Young Professional Establishes Jabberwocky Fund with Community Foundation of Howard County

While young adults are struggling to become financially independent, 30-year-old Alice Giles established the Jabberwocky Fund with the Community Foundation of Howard County, giving money to support Howard County nonprofits that address women’s issues and bring community awareness.

“Philanthropy is something we’re going to see a lot from our generation,” Giles said. “Our generation isn’t looking for long hours, a certain kind of car or the traditional markers of success. Should we eventually find jobs again, in a better economy, I think those values are going to stick with us.”

Giles, an information specialist and instructor with the Howard County Library System, grew up in a family that stressed community involvement. She serves as co-president of the League of Women Voters of Howard County and volunteers with a handful of other community organizations in Howard County. In addition, since working with the Community Foundation to establish the Jabberwocky Fund, Giles joined two foundation committees as a volunteer.

“Serving on many boards, I understand that funding is one of the most difficult things for small nonprofits,” Giles said. “I considered donating directly to a nonprofit, but I liked the idea of something that supports nonprofits forever through time.”

Giles named the Jabberwocky fund after the poem in Lewis Carroll’s sequel to “Alice in Wonderland,” a story Giles said she feels connected to because of her first name, Alice.

As a donor-advised endowment fund, the Jabberwocky Fund enables Giles to help determine what organizations will benefit from the fund each year.

“I’m able to look at what needs funding at a particular time, to identify groups that are in need a particular year and support them. This really appealed to me,” she said. “I’ve been saving money, and the Community Foundation seemed like a really good way to utilize my resources for Howard County for the long term.”

The Community Foundation’s endowment, supported by more than 300 funds, is a permanent source of income for the foundation’s competitive grants program.