Adhering to our north stars: Accountability with Dr. LaShay Harvey
As the Foundation has embarked on our new strategic plan over the last two years, many things have changed for us. A critical piece of all of this work is holding ourselves accountable – ensuring that we are living up to the values we hold, that we are “walking the walk” and that when we make mistakes, we own up to them. That is why we engaged Dr. LaShay Harvey and her team at Creation Stories Studio to be our learning and accountability partner. She has spent the last two years with us observing our processes, engaging with staff and grantees and walking with us as we implemented our new strategic plan to assess how our actions have aligned with our new mission and vision. Though this work is ongoing, we recently sat down with Dr. Harvey for her to share some of her big picture takeaways about what the Foundation is doing well and some of the challenges we face. Check out this month’s blog to learn more.
Now accepting grant applications!
We recently launched two new grant opportunities to advance our Mental Health and Food Insecurity and Nutrition priorities.
- The Foundation remains committed to strengthening mental health systems in the county. In the face of budget cuts and funding changes (locally and nationally), it is crucial that we continue to elevate the mental health needs of our children and families to ensure services are sustained. Learn more about our Mental Health RFP here.
- Now more than ever, systemic change is needed so that all Howard Countians have access to high quality, affordable, nutritious food. The Healthier Choices Coalition is working to build its power to successfully advocate for policy and system changes that will improve food security, make healthier food and drinks more accessible and reduce diabetes in Howard County. Learn more about our Food Insecurity and Nutrition RFP here.
The deadline to submit applications is November 17, 2025 at 11:59:59 p.m.
Register now for our Election Rules webinar
A few spots still remain for our Election Rules webinar next week! Join us, the Association of Community Services and your fellow nonprofit organizations to learn about the key “dos and don’ts” to consider if you want to legally engage with candidates for office and otherwise educate voters about important issues this coming election season. Come to this interactive webinar on Tuesday, November 4th from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to learn the election year rules for your organization and how they apply to you as an employee or a board member. You will hear from Allen Mattison, a partner at Trister, Ross, Schadler & Gold who helps nonprofit organizations (including the Horizon Foundation) to mitigate legal risks while maximizing their ability to advocate effectively for their public policy missions.
First Thursdays – November 6
Thank you to everyone who has been participating in our First Thursdays community conversations! Our next gathering will take place on November 6 at 10 a.m. at the Horizon Foundation’s office. This month’s discussion will continue last month’s rich conversation around mental health.
Please join us and your fellow Howard County residents for connection and community. To join, please RSVP to our Senior Power and Movement Building Officer, Gerardo Benavides, by Monday, November 3.
Staff Picks & Resources: Check out what we’re reading, watching & learning
- Beyond the Vibe: Five Conversations For Building Coalitions (Convergence Magazine)
- Two-Thirds of Working-Age Renters Struggle to Afford Basic Needs (Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies)
- The Interview: Brene Brown Doesn’t Want to Be Your Self-Help Guru Anymore (The New York Times)
- How Philanthropy Can Lead in Building Ethical AI for the Public Good (Nonprofit Quarterly)
