Columbia, MD - March 15, 2010 - The Columbia Foundation, Howard County’s community foundation, has created a Strategic Initiatives Committee of community leaders to help identify the community issues on which the Foundation will focus financial resources, time and energy as part of its five-year plan.

Members of the committee are: David Barrett, Alpha Foundation; Terri Freeman, National Capital Region Community Foundation; Steve Girard, Grace Community Church; Stacie Hunt, Leadership Howard County; Chaya Kaplan, social worker, mentor/tutor; Phyllis Madachy, retired Howard County Government Department of Aging; Phil Nelson, Columbia Association; Steve Sachs, Willis HRH; Feli Soli-Carter, Conexiones; and Stacy Spann, Howard County Housing Director.
The Strategic Initiatives Committee will serve as an ad-hoc committee for one year, meeting at least quarterly to:
• assist the Foundation in increasing its awareness about community needs that demand attention; identify new partners, stakeholders, individuals, organizations that have not been active in Foundation activities;
• convene community conversations in connection with 40th anniversary plans;
• collect feedback on community needs;
• develop the process and criteria for the selection of strategic focus areas; and
• conduct analysis of data collected and develop recommendation for two or three potential issues for the Board’s consideration and approval.

Founded in 1969, 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. For more information, visit www.columbiafoundation.org or call 410-730-7840.