Publications

2008 Annual Report

The Columbia Foundation's 2008 Annual Report, “Meeting the Challenge,” is now available for download. It includes information about the past year’s landmark achievements, as well as a list of the Foundation’s donors and grantees.

The Foundation's 2007 Annual Report, "Milestones," is also available for download.

Portrait of Philanthropy

If you looked at the portrait of a philanthropist in Howard County, you’d probably see someone who looks very much like you. According to a study authored by Jean Moon & Associates and commissioned by The Columbia Foundation, most local donors believe in philanthropy and want to “give back” to their community. Many volunteer for at least one organization, attend fundraising events and are open to fundraising requests from family members, friends, business associates and organizations with which they’re familiar.

They give to causes to which they feel connected, the study found. And their generosity may be their parents’ legacy — most said they learned about volunteering and giving at home.

You can read the entire study, which was also supported by The Horizon Foundation, here or you can click here to read the Executive Summary.

Howard Legacy Study

The Columbia Foundation’s latest philanthropy study shows that nationally 83.6% of all giving comes from individuals, and that bequests are the fastest growing segment of unrestricted income to all charities. Organizations have barely begun to explore this resource.

The study, conducted by Jean Moon and Associates, supported in part by the Horizon Foundation and offered by the Columbia Foundation, explains why bequests are important, where the anticipated wealth is in a community, and what organizations need to do to incorporate this potential in their development plans.

Click here to see the full study or click here to read the Executive Summary.

Giving Matters

Stay connected to the community you call home with our eNewsletter, Giving Matters!

To keep you informed of what's happening at the Columbia Foundation, we have developed Giving Matters, our email newsletter. Once you subscribe, Giving Matters will be sent to you on a quarterly basis and will feature ideas for helping you achieve your philanthropic goals, reports on how Foundation grants are making an impact in our community, and information updates on important news and upcoming events.

Please fill in the form below to subscribe.