Caption: Frederick Giving Project Members; Top row (l-r:) Jessica Smith, Melissa Sines; Back row (l-r:) Stephen Nickles, Rebecca Southers, Kari Ausherman, Meredith Welty, with Community Foundation Trustee, Dr. Robert Broadrup.

 The Frederick Giving Project Fund Unites
Young Professionals with Passion for Philanthropy

October 13, 2009: Making philanthropy accessible to a new generation of donors is the objective of The Frederick Giving Project Fund, established recently as a component fund of The Community Foundation of Frederick County.

“We think that pooling the talent, time, and resources of young professionals in Frederick County can have a very positive impact on our community, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” explain Melissa Sines and Rebecca Southers, who worked closely with the Community Foundation to create The Frederick Giving Project Fund. The project’s goals include building the capacity of local nonprofits through grants and technical assistance and providing a venue for networking and leadership growth among young professionals in the Frederick County community.

Membership in The Frederick Giving Project is open to all, regardless of age or gender. Individuals pledge a minimum of $100 per fiscal year and are encouraged to participate in the annual meeting and other events. Contributions, along with accompanying volunteer efforts, are designated for one small or emerging nonprofit each year.

According to the project’s website at www.frederickgivingproject.org, the value of one $100 contribution can make a difference to an organization, but combining 100 donations of $100 equals $10,000, a sizable gift that can make a significant impact on a small nonprofit. “The value of one hour of skilled volunteering has been placed at $120 an hour,” the website states. “Our time is just as valuable as our money, and when we donate our time in combination with our money, our impact is even greater. By the time we finish each year’s “project,” the nonprofit we’ve served will be stronger and better able to serve our community.”

The Frederick Giving Project Fund’s activities are led by a leadership group of volunteers and are approved by the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The Fund falls under the Community Foundation’s tax-exempt status. Those who wish to support The Frederick Giving Project Fund may make a secure, online donation.  To do so, click here. Checks made payable to The Community Foundation of Frederick County with the Fund’s name inserted in the memo line may be mailed to 312 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland, 21701. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For additional information, call 301.695.7660.