Community Trust Foundation

Building a Viable CTF

During its start-up phase, CTF’s first board, fueled by high energy and creativity, dedicated their time to drafting bylaws and securing official status as a charity. In spite of the typical cash flow challenge and the continuous need for operating funds, the board remained hopeful and resilient.

The central challenge was how to build a viable community foundation. CTF was fortunate to operate with dedicated board members and a small part-time staff in a rent-free office space. Working tirelessly, the board worked to grow funds, secured operating capital, and submitted a 500-page policy and procedure manual to earn accreditation from the Council of Foundations. They also established advisory councils for each county (Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral), sponsored an annual Humanitarian Award Banquet for community outreach, and gained respect from community members and organizations seeking their leadership.

After thirteen years of effort, CTF achieved financial sustainability, allowing it to hire full-time staff and invest in the necessary sophisticated technological support.

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2004

The inception of a Western Maryland community foundation for building economic prosperity and for enhancing the quality of life for its people came from caring community leaders of The Greater Cumberland Committee. The primary question was whether the dream for this foundation could be realized.

Together, they worked with Casper R. Taylor Jr., Maryland Speaker of the House, 1994-2003 and promoted the benefits of a community foundation for “ leaving behind a legacy to solve local problems by people who know and care about local problems” to the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce & Rotary of Cumberland, MD.

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2005

Robert Little Ebert, local philanthropist, tapped Mr. Al Feldstein, Maryland Department of Planning to take the lead in forming a Community Foundation for Allegany and Garrett Counties. Ebert established its very first fund the “Elta Mae and Robert Little Ebert Family Hope Fund” to help families overcome poverty through education and career development.

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2006

The Allegany Garrett Community Foundation was created with critical support from the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland.

Dr. Peter Halmos, founding board chair, along with board members Robert Ebert, Julie Ferris, Kathy Getty, William Grant, William Kenny, Marion Leonard, Colleen Peterson, Charlie Ross, and Doug Schwab, championed the foundation’s vision of building strong, vibrant communities and its mission to strengthen the region through partnerships with donors and community organizations.

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2007

Allegany Garrett Community Foundation Inc. receives Internal Revenue Service 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status as a public charity. Mineral County is invited to join the foundation leading to a name change – Community Trust Foundation (CTF).

The first grant was awarded from the “The Family Hope Fund” for HRDC to work with families for their self-sufficiency.

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2011 & 2012

Dr. Peter Halmos was awarded the inaugural Humanitarian Award at the first CTF Humanitarian Award Banquet, an event held to inform and inspire guests about CTF’s purpose, mission, and impact in the region.

CTF received accreditation by the Community Foundation’s National Standards through Council of Foundations.

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2014 & 2015

CTF rebranded to create a cleaner, simpler look.

Advisory Councils for Allegany, Garrett and Mineral Counties are formed to share their professional expertise and knowledge, while promoting the good work and long-term community benefits generated by Community Trust Foundation.

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Community Trust Foundation

2024 & Beyond

A brand refresh brought a contemporary presence to CTF.

CTF has been investing in our community for more than 18 years. As of today, CTF has granted over $7 million for scholarships, education and leadership, art, historical preservation, recreation, and environmental and community wellness. We put our donors’ generosity to work through strategic grantmaking and connecting donors with opportunities to make an impact. We support our community, collaborate with community partners, and facilitate philanthropy for good across the region.

CTF’s dedicated board members, advisory councils, community donors and professional staff are building a stronger, more vibrant community that we call home.

Ways to Give

Private donations are the building blocks of the Community Trust Foundation. It’s easy to create a new Fund at CTF to reflect your own charitable interests. We’ll work with you to define your charitable dream and determine the fund type that best meets your unique needs. We help make your charitable dream become reality by providing administrative services and financial management for your philanthropic fund.

Thriving Communities