Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore

📣 Meet the Finance & Administration Team! 🛠️ David Plotts – Recently promoted to VP of Finance & Administration in 2024, David leads our administration, finances, facilities, HR, and information systems with dedication and expertise. ✨ Katerra Marshall – The warm smile you see and friendly voice you hear when you contact CFES! Promoted to Office Administrator in 2024, Katerra manages the front office, coordinates scheduling for our busy meeting spaces, and supports special projects throughout the year. 💸 Devin La Femina – Joining CFES in 2024 as Accounting Coordinator, Devin ensures timely processing of all gifts and grants. She can answer questions about a contribution you have made or a grant you have received! 💼👏

Get to know our team! First up, our Community Investment Department (formally the Programs Department). Sharon Dickson, (promoted to VP Community Investment in 2024) provides oversight & leadership for all grantmaking & nonprofit support services. This includes internal controls and compliance efforts to ensure stewardship of donor intent and maximum impact of the community assets. Lauren Ansted (promoted to Director of Community Impact in 2024) manages the Foundation’s growing grantmaking, nonprofit support programs, and community partnerships to help build thriving nonprofits in our region. Cathy Diekmann, (promoted to Director of Scholarships & Community Engagement in 2024) leads the Foundation’s scholarship program & educational initiatives. She works to build impactful philanthropic investment and community engagement by growing relationships across education, nonprofit, government, and business sectors. Shelbie Thompson joined CFES in 2021 and has been the CFES Program Officer since 2024. She leads the planning of key events, helps to connect people to charitable causes, and provides support for all CFES grant programs from application through impact!

Does your nonprofit need grant writing or fundraising support? Technical assistance? Join us (virtually) on March 20th to learn from Maryland Nonprofits about the free and low-cost services you could be tapping into! Register at https://lnkd.in/evddNnuG

Susan and Mike Wigley recently created a fund at CFES to benefit the Life Crisis Center, which will create lasting support for the incredibly important work the organization does in our community! Susan says: "Mike and I are delighted to create a Designated Fund for the Life Crisis Center. Since 1976, the Life Crisis Center has played a vital role in our community by providing emergency shelter, safety, and vital program services for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and human trafficking. The center offers the vital resources, counseling, legal support and the advocacy needed to begin the healing process, enabling hope for a future where victims can become survivors.”

Did you know that the state of Maryland rewards donors who support local charitable programs? The Endow Maryland Tax Credit Program offers a 25% tax credit on state taxes for donors who make eligible gifts to their local community foundation. Donors may also be eligible for a federal tax deduction! Learn more: https://ow.ly/pI0O50V0fa4

She’s back! Fan favorite, Dr. Lili Leonard will be returning to the Nonprofit Summit as both presenter and keynote speaker! This event will sell out, so get your tickets while they last. Visit our event page for more information: www.cfes.org/npsummit

THIS YEAR ONLY! Thanks to the Wicomico County LMB, we have a limited number of scholarships for the Lower Shore Nonprofit Summit. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. We will begin notifying recipients in February. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eAsThEgi

Tickets are on sale for the Eastern Shore's premier nonprofit professional development event, the 2025 Nonprofit Summit taking place March 27th-28th at Salisbury University! Get your tickets before they sell out! https://lnkd.in/eAJjsRyw

We are ringing in the new year with GRANTS! Community Needs grants support a broad range of charitable programs in Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset Counties. To apply, complete the FY25 Community Needs LOI by Jan. 22nd. For more information visit: https://ow.ly/IiNZ50UpXTJ

CFES recently announced that Lu Ann Goldsborough and Dr. Richard Warren, Jr. have joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors, along with new staff members Devin La Femina and Rose Taylor. Read more about our fabulous additions: https://ow.ly/Q0eu50UtFLC