The Community Foundation of Washington County MD gives grants to other nonprofit organizations and manages charitable endowment funds for groups and individuals.
The Community Foundation was started in 1997 with less than $10,000. By 2006, that had grown to about $11 million.
Individuals, families, corporations, institutions, courts, bequests, private foundations and charitable organizations may establish funds through the Community Foundation.
Each fund must begin with a minimum donation of $1,000 in cash or property. The individual or group must pledge to increase the fund balance to $5,000 in contributions within five years.
Each year, the Community Foundation recognizes noteworthy volunteers by establishing three $5,000 endowment funds in what is known as the People's Choice Awards.
Each of the three award honorees designates a charity to benefit from his or her fund.
In 2005, the Community Foundation of Washington County MD accepted an invitation to take part in a $10 million matching-grant program called the Waltersdorf Henson Endowment Challenge.
