Community Foundation of Howard County Awards $9,435 to Howard County Nonprofits

The Community Foundation of Howard County, which raises, manages and distributes funds to support Howard County nonprofits, awarded $9,435 in mini-grants to five organizations in Howard County:

• Helping Hands Enrichment and Leadership Foundation Inc. (HHELF) received $2,000 to assist with the reorganization of the foundation’s academic program, including the realignment of curriculum with the Howard County Public School System, and for the unique needs of the students receiving service. HHELF provides a supplemental learning program for elementary school students, including the academically at-risk population, to assist them in reaching, maintaining and exceeding grade-level expectations.

• Howard County Center of African American Culture Inc. (HCCAAC) received $1,935 to upgrade two computers and the center’s management software. HCCAAC is an independent, nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting African American history and culture in Howard County and the surrounding region.

• Howard County Police Museum, sponsored by the Howard County Police Foundation (HCPF), received $2,000 to purchase a new display case for the museum’s entryway. The HCPF aids the police department by funding and promoting programs to improve public safety and quality of life in the community.

• Howard County Student Film Festival, sponsored by the River Hill Parent Teacher Student Association, received $1,500 towards the annual student-initiated film festival. This event encourages creativity, filmmaking and storytelling in Howard County high school students. Top films from the festival are featured at Howard County events, including the countywide Student Learning Conference, the Lakefront Movie Series and Columbia Festival of the Arts.

• Kittamaundi Community Inc. received $2,000 toward a matching-gift requirement associated with a grant from the Howard County Arts Council in support of the community’s Sacred Gardens project. This public garden will provide individuals with a place to reflect and meditate, and accommodate small public and private events.

Mini-grants of $250 to $2,000 fund pilot projects, organizational improvements and equipment purchases for organizations that deliver services to Howard County residents in the areas of human service, arts and culture, education, environment and community affairs. Mini-grants are awarded three times a year to meet time-sensitive community needs.

The Community Foundation of Howard County set aside a total of $20,000 for mini-grants this year with three opportunities to apply. This was the third and final round of mini-grants awarded this year. Organizations may access the mini-grant guidelines and application at www.cfhoco.org or call 410-730-7840 for more information.