Columbia, Maryland - May 29, 2007 - The Columbia Foundation announces the establishment of two endowment funds that will continue the missions of two Howard County non-profit organizations no longer in operation.

With a contribution of $100,000, the Health Alliance is creating the Health Alliance Emergency Fund. This fund will support programs and organizations providing medical, dental and pharmaceutical assistance to Howard County residents who are without health insurance and financial resources. The first grants from the fund will go to the Howard County Health Department and FISH.

The Urban Rural Transportation Alliance (URTA) will present a $60,000 check to the Foundation at the Foundation office on Wednesday, May 30 at 4:00 p.m. to establish The Al Hobby Urban Rural Transportation Fund. Named after URTA’s founder Al Hobby, the fund will support programs and organizations providing transportation to Howard County residents in need.

Both organizations were former recipients of grants from The Columbia Foundation that supported the critical services they provided Howard County residents. By establishing these funds as part of the Foundation‘s endowment, they can ensure that the needs of their clients will continue to be met.

Founded 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.