Community Foundation of Howard County awards grants supporting Ellicott City flood relief

The Community Foundation of Howard County—which assists donors in reaching their philanthropic goals and raises, manages and distributes funds to support Howard County nonprofits—awarded four grants supporting Ellicott City flood relief.

• The Community Action Council of Howard County received a $60,000 grant supporting food donations and distribution to those affected by the flood. The council distributes food to Ellicott City business owners without incomes, employees without jobs, residents without homes and belongings, and building owners who have lost their properties.

• Preservation Maryland received a $5,000 grant supporting its Ellicott City Preservation Resource Center designed to help the community rebuild its infrastructure. The center, located in the Howard County Welcome Center, is staffed with preservation professionals able to help property owners rehabilitate historic structures and use existing financial incentives to preserve each building’s historic character.

• Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park received a $4,000 grant supporting cleanup of Patapsco Valley State Park’s Orange Grove and Avalon areas, which were devastated by the flood. Cleanup includes the removal of debris that washed downriver and the restoration of trails and riverbanks. Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park works to preserve natural life within the park and enhance its grounds, services and facilities for public benefit.

• Ellicott City Partnership received a $9,600 grant supporting the administration and distribution of raised funds directly to merchants and residents of Ellicott City. The organization is also conducting workshops to help property and business owners with marketing, architectural design and other recovery work.

“Now’s the time to remember our neighbors in Ellicott City,” said Beverly White-Seals, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “Although months have passed since the flood, Ellicott City residents, business owners and employees need our help more than ever to rebuild Main Street.”

The Community Foundation’s Howard County Community Relief Fund provides support for Ellicott City flood relief as well as future local disasters. To learn more or make a donation, visit cfhoco.org.

The Community Foundation of Howard County, founded in 1969 as The Columbia Foundation, has awarded more than $14 million in grants to Howard County nonprofit organizations delivering human service, arts and cultural, educational and civic programs. Money for the grant programs comes primarily from income generated by the foundation’s endowment supported by more than 300 funds established by Howard County businesses, families and individuals. For more information, visit cfhoco.org or call 410-730-7840.