Women's Giving Circle and Black Philanthropy Circle Partner to Celebrate Black Philanthropy Month

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County, both funds of the Community Foundation of Howard County, partnered to welcome approximately 100 donors, nonprofit leaders, community partners, and friends on August 4 for their 6th Annual Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour.

​Together, we celebrated this year's national Black Philanthropy Month theme, Many Voices. One Movement., recognizing the legacy, leadership, generosity, and community impact of Black philanthropy while demonstrating how partnership and collective giving are strengthening Howard County.

The evening opened with welcoming remarks from WGC Donor Engagement Committee Co-Chair Cheryl Gray, followed by WGC Chair Candace Dodson-Reed, who reflected on the power of collective giving and thanked Melissa Curtin, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County, and the Foundation staff for their ongoing partnership. Melissa welcomed guests to the Foundation and highlighted the importance of the work that the WGC and BPC are doing. Candace also recognized the Young Women's Giving Circle interns for their leadership and thanked guests for supporting the interns' annual Break the Cycle Period Product Drive by donating period products throughout the evening.

The evening also reflected another important aspect of Black Philanthropy Month by supporting Black-owned businesses. "Black Philanthropy Month is about celebrating generosity in all its forms," said Cheryl Gray. "We were proud to support Black and women-owned businesses by featuring a delicious charcuterie spread from Speak of the Deviled and wines from Boyd Cru Wines, recognizing that where we choose to spend our dollars is another meaningful way to invest in our community."

"One of the greatest strengths of collective giving is the relationships it creates" said Candace Dodson-Reed. "This evening brought together donors, nonprofit leaders, and community partners to celebrate Black philanthropy, recognize inspiring leaders, and invest in organizations making a difference ... it's a wonderful reminder that when we come together with a shared purpose, we create lasting change for Howard County."

Guests learned from Jade McClary, WGC’s Donor Engagement Co-Chair, about the WGC's work over the past 24 years, including more than $1.3 million awarded through over 300 grants, a $1.3 million endowment, and a growing community of more than 1,800 donors who are investing together to improve the lives of women and girls throughout Howard County. Black Philanthropy Circle Chair Derrick Leak shared how investing in people, elevating leaders, and sharing stories helps strengthen communities and reinforces the shared mission of both giving circles. Guests learned about upcoming opportunities to stay connected through the Women's Giving Circle and Black Philanthropy Circle, including educational programs, community conversations, volunteer opportunities, and events throughout the fall.

One of the highlights of the evening was the Women's Giving Circle's Our Giving, Our Stories recognition of Tiffany Erbelding and Rashel Taylor by WGC Vice Chair Kashonna Marrow. Since launching the initiative, the Women's Giving Circle has profiled more than 100 women whose generosity and leadership inspire philanthropy throughout our community.

This year's recognition held special significance because of the Women's Giving Circle's partnership with Tiffany, Rashel, the Horizon Foundation, and many community partners in developing Elevating to Evolve: Stories of Wisdom, Excellence and a Call for Change from Black Women Nonprofit Leaders in Howard County. The report elevates the voices and lived experiences of Black women nonprofit leaders while encouraging funders, boards, and community leaders to create more equitable and supportive pathways for leadership.

As part of their Our Giving, Our Stories profiles, Tiffany shared, "Great things are achieved when people work together and leverage their resources for a shared purpose." Rashel reflected, "When time, talent, and financial resources are intentionally aligned, they become a powerful force for lasting change." Their words beautifully captured the spirit of the evening and the impact of collective philanthropy.

We were also pleased to recognize Malynda Madzel, the visionary behind both the Women's Giving Circle's Our Giving, Our Stories initiative and our annual Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour, whose leadership and creativity have inspired us to celebrate and elevate the voices of women philanthropists in our community for years.

The evening concluded with the announcement of two joint grants from the Women's Giving Circle and the Black Philanthropy Circle, demonstrating the power of partnership in action. Together, the giving circles awarded grants to Marilyn Berchie-Gialamas of Trinity Maternal Wellness, supporting culturally responsive maternal health education, advocacy, and services that improve outcomes for Black women and families, and Gerry Taylor of Bronze Villagers, supporting its work to strengthen communities through education, mentorship, cultural engagement, and neighborhood partnerships.  As BPC’s Nia Leak mentioned, these joint grants reflect the shared commitment of both giving circles to investing in organizations that create opportunity, advance equity, and strengthen Howard County.

We thank our 39 generous sponsors for helping make the evening possible, and to our volunteers, community partners, and everyone who joined us in celebrating Black Philanthropy Month. Together, through partnership, generosity, and collective giving, we continue building a stronger Howard County. We look forward to seeing you at a future Women's Giving Circle, Black Philanthropy Circle and Community Foundation of Howard County event!

"The Women's Giving Circle and Black Philanthropy Circle demonstrate what's possible when people come together around a shared commitment to community," said Melissa Curtin. "As proud funds of the Community Foundation, they are building connections, inspiring generosity, and investing in organizations that strengthen Howard County. We are honored to support their leadership and celebrate the impact they continue to make together."

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Learn More:

The Women's Giving Circle and Black Philanthropy Circle are proud funds of the Community Foundation of Howard County, and we are grateful for the Foundation's continued partnership and support in helping both giving circles grow, thrive, and make a greater impact in our community. While our work is rooted in Howard County, our impact extends beyond our community through regional partnerships with Maryland Philanthropy Network and national engagement with Philanos. Together, we're helping grow the collective giving movement while bringing new ideas, resources, and relationships back to Howard County to strengthen our local work.

• Women's Giving Circle of Howard County: The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is building a community of philanthropists to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County. Since 2002, the WGC has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants and has built at $1.3 million endowment, and engaged more than 1,800 donors who believe in the power of collective giving. Learn more, get involved, and subscribe to our eNewsletter at www.wgchowardcounty.org.

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• Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County: The Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County brings together individuals and families who are passionate about strengthening our community through philanthropy, leadership, and collective action. By connecting donors, nonprofit leaders, and community partners, the BPC is growing Black philanthropy and investing in a stronger, more equitable Howard County. Learn more about the Black Philanthropy Circle and how to get involved at www.blackphilanthropyhc.org.