Grant to Fund Philanthropy Study

Sunday, July 16, 2006

(The Sun in Howard) -- The Columbia Foundation has received a $10,000 grant from the Horizon Foundation to commission a study of ways to encourage individuals and families in the county to leave a portion of their estates to local nonprofit organizations.

Jean Moon & Associates, which in 2005 completed "Portrait of Philanthropy: The Capacity for Individual Giving in Howard County," will conduct the study, and The Columbia Foundation will develop strategies that nonprofit organizations can adopt to encourage bequests.

Since its founding in 1969, the Columbia Foundation has awarded nearly $8 million in grants to Howard County organizations delivering human services and educational, civic, arts and cultural programs.

Money for the grants come primarily from income generated by the foundation's endowment, which is supported by more than 180 funds established by Howard County businesses, families and individuals.

Information: 410-730-7840 or www.columbiafoundation.org to read Portrait of Philanthropy.