Message from CFAAC Leadership


CFA AC · ANNUAL REPORT 2025
MESSAGE FROM CFAAC LEADERSHIP
A year of milestones, transitions, and impact.
The story of 2025 was one of success and change for the Community Foundation
of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC). Thank you for showing up for our community.
Your generosity allowed us to distribute 856 grants of more than $9.7 million
to nonprofits. We opened 44 new funds, endowed seven funds, and had a
record nine Legacy Fund commitments. We also increased our total grantmaking
assets to more than $48 million, of which nearly $22 million is permanently
endowed to sustain nonprofits in perpetuity. These incredible milestones were
achieved because of you — our loyal donors, fund holders, and volunteers. As
your Community Foundation, we continued to be adaptive to the current needs
of our county. In 2025, we opened three new Field of Interest Funds in response
to those needs: the Family Protection Fund, Food Insecurity Fund and Performing,
and Visual Arts Fund.
This past year was also one of transition; we said goodbye to two staff members.
First, we express our deepest gratitude to Mary Spencer who retired in
October, leaving a legacy of progress for CFAAC. Since assuming leadership in
2018, Mary empowered tremendous growth and impact at CFAAC, strengthening
CFAAC’s role as a pillar of philanthropy in Anne Arundel County. Under Mary’s
leadership, CFAAC grew its assets from $14 million to $48 million and significantly
expanded grantmaking efforts to support the community. Her tenure has been
marked by a deep commitment to collaboration, increased visibility for CFAAC,
and the development of strong relationships with donors, nonprofits, and
community leaders. We can’t thank her enough and wish her all the best that
retirement has to offer. Second, we also said goodbye to Kristen Krall, our
Community Education Coordinator. Through her efforts, our Community Impact
and Strengthening Nonprofit series educated donors, board members, and helped
build capacity within our nonprofits.
In September, we announced that John Rodenhausen would take over the
reins of CFAAC leadership. John began his tenure on November 1, leading the
strategic direction of CFAAC and its team of philanthropic advisors who inspire
giving and connect current and prospective donors to causes that matter.
At the end of 2025, we also bid farewell to three retiring board members whose
tireless efforts have significantly contributed to our success. They will be greatly
missed for their expertise and commitment to the Community Foundation. Thank
you Mike Lehr, Amy Tate, and Crystal Williams. We are deeply grateful for
your service. In early 2026, we welcomed three new trustees, Andre Dillard,
Alison Flores, and Griff Hall. Their insight and perspective will enrich our board.
We continued, our convening role, creating awareness and strengthening our
relationships in Anne Arundel County through our educational programs,
newsletter, social media, monthly articles in the Capital Gazette, and staff
engagement. Our nine-person staff actively participated in 330 community
meetings and events, engaging with nearly 10,000 individuals in Anne Arundel
County and beyond. In 2025, we hosted 25 events, including the Community
Needs Assessment presentations, with more than 1,400 attendees. At our
signature event, the Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon, we honored
eight dedicated individuals and organizations with Celebration of Philanthropy
Awards. We also welcomed one new member into our Professional Advisor
Recognition Society. This inspiring event was attended by a record number of
individuals, making it our largest Celebration of Philanthropy.
We hope this report inspires you to see the power of philanthropy, and recognize the
role you play in helping us achieve our vision of a vibrant and generous community.
With deep gratitude,
John Rodenhausen · CFAAC President & CEO
Lawrence B. Burrows · CFAAC Board of Trustees Chair
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