Community Foundation of Howard County Announces Recipients of Collaborative Impact Grants — Awards Nearly Half a Million Dollars
Front Row (l to r): Julie Smart, Anamaria Shrock, Lisa Washington, Tracy Martino, Greg Aaron, Steve Hughes, Allison Norman, Jennifer Rollins, Carrie Giannakos, Kier Crites Muller.
Back Row (l to r): Adam Meyer, Todd Moser, Travis Taflinger, Torrey Roe, Justin Moos, David Owen, Amy Pate, Mayor Tyler Moore, Keith Whitford, Jeremy Leazenby Bruce, Emerald Blankenship.
August 1, 2024 — The Community Foundation of Howard County is thrilled to announce the recipients of their one-time Collaborative Impact Grant Program. This initiative is a key component of the Foundation’s Nonprofit Sustainability Program, which emerged from a forum held in 2023. This forum, prompted by local nonprofit leaders' concerns about the changes in the funding landscape, inspired the Foundation to develop strategies to encourage long-term sustainability for nonprofits in Howard County. The Collaborative Impact Grant Program was designed to encourage nonprofits to "think big and collaborate" when submitting letters of interest for the program. The program was a competitive process in which Howard County nonprofits pursued funding in partnership with other local nonprofits. Below are the projects chosen for funding by a special committee facilitated by the Community Foundation.
Grant Recipients and Project Overviews
Unity for Impact
Total Award: $150,000 over three years
Objective: This project aims to bolster the marketing efforts of four partnering agencies, enhancing their visibility and awareness within the community. The funding will be utilized to attract new donors and increase financial support for the agencies. Tracy Martino, Executive Director of the Family Service Association (FSA), emphasized the significance of this initiative: “This collaboration allows nonprofits to overcome the financial and operational challenges associated with hiring a full-time marketing staff for each organization, thereby pooling resources for greater impact.”
Lead Partner: Family Service Association of Howard County Inc.
Collaborating Partners: Project Access, Minority Health Alliance, Howard County Food Access Alliance
Bridges Mini-Golf
Total Award: $50,000 (one-time)
Objective: The funds will be directed towards the construction of a miniature golf course in Highland Park, to be operated by Bridges Outreach. This project is not only an entertainment venue but also a social enterprise that will provide employment opportunities for local youth. Travis Taflinger, Executive Director of Bridges Outreach, stated, “We deeply care about our students and their development. The mini-golf course will serve as a practical platform for them to gain work experience in a nonprofit environment, as opposed to a profit-driven business. This initiative will generate both social impact and financial returns, benefiting the community at large.”
Lead Partner: Bridges Outreach
Collaborating Partners: City of Kokomo, Kokomo Parks & Recreation, Play Pros
Kokomo Area Performing Arts League
Total Award: $159,750 over three years
Objective: The grant will support marketing and outreach efforts for the Kokomo Area Performing Arts League, comprising four major cultural organizations. The funds will be used to promote events, coordinate schedules, and enhance overall public engagement. Steve Hughes, Executive Director of the Kokomo Civic Theatre, shared, “Kokomo boasts a vibrant performing arts scene, which significantly enhances the quality of life here. However, many residents are unaware of the rich cultural offerings available. This grant will help us bridge that gap, ensuring that more people can enjoy and participate in these cultural experiences.”
Lead Partner: Kokomo Civic Theatre
Collaborating Partners: Kokomo Park Band, Kokomo Symphony Orchestra, Curtain Call
Collaborative Resource Coordination Pilot Program
Total Award: $136,838 over three years
Objective: This pilot program aims to provide personalized assistance to Howard County residents dealing with food insecurity. By enhancing coordination among community organizations, the program seeks to streamline referrals and improve access to necessary resources. Kier Crites Muller, President of Food Finders Food Bank, noted, “This initiative will significantly enhance our ability to help individuals navigate the complex systems and resources available to them. By partnering with trusted community organizations, we can focus on our unique strengths and work more efficiently to stabilize the lives of those in need.”
Lead Partner: Food Finders Food Bank
Collaborating Partners: Howard County Food Access Alliance, Family Service Association of Howard County Inc.
The Community Foundation of Howard County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents through strategic philanthropy, leadership, and service. The Foundation supports a wide range of initiatives aimed at fostering community growth and sustainability. The Collaborative Impact Grant Program represents a significant investment in the community’s nonprofit sector, encouraging innovative collaborations and projects that address key issues and improve the overall well-being of Howard County residents.
“We are incredibly excited to see the outcomes of the Collaborative Impact Grants.” said Todd Moser, President of the Community Foundation, “These grants are not just about funding; they are about bringing organizations together to tackle challenges collectively. By fostering these collaborations, we're enabling nonprofits to leverage each other's strengths and resources, ultimately making a greater impact in our community. We are proud to support these initiatives and look forward to seeing the positive changes they will bring to Howard County."
The Community Foundation of Howard County, Inc. was formed as a not-for-profit public charity in March 1991. The Foundation seeks to serve donors and make grants to benefit the citizens of Howard County. For more information about the Community Foundation of Howard County, please visit cfhoward.org.
Photos:
Bridges Mini-Golf
Front Row Holding Sign (l to r): Greg Aaron, Travis Taflinger, Carrie Giannakos
Back Row (l to r): Todd Moser, Amy Pate, David Owen, Justin Moos, Torrey Roe, Mayor Tyler Moore and Emerald Blankenship
Collaborative Resource Coordination Program
Front Row Holding Sign (l to r): Julie Smart, Tracy Martino, Kier Crites Muller
Back Row (l to r): Adam Meyer, Todd Moser, Greg Aaron, David Owen, Amy Pate, Allison Norman, Carrie Giannakos, Emerald Blankenship
Kokomo Area Performing Arts League
Front Row Holding Sign (l to r): Jennifer Rollins, Greg Aaron, Anamaria Shrock, Carrie Giannakos
Back Row (l to r): Todd Moser, Amy Pate, David Owen, Steve Hughes, Keith Whitford, Jeremy Leazenby Bruce, Emerald Blankenship
Unity For Impact
Front Row Holding Sign (l to r): Lisa Washington, Tracy Martino, Allison Norman
Back Row (l to r): Greg Aaron, Todd Moser, David Owen, Amy Pate, Mayor Tyler Moore, Carrie Giannakos, Emerald Blankenship