“The greatest strength of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC),” says Ann Glenn, Executive Director, Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation, “is its unique understanding of the needs of the County.  I see the needs of the Library because that is my job.  However, I cannot know or understand the needs of everyone in the County. CFAAC is the one nonprofit that is looking out for everyone in Anne Arundel County and tries to bring about an increased understanding about important issues. They are serving an extremely important function. They keep an eye on the big picture,” says Ann.

The Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation was founded just over 10 years ago with the mission to raise private sustainable support from individuals, businesses, organizations, and foundations to develop an exemplary library system with enhanced library resources and services. Funds raised by the Library Foundation help support the Library’s strategic initiatives including: every child ready to read; connecting county residents to technology, the internet and virtual services; creating welcoming, accessible and functional spaces; and fostering community engagement between each of the 16 library branches and its service area.

The Library Foundation has had an Agency Endowed Fund with the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) for a little more than a year. “I knew a number of people involved with the Community Foundation who were leaders in the community.  I knew if those individuals were giving of their time or reputation, then this was a good organization,” says Ann. 

The Library Foundation has only two staff members.  Fundraising, establishing relationships with community organizations and potential donors, and managing funds take a lot of time.  Ann says working with CFAAC frees up her time to network, organize events, and share information about the library. CFAAC provides the Library Foundation with efficient reporting, investment expertise, and answers her questions quickly.

Additionally, CFAAC educates the community about social issues affecting Anne Arundel County and offers the Library visibility in the community.  The Library and CFAAC’s missions are in step with one another, which is to “build strong families and communities.” 

For more information on Agency Endowed Funds, please call Amy Francis, Development Director at 410-280-1102 or email her at amy@cfaac.org