Love in action: How to strengthen, support our community

While many live an abundant life, others are experiencing great need in the county — homelessness, food deserts, transportation and childcare issues still exist in many parts of our county. And in a world that seems distracted, fastpaced and often chaotic, finding ways to connect with and support our county becomes increasingly important.

At the heart of every community lies a driving force — the love, support and care of its residents. Anne Arundel County is no exception.

In our county, we are fortunate to have people and nonprofits who care about the community including our beautiful surroundings, equal access to health care and educational resources.

While many live an abundant life, others are experiencing great need in Anne Arundel County — homelessness, food deserts, transportation and childcare issues still exist in many parts of our county. And in a world that seems distracted, fastpaced and often chaotic, finding ways to connect with and support our county becomes increasingly important.

The key is to spread the love through volunteering and giving back to make a positive impact.

Here are some ways you can help show your love for others in Anne Arundel County:

Volunteer your time:

Find something you’re passionate about and offer to volunteer. There are a plethora of local nonprofits, schools and community organizations looking for help on every level, whether it be once a month, weekly or daily.

Volunteers can help save these nonprofits time, provide much needed expertise and save on operational costs such as salaries. Finding your niche will make your volunteer experience even more rewarding.

And the benefits of volunteering can also enrich your personal and professional life. For example, volunteering with others is a great way to connect with your neighbors, provide a sense of purpose and develop leadership, social and professional skills.

Research local nonprofits to find organizations that align with your values or interests. If you are passionate about a cause but are unsure about where to make your contribution, consider supporting one of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County’s (CFAAC) Field of Interest Funds.

These funds invite donations from community members who pool their resources together to

Donate wisely:

achieve even more impact in their area of interest. You can also start your own Donor Advised or Corporate Advised Fund at CFAAC — a fund that allows you to recommend grants to any qualified nonprofit on your timeline.

Share your skills and expertise:

Every one of us has unique talents. Consider using your skills to help residents by tutoring, planning events, cooking meals, teaching art classes or leading a project. You can also join a volunteer board at a local nonprofit.

Boards need expertise in everything from finance to marketing and if you can lend your knowledge, you can help strengthen the organization and champion its mission, ultimately shaping its future.

Support local businesses:

Supporting local small and large businesses stimulates our community’s economy. Statistics show that supporting local businesses creates $68 of community economic contribution for every $100 spent, while spending at non-local businesses, such as national chains, only generates $43.

Local businesses also tend to be more invested in their community. One report cited that small businesses donate on average 250% more than large businesses to nonprofits in their communities, creating a positive cycle of impact.

Keep it clean: Anne Arundel County is a beautiful place to live and amplifying that beauty is our magnificent Chesapeake Bay. There are many nonprofit organizations that help take care of our county’s environment and the Bay. You can support them through donations, community clean ups, recycling, planting native plants and using nontoxic materials for lawn care.

Get involved, learn and take action:

Attend public meetings to learn what’s happening in your community and how you can help. Read CFAAC’s 2022 Community Needs Assessment Report “Poverty Amidst Plenty VII: Moving Forward Together” to find information about where the needs are greatest in our county.

This report provides an overview of the issues in Anne Arundel County that impact the economy and quality of life. It is available online at cfaac.org/ needs-assessment.html. Once you learn what and where the needs are, you can direct your support to help meet them.

Showing your love for our community through giving or volunteering can create a ripple effect and is a powerful way to contribute to the collective well-being of our county.

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is celebrating 25 years as a tax-exempt, 501(c) (3), publicly supported philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent funds that provide support to local nonprofit organizations through grants and special projects. Our mission is to inspire and promote giving in Anne Arundel County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1998, CFAAC is one of the largest funders of nonprofit organizations in Anne Arundel County. CFAAC distributes $5 million to $7 million annually.