Columbia, MD - September 18, 2009 - The Columbia Foundation, Howard County’s community foundation, will launch a year-long celebration of “40 Years of Making a Difference” at their Annual Dinner to be held October 21, 2009 at the Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville, Maryland.

Founded in 1969 by Columbia developer and visionary James W. Rouse, the Foundation has awarded over $10 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 250 funds established by Howard County businesses, families and individuals.

Beginning in the early 1970s, many Howard County nonprofit organizations got their start with the help of Columbia Foundation grants. Since then, the Foundation has awarded both operating and project grants to approximately 50 groups a year. The Foundation has been instrumental in supporting, and often sponsoring, county-wide initiatives on such topics as housing and parenting, as well as the “community conversation” with the National Civic League that culminated in Howard County receiving an “All-American County Award” in 2001. Most recently, they completed a new strategic plan that will direct how they allocate financial resources, time and energy to achieve their new mission: Inspiring life-long giving and connecting people, places and organizations to worthy causes across Howard County.

This year’s dinner will feature two recent grantees of the Foundation, recognition by County Executive Ken Ulman and announcement of the schedule of events the Foundation will host throughout 2010 in celebration of their 40th anniversary. Tickets are $70 and seating is limited. For more information, visit www.columbiafoundation.org or call 410-730-7840.