Columbia, MD - October 22, 2007 - The Columbia Foundation has chosen The Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts (CCTA), Congregations Concerned for the Homeless, Neighbor Ride, The Serenity Center and Special Olympics Howard County in a competitive grant program to establish agency endowments with the Foundation. Each year for the next four years, each nonprofit organization will receive up to $4,000 in matching funds from the Foundation for raising contributions from new sources.

The Columbia Foundation’s agency endowment program makes it possible for smaller nonprofit organizations to have the benefits of an endowment without spending the time and money required to manage and administer one. Over 20 Howard County groups have endowment funds with the Foundation. Donors can designate the funds they want to support, and once the nonprofit organization’s individual endowment has a value of at least $10,000, the agency can withdraw up to 5% of the fund’s value. The Columbia Foundation handles all record-keeping, accounting and investment management so the organizations can concentrate on their mission and fund-raising.

Established as Howard County’s community foundation in 1969, the Foundation has awarded nearly $9 million in grants to Howard County nonprofit organizations delivering human service, arts and cultural, educational and civic programs. Money for the grant programs comes primarily from income generated by the Foundation’s endowment supported by over 200 funds established by Howard County businesses, families and individuals. For more information on The Columbia Foundation, visit www.columbiafoundation.org or call 410-730-7840.