nonprofits has in the local community,” says BECF Founding Member Sharon Morris. “Our hope is that these grants will highlight the importance of charitable giving and inspire philanthropy in others.” BECF was created in 2022 at the Community Foundation to preserve cultural awareness and pride by expanding the benefits of education, health, and welfare in the Black Community, while teaching the values of philanthropy. Members work together through the power of collective philanthropy to create a positive impact in the community. To get involved or learn more visit CFES.org/becf.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore recently announced that Gail Foltz, Sharone Grant, Michael Mathers, and Phyllis Mitchell have joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “We are excited to welcome such a dynamic group to our Board of Directors and look forward to them sharing their vast experience and knowledge with the Community Foundation,” stated CFES President Erica Joseph. “The Community Foundation prides itself in maintaining a board of directors that brings diverse skill sets and backgrounds to our leadership team.” Gail Foltz lives in Salisbury and is a Senior Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager with Shore United Bank. Gail has served as a member of numerous civic organizations including prior service on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore and the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay. She is an active member of the Wicomico Rotary Club, where she has served as President and was a former Rotarian of the Year. She is also a member of the Leadership Maryland Class of 2019. Sharone Grant lives in Snow Hill and is the Director of Student Health Services at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Sharone is currently serving as the President of the Links, Princess Anne Chapter, an African American professional sorority committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans. She served as the President of the Women’s Commission in Snow Hill and was recognized as a “Jewel of Worcester County” by the Commission. Michael Mathers lives in Salisbury and is an attorney at Webb, Wilber, Douse, Mathers and Illuminati LLP. He is an expert in preparing Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Advanced Medical Directive, and a variety of trusts amongst other areas. He is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association (Estate Planning and Elder Law Sections), Wicomico County Bar Association, and National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Michael has been active in the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce, serving as a board member and then president in 2017. He is also active with the Wicomico County Department of Social Services. Phyllis Mitchell lives in Berlin and is a Certified Financial Planner™ and is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. She is also a Certified Financial Fiduciary, and a Certified Mutual Funds Specialist and has taught financial planning at Salisbury University. She has been a speaker to many groups on financial, investment, tax, and estate planning topics for over 35 years and has written many published financial articles over her career. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association, Investment Services Institute, and Financial Services Institute.

A day celebrating philanthropy for Lower Shore nonprofits culminated in a recording breaking $310,178 raised for participating organizations. More than 2,279 donations were made during the 9th annual Shore Gives More Giving Tuesday campaign. Since inception the campaign has raised more than $1.8 million to benefit local organizations. Giving Tuesday, held each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, is an international 24-hour online giving movement. The local campaign, known as The Shore Gives More, is hosted by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and assists local nonprofits with the fundraising effort. By providing an online donation platform, marketing, and technical support, the campaign makes a significant impact through collective philanthropy. “Nonprofits provide critical services to the local community, and fundraisers like Giving Tuesday help charities connect with donors,” says Erica Joseph, CFES President. “Giving Tuesday has become its own holiday around the shore, and the local generosity really shines a spotlight on how wonderful our region is.” The Shore Gives More was first launched as a Giving Tuesday campaign for the Lower Eastern Shore in 2015 and raised just under $4,285 in its first year. “As the area’s leading philanthropic resource, the Community Foundation understands the complexities around charitable giving, and we work hard to simplify the giving process for both donors and nonprofits,” says Joseph. “By giving through the Shore Gives More campaign, donors know their gifts will have an impact close to home.” The campaign received sponsorships from 47 ABC and Shore United Bank which significantly increased the campaign presence. To learn more about the “Shore Gives More” Giving Tuesday campaign for local nonprofits visit CFES.org or ShoreGivesMore.org to view individual nonprofit participants.

The Lower Shore’s Giving Tuesday event will feature a record breaking 128 nonprofits during the 24-hour online giving event. Held each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, this year’s event falls on November 28th, but donors can begin scheduling their gifts starting November 20th. The local campaign, known as The Shore Gives More, is hosted by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and assists nonprofits serving Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties with fundraising efforts. The online donation portal features an easy way for donors to quickly learn about the individual nonprofits and make as many or as few donations as they like in one easy online checkout. “The campaign has grown greatly since 2015 when we started with 23 nonprofits and raised just under $7,500. Since then the campaign has raised over $1.5 million for local nonprofits,” says Community Foundation President Erica Joseph. “It is exciting to see 128 organizations in the campaign this year.” Donors can rest easy knowing that the gifts they make will go to the charities of their choice and will also make a local impact. The campaign carefully vets each participating organization to ensure current tax-exempt status and service to the Lower Shore area. “Each gift made to a nonprofit on Giving Tuesday makes a difference for the area we call home,” says Joseph. “With such a diverse range of nonprofits participating, everyone is sure to find a cause to support that is important to them.” Nonprofits are given access to online fundraising platforms, marketing campaigns, and incentive prizes. Software purchased by the Community Foundation allows donors to schedule their gifts in advance of the event and allows supporters the option of donating to multiple nonprofits at once. The Community Foundation provides the services at no-cost to the nonprofits. Nonprofits cover standard credit card processing fees. “The campaign is truly a collaborative effort,” states Joseph. “Each nonprofit works hard to make their fundraising goals a reality, and months of preparations are put in before the big day. Our primary sponsors, Shore United Bank and 47 ABC, provide invaluable support which allows the event to be a success.” To learn more about the Shore Gives More Giving Tuesday campaign visit www.ShoreGivesMore.org

Schools in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties received $116,144 in grant funding through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s 2023 Education Grants Program. CFES saw another record-breaking number of requests this year and a wide variety of needs. Funds will be distributed across forty school-based programs. Educators and school districts were honored at an evening reception on November 9th at James M. Bennett High School. “The Community Foundation is proud to offer support to our schools, educators, and students,” says Community Foundation President Erica Joseph. “When we invest in education, we are building long term impact for the future of our local community and the success of our future leaders.” Education Grants are made annually in conjunction with National Education Week through a competitive process to public and private grade schools on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Grants are made to those schools that have developed innovative programs to enhance education and improve the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of their students and communities. Calcott Award of Excellence Celebrated The Community Foundation honored North Salisbury Elementary School with the Mary Gay Calcott Award of Excellence and a bonus grant from the Foundation’s Mary Gay Calcott Memorial Fund, for their innovative program that engages English Language Learners in running a school-based business to improve language proficiency with real-world application. The award is named for the late Mary Gay Calcott, a professor of English at Salisbury University whose life embodied her ideals of teaching students to think, to express themselves with clarity and to care about the world they live in. The following schools received Education Award Grants for the 2023/2024 school year: Somerset County Crisfield Academy and High will use an incentive program to improve students' performance on standardized state tests. Deal Island Elementary will pilot the ABC, 123, Learn with Me! parent engagement program. Washington Academy and High will use an incentive program to improve student's math scores on standardized state tests. Wicomico County Beaver Run Elementary will create a "Calm N Cool" room to help de-escalate students in a time of crisis. Bennett Middle will host a Culture Club which fosters new relationships, friendships, and respect for all cultures. Bennett Middle will install flexible seating in classrooms to promote mental and physical health. East Salisbury Elementary's "Just Kickin’ It" program will use soccer to teach good choices and pair students with peer role models. Fruitland Intermediate will install a book vending machine to promote excitement about reading. James M. Bennett High's Gentlemen of Distinction club will teach proper hygiene practices, social-emotional awareness, and life-skills. Mardela Middle & High will continue its growing Traveling Children's Theatre program. North Salisbury Elementary will addresses conversational confidence in English Language Learners. Northwestern Elementary will create a mobile art center to be shared by teachers and classrooms throughout the school. Northwestern Elementary will purchase gross and fine motor sensory tools to help students self-regulate and engage in instruction. Parkside High will create a rocket building project that teaches quadratic equations and builds excitement around math. Pinehurst Elementary will create enrichment and learning activity centers within the special education classroom. Prince Street Elementary will continue its House System which empowers academic excellence and promotes a culture of belonging. Salisbury Christian School will install flexible seating in classrooms to promote mental and physical health. Salisbury Christian will host the "Faithful Farmers" after-school agriculture program for 2nd through 5th graders. Wicomico High will install adaptive flooring for students with disabilities to move independently in the Physical Education space. Wicomico High will host a gala to celebrate special education students and their achievements. Wicomico Middle will implement an enrichment program aimed at improving attendance, academic achievement, and behavior. Wicomico Middle’s Distinguished Gentlemen club will teach proper hygiene practices, social-emotional awareness, and life-skills. Willards Elementary will welcome an artist in residence who will teach kindergarten students fiber arts. Willards Elementary will welcome an artist in residence who will teach 2nd graders about Maryland’s culture through art. Worcester County Berlin Intermediate will stock the school's House store with incentive items for their positive behavior program. Cedar Chapel Special School will purchase adaptive tricycles for students with diverse abilities. Cedar Chapel Special School will use a curriculum that teaches students with diverse abilities about boundaries and self-awareness. Ocean City Elementary will provide targeted enrichment instruction for Tier 1 students through literature text sets. Ocean City Elementary will improve the library collection and increase student engagement in recreational reading. Pocomoke Elementary School will install a book vending machine to promote excitement about reading. Pocomoke Elementary School will create a diverse outdoor classroom space for art, music, physical education, and STEM lessons. Pocomoke High School will partner with Cedar Chapel Special School to bring awareness and acceptance of those with special needs. Showell Elementary will install a book vending machine to promote excitement about reading. Showell Elementary will purchase iPads and Lego Education Kits to enhance the school's makerspace. Snow Hill Elementary will expand the school library's picture book and chapter book selections to engage readers. Snow Hill High School will boost the school's positive behavior program with exciting rewards and incentives. Snow Hill High will host a Friday Night Book Club that allows students to select titles from current and engaging themes. Snow Hill Middle's RISE program will allow at-risk students to practice life skills and social etiquette in real-world social settings. Snow Hill Middle's "Pathways to Resilience" initiative will fortify the library's Social-Emotional Learning resources. Stephen Decatur Middle will expand the library's nonfiction resources and build a collection of books written in Spanish. Special thanks to the Perdue and Hutchinson families for their generous contributions to this year’s grant funds.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore honored four award recipients and celebrated annual grant-making efforts at its Annual Meeting and Report to the Community on November 3rd. The Foundation announced a total of $6.1 million in grants made in fiscal year 2023, including more than $549,000 in scholarships to local students. To kick off the Foundation’s 40th year and Giving Tuesday campaign, attendees were surprised with forty charitable gift certificates placed throughout the crowd. Winners each received $1,000 to gift to a nonprofit participating in the Shore Gives More Giving Tuesday campaign. “At CFES we believe everyone can be a philanthropist. By involving attendees in the giving process and kick-starting Giving Tuesday, we hope to highlight the many wonderful nonprofits on the Lower Shore,” says CFES President, Erica Joseph. “We vet these organizations and partner to strengthen our collective outreach and donors know their gifts are going to local good.” The Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Al “Hondo” Handy honoring his commitment to volunteering and unselfish contributions to his community. Through his investment of time, talent, and expertise he has inspired others with a positive attitude and altruistic actions, empowering others to do the same. For his unwavering dedication and love for the local community Mr. Handy will receive a $1,000 gift to designate to the charity of his choice. The Nonprofit Award of Excellence honoring Richard A. Henson was awarded to Worcester County Developmental Center. Their creative and committed approach to providing educational, social, vocational, and residential programs encourages self-reliance, achievement, and economic independence for adults with developmental disabilities in Worcester County. For their dedication to empowering adults with developmental disabilities to create rich, meaningful lives as inclusive members of society, Worcester County Developmental Center will receive $5,000 to support their work. The Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award was awarded to Terry Greenwood for exemplifying the qualities of leadership, integrity, compassion, and generosity to our community. He has championed numerous nonprofits and charitable causes, served as a mentor to many, and served throughout the Lower Shore in various professional and volunteer positions. For his dedication to a life of service for the betterment of others Dr. Greenwood will receive a $2,500 gift to designate to the charity of his choice. The Chairman’s Award was presented to Mike Truitt for his invaluable service and dedication to the Community Foundation. His willingness to always step up, fill in any voids, and advance the mission of the Community Foundation epitomizes leadership and excellence.

View our 2023 Annual Report here.

Join us for the Community Foundation Annual Meeting on Friday November 3rd. Complete details and tickets available here.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and donors recently granted $73,000 to the Salisbury Fire Department to fund ballistic vests needed to protect paramedics and fire fighters who are exposed to risk as they provide life-saving support to the community. Additional funding is still needed to meet the estimated $90,000 needed to outfit department personnel. The ballistic vests will help protect paramedics and fire fighters during active shooting events, domestic violence incidents, crisis intervention scenarios, and other dangerous situations. The need for vests became increasingly apparent after recent violent incidents in Salisbury where paramedics had to be shielded by police to reach victims with lifesaving treatment. “Over the course of several months, our personnel have been placed in harm’s way while treating injured civilians,” states Salisbury Fire Department Chief John Tull. “With personnel unprotected, we have had to retreat back to Fire/EMS units due to large crowds and unruly individuals, ultimately delaying treatment for victims.” The grant came from the following funds held at the Community Foundation: M.W. & Barrie Tilghman, Jr. Fund, Jim & Jan Perdue Fund, Tony & Donna Gilkerson Fund, Bobbi Biron Fund for Wicomico County, Richard & Patricia Hazel Fund, First Shore Federal Savings & Loan Association Fund, and Perdue Family Fund. An additional gift was made by the Perdue Family Charitable Trust. To learn more about the need or to contribute to ballistic vest funding, please contact the Salisbury Fire Department at 410-548-3120.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore serves our immediate tri-county region, but as the region's philanthropic expert, we also help our donors identify worthwhile causes that may span beyond our own backyard. In response to the wildfire disaster in Maui we have identified several reputable organizations to direct funding to for our donors who wish to support recovery efforts: The Maui Strong Fund at the Hawai'i Community Foundation Council on Foundations: Philanthropy's Response to Hawai'i Wildfires (includes several donation options along with additional resources and information.) Maui Wildfires Relief Fund via Emergency Assistance Foundation

A total of $273,825 has been granted to 33 local nonprofits by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore in its largest grant cycle to date. The CFES Community Needs Grants are available to nonprofits serving Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties. Nonprofits received a mix of operational support and funding for programs spanning youth, homelessness and housing, hunger, historic preservation, the arts, animal welfare, and more. Applicants must be 501c3 nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations providing non-sectarian programs, or eligible programs within government agencies serving citizens on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. The next Community Needs cycle will open January 1st, 2024 with a grant maximum of $10,000. The following nonprofits received funding for programs and operations: Adopt-A-Block Outreach, Inc. will provide food and basic necessities to those in need in Salisbury and Crisfield. Art League of Ocean City, Inc. will replace aging equipment to create the best possible experience for its patrons. Atlantic General Hospital Foundation will purchase essential equipment for its Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program. Beach to Bay Heritage Area will implement plans to strengthen heritage tourism and infrastructure on the Lower Shore. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore, Inc. will implement the Big Start program to help children through the challenges of starting new phases in life. Boys & Girls Club will provide an after-school and summer camp in Pocomoke to promote academic success, good character, and healthy lifestyles. Boys for Positive Change will purchase incentives for its report-card initiative which rewards program participants (ages 9 – 14) for academic achievement. Christian Shelter Inc. will purchase a software that will greatly improve its ability to serve shelter residents. Costen House will make critical repairs to the historic Costen House Museum in Pocomoke City. Epoch Dream Center provides free after-school and summer programming to under-resourced students who attend K-12 schools in Wicomico County. Greater Crisfield Action Coalition will support economic revitalization and community development in Crisfield. Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County Inc. builds and subsidizes homes for low-income families. Help and Outreach Point of Entry will purchase food and earth-friendly packaging for its lunch program, which provides over 2,200 nutritious meals a year to food insecure residents on the Lower Shore. Hope And Life Outreach (HALO) will renovate its food pantry to support the HALO Café pantry program. Humane Society of Somerset County MD will provide free and low-cost spay/neutering and vaccinations for cats in Somerset County. Mid-Shore Pro Bono, Inc. provides legal services to low-income residents. Minds in Motion Children's Museum will host a STEM and environmental-science focused summer camp for Wicomico County middle-schoolers in partnership with NASA. Salisbury Lions Club will purchase equipment to assist visually impaired students in pre-k through high school. Salisbury University Office of Graduate Studies & Research will purchase culturally diverse books for English Language Learners receiving tutoring at the May Literacy Center. Salisbury Urban Ministries’ programs provide food, basic necessities, prescription assistance, academic tutoring, and more to low-income individuals and families. Smith Island United works to preserve the culture and the natural beauty of Smith Island for residents and tourists. Society of St. Andrew volunteers glean fresh produce from local farms and deliver it to shelters, pantries, and others in need in the tri-county area. Special Olympics Maryland Lower Shore will purchase equipment, uniforms, and facility space for sports programs for children with disabilities. The Child & Family Foundation Inc. (1 Year to Empowerment) engages middle and high school girls in an empowering program that teaches life skills, builds self-esteem, and improve mental health. The Haitian Development Center of Delmarva Inc provides serves to help Haitian immigrants achieve self-sufficiency. Town Cats Inc will construct a large indoor/outdoor shelter and sanctuary for homeless cats. Tri Community Mediation will work with Salisbury University to conduct a needs assessment and report for Hispanic immigrants on the Eastern Shore. Village of Hope Inc. will make critical repairs to their shelter for women and children. Wicomico County Free Library will partner with the small business community in downtown Salisbury to offer a variety of services and experiences to library patrons free of charge. Wicomico Environmental Trust will print and distribute a Wicomico River Watershed Atlas to Wicomico County schools, government offices, and civic organizations. Worcester County GOLD provides emergency financial assistance and basic need items to low-income residents of Worcester County. Wor-Wic Community College will meet the needs of its most vulnerable students through its Student Support Services program aimed at bolstering retention, success, and completion for at-risk students. YMCA of the Chesapeake Inc. Lower Shore Location provides a Safety Around Water program for children in Somerset and Worcester Counties.

The Black Excellence Community Fund, which is a Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore Giving Circle, celebrated Black Philanthropy Month by awarding grants to three Lower Shore Nonprofits at an evening dinner event on August 5th. The grants benefit local nonprofits which impact the quality of life for the local Black community. Each organization received a $500 grant for their work. Grantees were: Young Elites of the Eastern Shore West to East Coast Aviation Network (Y.E.E.S. W.E. C.A.N.) produces emerging young leaders interested in the career fields of aviation, aeronautics, and aerospace technology. SchooLARS 4 STEM is a local grassroots mentoring program that seeks to create a cohort of K-12 aged students with strong STEM aptitude. Faith Over Fear Economic Empowerment Inc. builds stronger communities by providing resources and professional development for newly established black-owned businesses or expanding businesses. “The theme for the evening’s event was ‘Love in Action” and each of the nonprofits selected embrace this theme daily through their work,” said Sonya Whited, founding member of BECF. “Each grant recipient’s story of local impact reminds us of the importance of giving back to our community.” The event also highlighted recent proclamations from Wicomico County, Maryland designating August as Black Philanthropy Month, along with a citation from the Maryland General Assembly which honored BECF for philanthropic community support during Black Philanthropy Month. BECF was created in 2022 at the Community Foundation to preserve cultural awareness and pride by expanding the benefits of education, health, and welfare in the Black Community, while teaching the values of philanthropy. Members work together through the power of collective philanthropy to create a positive impact in the community. To get involved or learn more visit CFES.org/becf.

Programs will benefit women and girls on the Lower Shore The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s Women’s Fund recently awarded $65,000 to nonprofits for support of programs that address the unmet needs of women and girls in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. The Women’s Fund is a giving circle at the Community Foundation which allows members to have a team-approach to philanthropy and charitable networking. The 2023 Community Foundation Women’s Fund grant recipients are: 1 Year to Empowerment’s grant will support self-esteem and wellness activities for girls in the year-long Empoweree program to help them make healthy choices, trusting friendships, and attainable goals while giving back to the community. Art League of Ocean City’s grant will support three artists in residence who will complete work for a show coinciding with Women’s History Month 2024. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships between volunteer “Bigs” and local youth “Littles” and will use this grant to launch the SHEro campaign to inspire women to be strong female mentors and create a strong future for girls. Catholic Charities Seton Center is a multi-purpose neighborhood community center providing a variety of support services to local residents in Somerset County. This grant will be used to purchase hygiene products for underserved women and girls. Chesapeake Housing Mission provides critical home repairs to low-income families in the Chesapeake Region of Maryland. This grant will support two Women’s Builds involving an all-female construction team to help meet the needs of local home-bound women. Epoch Dream Center is a free after-school and summer program serving under-resourced children in Hebron Maryland and surrounding areas. This grant will cover costs of academic tutoring, meals, transportation, STEM activities, and female-specific “interest hours” for young women in the program. Faith Over Fear Economic Empowerment Inc helps minority businesses become stronger and create sustainability in the community. This grant will support an investment club mini-boot camp to teach young women to think strategically about investing and raising capital. Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health’s grant will support the women’s resource center which offers parenting classes, education, support groups and other complementary services to help pregnant and parenting mothers in the community. Help and Outreach Point of Entry (H.O.P.E.) assists those in need with obtaining healthcare, social, and basic living services. With this grant, they will purchase hygiene products and personal care items for underserved women and girls. Holy Pickers Center is an organization of current and former seafood workers working to alleviate poverty in lower Somerset County. This grant will support prayer dinners, job dispatch, and community education programs for seafood workers in Crisfield. Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services’ grant will provide financial counseling and support to first time female home-buyers and renters in financial crisis. Unstoppable Joy Co. supports local cancer fighters by providing them with resources to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit during their treatment journey. This grant will provide healing bags, self-care and zen-time services to Lower Shore women fighting cancer. Village of Hope provides a transitional living program for at-risk women and children experiencing homelessness and will provide transportation vouchers for women living in the shelter to get to work, school, child-care, and medical appointments with this grant. Wicomico County Health Department’s grant will support educational workshops, safety kits, and media campaigns to protect girls and young women against dating and domestic violence. Women Supporting Women provides awareness, education, and support to those affected by breast cancer. This grant will support “Your Healthiest You” Integrative Health and Wellness conference for breast cancer sufferers and survivors. Worcester County GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity) provides emergency financial assistance and basic needs items for Worcester County residents living with low income. This grant will be used to create “Dignity Boxes” of comfort, hygiene, and household products for women and girls.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore annually celebrates local philanthropic service through its annual awards. Award winners are announced each year at the Community Foundation Annual Meeting, which will be held November 3, 2023. These awards are considered among the most prestigious philanthropic service honors in the Lower Shore region. Recipients must first be nominated for an award and then selected by a committee of community volunteers. CFES is now accepting nominations until August 31, 2023 for the Richard A. Henson Award for Nonprofit Excellence, the Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award, and the Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award. To nominate an individual or organization for one of the awards, visit CFES.org/awards and complete the application. The award recipients will be announced in early November by the Community Foundation. Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award: Recognizes an individual who has made outstanding, sustained and unselfish contributions to community service. The Foundation will grant $1,000 to the Volunteer of the Year Award winner’s charity of choice. Richard A. Henson Award for Nonprofit Excellence: Presented annually to a qualified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Somerset, Wicomico, or Worcester counties which has implemented a program or project that has made an outstanding contribution to the well-being of residents of the Lower Eastern Shore. The Foundation will grant a $5,000 donation to the recipient. Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award: Recognizes an individual who has made outstanding, sustained, and unselfish contributions to community enrichment and whose vital ideas and personal sacrifices exemplify the philanthropic spirit of our community. The Foundation grants $2,500 to the Morris Award winner’s charity of choice.