Connect Philanthropy to Impact
The Community Foundation mobilizes philanthropic resources and leverages our expertise to help our donors and partners invest in strengthening this region.
Our Collective Impact in FY26
in annual grants to support a diverse range of causes, including:
$130,830,685
Arts and Culture
Community and Economic Development
Education
Environment and Animals
Health
Human Rights
Human Services
International Relations
5,654 grants administered to 3,181 organizations
of grants made in Greater Washington region
70%
9 new legacy commitments from donors wishing to impact our community for generations to come
Donor-directed grants distribution by jurisdiction:
43 New Charitable Giving Funds
opened by generous individuals, families, businesses, and civic organizations
Nearly $2 million
in scholarships awarded to 287 students pursuing their educational goals
$491 million
in assets under management
Driven by Purpose, Powered by Partnership
Our Donors and Partners are Turning Their Philanthropic Passions Into Action and Impact.
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The Solidarity Fund
“I love playing a small role in making the world a better place – one life at a time,” Laura co-founder of The Solidarity Fund shared. “It’s such a rewarding experience to bring relief to those who need it and help them rise above whatever challenges they may be facing.”
When workforce reductions at USAID left thousands out of work, Laura and her former colleagues turned to The Community Foundation to help establish The Solidarity Fund – an emergency cash transfer fund designed for international development professionals by international development professionals - leveraging the same principles and procedures that have helped millions of people around the world for decades.
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The Ruppert Family
“We want our kids and grandkids to be happy and successful in life," Craig reflects. "Our job is to set the table and give them the tools they need to make it their own.”
As the founder of one of the largest landscaping companies in Montgomery County, Craig & Pat Ruppert have brought beauty and greenery to the region for more than 50 years. Now they’re planting seeds of a different kind -- cultivating a legacy of philanthropy with deep roots in family and community.
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Belinda Cook
“It’s super important to give back and pull people forward as you grow,” Belinda Cook shared. “I feel like it’s part of my duty to ensure that someone else is doing just as well as you are.”
From working as a financial planner to advocating for young girls in Prince George’s County, Belinda Cook lives by one rule: always give back.
Scholarships
In FY26, The Community Foundation and partners awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to 287 students.
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John & Esther Scheibel
“Your legacy is the people you touch.”
With DC graduates carrying more student debt than any other state, John and Ester Scheibel created a scholarship fund through The Community Foundation to help talented students — like Prince Georgian and first-year law student Jordan — pursue graduate degrees without the debt that too often stands in the way.
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Learn24 OST Scholarships
“This grant took a huge financial burden off of my pockets as a parent.”
Managed by The Community Foundation in partnership with DC's Learn24 network, the Out of School Time (OST) Youth Scholarship Program has distributed over $2.2 million to more than 500 DC youth. The funding is helping families, especially those with disabilities or specific needs, access after-school and summer programming they couldn't otherwise afford.
Highlighting Leaders of the Future
Our Leaders of the Future are individuals and organizations who inspire us to look towards a brighter future for Greater Washington.
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Craig Rice, Manna Food Center
"When we strengthen the safety net together, we strengthen the entire community."
As Montgomery County families face mounting threats to SNAP and Medicaid, Manna Food Center CEO Craig Rice and his team are expanding food access and connecting neighbors to broader health and social supports.
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Yurani Sandoval, Women Palante
"When you support Latinas, you support the entire family."
As Founder & CEO of Women Palante, Yurani Sandoval pairs entrepreneurship training with childcare and wellness support, helping Latina "MOMpreneurs" build businesses while building a community that lifts each other up.
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TraRon Center & National Association for Returning Citizens
"The question isn't whether we can afford to fund these programs. The question is whether we can afford not to."
Ryane Nickens of the TraRon Center and Eric Weaver of NAARC are turning personal loss and lived experience into community-led solutions to heal trauma and interrupt violence in Wards 7 and 8, one relationship at a time.
Celebrating Philanthropy
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2025 Celebration of Giving
On November 20, over 300 friends, partners, and supporters from across Montgomery County gathered at Imagination Stage to honor Cathy Bernard, President & Founder of HCM Corp, as the 2025 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year.
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2025 Prince George's Honors
The inaugural Prince George's HONORS brought together more than 200 supporters on October 30 to recognize a full slate of community changemakers — from Nonprofit Leaders of the Year to Wanda Durant, honored for the Durant Family Foundation's work with at-risk youth, to a Civic Leadership Award for Howard Burnett and Gloria Brown Burnett.
Welcoming New Staff and Leadership
This year we were excited to welcome a number of new faces to The Community Foundation team, including five new staff members, six new advisory board members in Montgomery County , and five new members to our Board of Trustees. Each of these individuals bring a wealth of experience and drive to help us achieve our vision for economic growth in our region!
