2024 Impact Report
WHO WE ARE
From the President & board chair
The year was 1984. A handful of local leaders knew there was a way to work together to enhance philanthropy on the Lower Eastern Shore.
For 40 years, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore has been embraced by thousands of generous supporters, who commit to strengthening our region. Together, we have positively impacted many areas that benefit families and the common good of the Shore.
For this anniversary year, we launched several initiatives to celebrate what has been accomplished and set the stage for what is to come.
Our Giving Circles, the Women’s Fund and the Black Excellence Community Fund, each exceeded challenge grant opportunities. This provided an additional $40,000, which made an immediate impact on their ability to make a meaningful difference.
We also honored our 40 Under 40 in Philanthropy. A dynamic group of next-generation leaders who are inspiring others and sharing their time, talent, or treasure with charitable causes.
With your support, more than $6.8 million in grants and scholarships were awarded to nonprofit partners, schools, faith-based, and civic organizations.
As we consider our collaborative achievements and the opportunities that lie ahead, we are humbled by your vision, trust, and partnership. We assure you that your generosity is well stewarded, wisely invested, and efficiently deployed, now and in perpetuity.
Thank you for supporting the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. Here’s to the next 40 years!
EricaJoseph
ERICA JOSEPH President
Velda Henry
VELDA HENRY Board Chair
How we work
As leaders, grantmakers, and stewards of philanthropy, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore connects people who care with causes that matter for the common good of the Lower Eastern Shore. We are a 501c3 nonprofit with an inspiring history of fostering charitable endeavors, and have provided more than $114 million in grants and scholarships to the local community since 1984. We collaborate with individuals, families, and businesses to match their charitable interests with community needs, and strengthen local nonprofits through grants and resources. We are devoted to improving our regional community and believe in the power of philanthropy.
YOUR GIFT
We accept a wide range of gifts including cash, checks, stock, life insurance, real estate, and mutual funds. Together we can find you the perfect fit.
INVESTING
Endowed funds provide for our community now and forever. Your gift is invested following our expert investment strategy to create long-term growth.
EARNING
As your original gift grows, a portion of the fund’s income remains invested so it continues to grow and support our community in perpetuity.
The remaining income can be used as grants from your fund to support causes including nonprofits, schools, churches, scholarships, and more.
Funds By Type
DUE DILIGENCE
We review and verify the compliance and qualifications of the recommended grant recipients before grants are distributed, creating peace of mind for donors.
Checks are issued each week to qualifying organizations in our area and across the country, making it easy for you to make a difference.
GRANT making
Within a community, fulfilling needs large and small makes the place we call home better for everyone. CFES is unique in our ability to make an impact in so many diverse areas of community need. We stay alert to emerging issues so we may foster giving and growth in our community. We seek ideas that are making a difference and create partnerships with many local organizations who work to enhance our region. While the needs may change over time, one thing that will never change is our commitment to being a part of what’s good for the Lower Shore. The areas of impact we serve are endless, because you care, and these causes matter to you.
total Grant Making
1,915 GRANTS MADE IN FY24 577 ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVED GRANTS $ 3,589 AVERAGE GRANT AMOUNT $6.8 MILLION GRANTED IN FY24
Responsive Grant Making
Responsive grants come from our Community Needs and Field of Interest funds. These grants support needs in all three Lower Shore counties.
Funding Per capita
Funding by Impact Area
Somerset Co.
Total Funding: $146,873
Percent Total Dollars: 23%
Wicomico Co.
Total Funding: $300,986
Percent Total Dollars: 46%
Worcester Co.
Total Funding: $205,326
Percent Total Dollars: 31%
STRENGTHENING NONPROFITS
The Lower Eastern Shore is home to hundreds of active nonprofits that provide critical services to the residents of our community. These organizations create thousands of jobs, rally countless volunteers, and generate millions of dollars for the economy, all while improving the lives of our fellow neighbors.
As part of our core mission, we support local nonprofits to learn, grow, and prosper. CFES provides local organizations with access to training, professional development, partnerships, and many other resources. By investing in local nonprofits, we contribute to their effectiveness and future sustainability, and increase each organization’s ability to deliver its mission effectively.
HOW WE HELP
RESPONSIVE GRANT MAKING
We provide millions of dollars in grants to local nonprofits to address charitable needs & unique opportunities.
SUPPORT & RESOURCES
We provide free resources to nonprofits such as template libraries, guides, access to industry directories, and more.
EVENTS & TRAINING
We offer numerous free and low-cost events year round for individuals and organizations.
THE LOWER SHORE NONPROFIT SUMMIT
More than 150 nonprofit professionals and students attended the 2024 Nonprofit Summit, the region’s largest nonprofit development opportunity. The sold-out conference is hosted annually by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, and Salisbury University’s Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE).
A full day of sessions covered nonprofit sustainability, strategic planning, cultural competence, fundraising, emergency preparedness, and more. The event was sponsored by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Avery Hall Insurance Group.
GIVING TUESDAY 2023 THE SHORE GIVES MORE RURAL PHILANTHROPY DAY
Giving Tuesday, held annually the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a 24-hour international online giving event. The local campaign, known as The Shore Gives More, is hosted by CFES and assists nonprofits serving the Lower Shore counties with the fundraising effort. By providing an online donation portal, marketing campaigns, and nonprofit support, the campaign is able to make a significant impact through collective philanthropy.
$310,178 Raised 2,279 Donations
129 participating nonprofits
Each year CFES hosts Rural Philanthropy Day in partnership with Maryland Philanthropy Network, to bring funders and grantmakers together. The day focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by grantmaking organizations and communities serving rural Maryland. With a history of economic and racial disparities, four of the poorest counties in the state sit within the Eastern Shore of Maryland. By fostering collaboration and partnerships, participants strategize community solutions, share goals, and brainstorm ways the philanthropic sector can respond to area needs.
CONFERENCE ROOM USE
Local nonprofits may reserve our large or small conference rooms to host meetings, seminars, or conferences free of charge.
RESEARCH & REPORTING
Through research and reporting, we provide tangible data to advance nonprofit missions and growth.
NONPROFIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Available for select courses to nonprofit staff and volunteers in partnership with Wor-Wic Community College.
NEW FUNDS WELCOMING OUR
"The scholarship program first began in thanks to the pioneering efforts of Eunice Sorin, a stellar businesswoman, philanthropist, and amazing woman who passed away in 2012. Eunice played an active role in the Ocean City and Berlin community, running a highly successful business that allowed her to become a generous donor to many great causes. By creating a fund at the Community Foundation, Eunice's legacy will last a lifetime and students will be able to receive this award annually.”
- Amy Thompson, Executive Director, Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce
Wor-Wic OC Chamber of Commerce Foundation Eunice Sorin Fund
Betty Jane Dashiell Wicomico Library Fund
Butch Waller Scholarship Fund
Charles McClenahan Scholarship Fund
D. Allan Richardson Pittsville VFD Memorial Fund
David Fisher Somerset County Library Fund
Epoch Dream Center Capital Campaign Fund
Fred Althaus Memorial Fund
Greg Bassett Memorial Fund
Grover Cantwell Jr. Memorial
Art Scholarship Fund
“An important part of our mission at Taylor Bank is to give back to our communities through the financial services we offer. We created a charitable program called The For Good Checking account, in which Taylor Bank makes a contribution towards nonprofit grants for every debit card transaction made.
By partnering with CFES we can effectively manage and grow our corporate giving, while utilizing the powerful expertise of the Community Foundation.”
-
Tori Grundman, Assistant Vice President, Taylor Bank Taylor Bank For Good Fund
“My parents instilled in me a desire to give back to my community through their leadership and volunteerism in community organizations. Having enjoyed traveling the world and working overseas for the military for more than 30 years, I want to help the dreams of others to be fulfilled as mine were.
Over time, I have seen the impact of the Foundation’s work. By creating a Community Needs Fund, I am able to support a variety of causes, while enabling the Foundation to continue to address the ongoing needs of our community long after I am gone. ”
- Rebecca Dunn Rebecca Dunn Community Needs
Fund
Healthy Minds for Shore Fund
James H. & Barbara E. Werner Designated Fund
James H. & Barbara E. Werner Fund for Cats
James H. & Barbara E. Werner Fund for Dogs
James H. & Barbara E. Werner Fund for Horses
Kenneth R. Wilde & Betty L. Wilde Fund
Maryland Folk Festival Fund
Nellie G. Allen Fund
Ryan D. Minor Memorial Fund
Stephen Decatur Alumni Association Fund
“With the continual broadening of the services offered by the library, funds from donors go a long way to allow us to support a wide range of initiatives for the community, including the traditional business of lending books, eBooks and other online content, educational events for children, and technology training classes and one-on-one sessions.
CFES does an excellent job in matching us with funders who share a strategic interest, as well as providing safe and steady growth for library-held endowments.”
- Ed Goyda, Director Somerset County Library
David Fisher Somerset County Library Fund
Stephen Long - Worcester High Pioneers Fund
Taylor Bank For Good Fund
The Kikker Fund
Tony and Billye Sarbanes Award for Public Service
W. Brice Foxwell Engineering Scholarship
Wor-Wic OC Chamber of Commerce Foundation Eunice Sorin Fund
Wor-Wic Thomas and Lisa Shelton Endowed Scholarship Fund
“As a journalist, Greg was such an important part of the community. He cared deeply about his community and worked every day to share stories that added value through his love of journalism. When an outpouring of people offered to help honor his legacy, it made sense to start a fund that would help inspire more young people to pursue a career in journalism."
CFES was the perfect place to turn to when it came to advice and expertise on honoring Greg's legacy. The work they do for donors large and small to make lasting impacts is extraordinary.
– The Family of Greg Bassett
"Creating a fund with CFES marked a significant moment for the Epoch Dream Center and creates an excellent way for donors to give to our capital campaign.
Epoch was founded with a hope to transform the lives of children limited by circumstances beyond their control. When our capital campaign is complete Epoch will have greater recourse to empower children in breaking free from the cycle of poverty, unemployment, crime, drug culture, and incarceration that affects the greater Salisbury area.”
- JoAnn Blackmon, Executive Director
Epoch Dream Center
Epoch Dream Center Capital Campaign Fund
The Greg Bassett Memorial Fund
For the past 40 years, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore has become an invaluable community resource, serving Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. With deep roots in the community, we are your philanthropic experts, providing insight on local issues, uniting donors with charitable causes, building nonprofit capacity, and maximizing investments to strengthen our region.
Founded by local leaders whose names still loom large in our area, the Community Foundation’s growth was made possible by the impact these individuals initiated. Over the last 40 years, many have followed in their footsteps, helping the community and CFES to grow. Today CFES is the single largest grant maker on the Lower Eastern Shore, addressing needs across the charitable spectrum through grants and scholarships.
In the coming decades, we will continue to lead through action, build initiatives, invest in future generations, and collaborate to make the Lower Eastern Shore a place we can live and prosper together.
JOIN US
friends of the foundation make a difference
Friends of the Foundation bring energy, knowledge, and passion to the Community Foundation’s work. Their support allows us to go beyond grant making and empowers the Foundation to serve as a local resource through a variety of programs, services, and the expertise of our dynamic staff. Becoming a member is as easy as making a gift to the Annual Appeal in any amount or establishing an Administrative Endowment Fund at the Foundation. Join us today and start creating a world of possibilities for your community. Learn more at CFES.org/friends.
At the 2023 Annual Meeting, CFES surprised guests with $40,000 in charitable gift certificates hidden throughout the crowd. Each recipient was able to support one of their favorite nonprofits participating in the Shore Gives More Giving Tuesday event.
In honor of the Foundation's 40th anniversary, donors and community leaders celebrated 40 years of impact with the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce at a Business After Hours event in April. At the event two challenge grants were announced for the Foundation's Giving Circles, alongside the inception of The 40 Under 40 in Philanthropy Awards.
CORPORATE partners
In addition to fostering individual giving, we offer custom services to help your company plan, govern, and operate your community philanthropy. We provide a simple yet powerful approach to giving with a variety of tools tailored to meet your company’s charitable giving needs. Get involved through one or more of our corporate options below:
1
ANNUAL SPONSOR
• Year long branding opportunities
• Large public recognition & exposure
• Minimal time commitment with a big impact
2
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
• Year long name recognition
• Improve goodwill with customers & clients
• Support stronger communities
3
EVENT SPONSOR
• Targeted branding opportunities
• Engage local leaders in key areas of interest
• Short-term commitment
4
CORPORATE GIVING FUND
• Contributions are generally tax deductible right away, while you have the ability to decide when to support your favorite charities.
• Long-lasting charitable branding
• A hands-on approach to giving
• Receive CFES diligence & charitable guidance
INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY
How does the Community Foundation continue to have a positive impact year after year?
Much of it depends on thoughtful planning and long-term commitment. Our donors work with us and their advisors to create gifts that will benefit community causes long beyond their lifetime. Whether it be through a will, planned giving opportunity, or a giving circle, these gifts create brighter futures now and tomorrow.
PLANNED GIVING
As a trusted partner in giving, we work closely with individuals, families, and professional advisors to ensure your charitable wishes are honored in perpetuity while also maximizing tax benefits. There are many creative and flexible giving options to achieve your unique charitable vision. To learn about some of our many options visit CFES.org/plannedgiving.
Giving Circles
Giving circles provide a team approach to philanthropy. They allow like-minded people to collaborate for a specific interest or cause. Every giving circle is unique in size, structure, and focus, but they all enable donors to combine their resources and maximize their impact. Giving circles offer members a chance to learn more about giving and specific community causes, while sharing expertise, networking, and making a difference. Learn more at CFES.org/givingcircles.
Legacy Society
The Legacy Society honors its individual members’ charitable passions while highlighting members as philanthropic role models in our community. Legacy Society members have declared in writing their intent to make a deferred gift to the Community Foundation by will, trust, life insurance, or other financial instrument. Through their planned gifts, members contribute to the growth of the Foundation’s permanent endowments and inspire others to do the same. It’s never too early to create a lasting legacy which will benefit your community for generations to come.
The Women’s Fund
The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s Women’s Fund focuses its grant making efforts on addressing the unmet needs of women and girls in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. Members work together to help change the lives of local women and girls in our community.
"Leaving a legacy to one’s community is important because it ensures future support for vital causes, creates greater community bonds, and may inspire others to do the same!
As a CFP™ I encourage donors to support CFES because it has a clear mission, it has a sound investment philosophy, it’s administrative costs are low, and it’s staff embodies professionalism. There are many avenues to partner with CFES including a Donor Advised Fund, funding educational scholarships, volunteering in a hands-on manner, making a lifetime gift to the Foundation, or leaving a legacy gift in one’s last will & testament.
- Mike Truitt
First Vice President, Senior Resident Director Wealth Management Advisor Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Black Excellence Community Fund
Launched in 2022, The Black Excellence Community Fund (BECF) members work together to preserve cultural awareness and pride by expanding the benefits of education, health, and welfare in Black communities, while teaching the values of philanthropy through education and financial literacy.
creating a brighter future
As one of the area’s major sources of educational support, the Foundation distributes 500+ scholarships a year. These scholarships are made possible by individuals, families, and organizations who wish to memorialize a loved one, encourage a certain field of study, or extend a helping hand for college-bound students. Designed to endure through sound investment, these scholarships will continue on year after year.
$637,427 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED IN FY24
225 SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS HELD AT CFES
5,164 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED SINCE 1984
502
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED IN FY24
100 DIFFERENT SCHOOLS ATTENDED BY RECIPIENTS
$7.6 Million IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED SINCE 1984
The Lower Shore Scholarship Fund
The Lower Shore is home to three wonderful schools that provide higher education to local students and attract new students to our region. Investing in education strengthens our workforce and communities. The Lower Shore Scholarship Fund was created to provide an opportunity for donors to support scholarships locally. Each year Wor-Wic Community College, Salisbury University, and the University of
Maryland Eastern Shore will receive equal grants to support students who are residents of the tri-county region. Each school will be empowered to prioritize recipient selection in order to meet emerging student and workforce needs.
Gifts to this fund qualify for the Endow Maryland tax credit and allow donors to support higher education without the need to create their own fund.
Jaden Sampson earned the first-ever Tony and Billye Sarbanes Public Service Award. Established by local citizens and friends of the Sarbanes, this award recognizes one Wicomico County public high school student who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to public service.
“Public service allows me to be an influential role model offering teamwork, leadership, compassion, and a positive attitude for those in need of support and encouragement.”
- Jaden Sampson
Wicomico High School ‘24
Morgan State University ‘28
The Crisfield Class of '57 Scholarship, funded by class graduates, is awarded to two Crisfield High School graduating seniors pursuing a degree in education, law enforcement, or the medical field.
“I am so thankful for this support and I will pursue excellence in college to show my gratitude.”
- Caleb Gragg
Crisfield High School ‘24 Salisbury University ‘ 28
“It means everything to me that the donors are investing in my education and future career as a teacher.”
- Bry’Jah Waters
Crisfield High School ‘24 Univ. of MD Eastern Shore ‘28
Daniel Karcheuski was awarded the 2024 Dr. Joseph Z. Badros Scholarship. This scholarship, established by Diana Badros and to which many donors have contributed, recognizes one student from the Lower Shore counties who displays exceptional academic achievement and community involvement.
“I am so honored to receive this scholarship. It will be a great help to support my goal to earn a law degree and one day serve as a judge.”
- Daniel Karcheuski
Stephen Decatur High School ‘24 University of Maryland ‘28
Caleb Gragg, Florence Horsey & Bry'Jah Waters
Daniel Karcheuski & Diana Badros
Jaden Sampson & Tony Sarbanes
TEAM industry leaders with LOCAL INSIGHT
OUR
Lauren Ansted Director, Community Impact
Sharon Dickson, CPA Vice President, Community Investment
Cathy Diekmann Director, Scholarships & Community Engagement
Veronique Diriker, CFRE Chief Strategy Officer
Erica Joseph President
Victoria Kent Director, Marketing & Communications
Devin La Femina Accounting Coordinator
Jessica Meehan Senior Director, Advancement
Katerra Marshall Office Administrator
David Plotts, SHRM-CP Vice President, Finance & Administration
Rose Taylor Advancement Officer
Shelbie Thompson Program Officer
Our hands-on work with local nonprofits allows us to unite charitable causes and donors, while providing top tier due diligence. We operate with a staff of dedicated professionals who are leaders in their fields, often lending their expertise to the nonprofit, academic, and community sectors. Our staff is invested in the community and are passionate about their roles.
2023
ANNUAL AWARDS
The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore presents four awards annually. These awards honor distinguished nonprofits, volunteers, and humanitarians in the Lower Shore community. Our annual achievements would not be possible without the dedication of our donors, volunteers, nonprofits, and local businesses. In turn, we honor their service. For more information visit CFES.org/awards.
MIKE TRUITT Chairman’s Award
TERRY GREENWOOD
Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award
WORCESTER CO.
DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER
Richard A. Henson Nonprofit Award of Excellence
AL “HONDO” HANDY
Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year
In celebration of its 40th Anniversary, The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore has announced its 40 Under 40 in Philanthropy awardees. These young leaders give their time, talent, or treasure to charitable causes while inspiring others to create a significant difference on the Lower Eastern Shore. The honoree's philanthropic impact must have occurred in Somerset, Wicomico, and/or Worcester Counties.
Richard Barr III
Caroline Bishop
Kate Bleile
Dave Botscheller
Dr. Brian Cook
Jesus Cruz
Dr. Yen Dang
Dan DiGrazio Jr.
D'Shawn Doughty
Samantha Glaeser
Amber Green
Aaron Guy
Sarah Guy
Christy Kelley
Britta Holloway
Jonathan R. Holloway
Liliia Khmarskaia
Ashlee Laughlin
Samantha Marshall
Sean McHugh
Hamilton Morgan
Brittany Nottingham
Vira Ogburn
Sergely Oneus
Megan Outten
Ricky Pollitt
Michelle Pryor
Makya Purnell
Jordan Ray
Christy Rose
Alexis Roskovich Mumford
Jared Schablein
Dominique Sessa
Gavin Stephens
Ashley Stern
Kendall Timmons
Shelby Tomlinson
Sharnell Tull
Lauren White
Ryan Whittington
With Thanks
making a difference Retiring Board members
Dr. Carolyn Johnston
In her 12 year term, Dr. Carolyn Johnston served every aspect of leadership including Chair of the Education Grants Program, Chair of the Women’s Fund, Board Secretary, CFES Annual Awards Committee, and Scholarship Committee. She has shared her time, expertise, and enthusiasm for promoting the mission of the Foundation and was a constant presence at friend-raising events and grantee visits. Her passion for education and our community served to strengthen our impact during her tenure.
Mr.Michael Truitt
Michael Truitt served CFES at Chairman of the Board during COVID, providing steadfast leadership with a valuable mix of flexibility, problem solving, and humor. Mike’s leadership skills extended in core areas of CFES impact as Development Committee Chair, Investment Committee Vice Chair, and Community Needs Grant Committee Vice Chair during his term. Mike’s dedication to our community and to causes that matter has been invaluable in the growth of CFES.
Board members
Velda E. Henry, Chairman
Daniel M. O’Connell, Vice Chairman
M. Dean Lewis, Secretary
Robin L. Evans, Treasurer
Edward Barber
Allen C. Brown, Sr.
Gail L. Foltz
Lou Ann Goldsborough
Sharone V. Grant
James P. Jones
Andy Kim
Ginnie H. Malone
Michael B. Mathers
William R. McCain
Tyrone E. Mills
Phyllis R. Mitchell
Melody S. Nelson
Janice M. Perdue
John K. Phoebus
Gregory D. Tawes
Dr. Annette E. Wallace
Dr. Richard Warren, Jr.
Sonya A. Whited
Dr. George I. Whitehead, III
Gayle H. Widdowson
Submissions Graphic Design & Production: Victoria Kent, CFES
Delmarva Printing
All funds established at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc. are managed as provided by the Investment Policy Statement approved by the Board of Directors. The Investment Committee oversees the process and selects and monitors investment managers through its consultant, Mason Investment Advisory Services, LLC. We provide a Quarterly Investment Report to all fundholders with their statement. Data presented as of June 30, 2024 unless otherwise indicated. A copy of the current financial statement of The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc. is available by writing 1324 Belmont Ave Ste 401, Salisbury, MD 21804 or by calling (410) 742-9911. Financial Statements are also available at CFES.org. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.
